About this holiday

Green credentials go much further than wellies and waxed barbours at Down Hall Hotel. While the Romanesque facade was bolted on at a later date, records show this manor on the Hertfordshire/Essex border in England was built as early as 1322.

Early 2008 it entered a new stage of its evolution as the country mansion embarked on a project to become carbon-neutral. Electricity is on a green tariff, all paper is from sustainable sources, and the hotel uses local suppliers for produce. Next on the agenda is rainwater harvesting to flush the loos. Staff have planted an organic garden for fruit and veg – and flowers for the tables. Take a walk through the woodland, cared for as part of a wildlife and habitat management project with the Essex Wildlife Trust.

There are still things to do… toiletries need to come in more sustainable packaging and do we really need those fluffy robes? But we liked the logs in the old fireplace made from recycled newspapers and the hotel sales staff drive a hybrid car.

About this holiday

Green credentials go much further than wellies and waxed barbours at Down Hall Hotel. While the Romanesque facade was bolted on at a later date, records show this manor on the Hertfordshire/Essex border in England was built as early as 1322.

Early 2008 it entered a new stage of its evolution as the country mansion embarked on a project to become carbon-neutral. Electricity is on a green tariff, all paper is from sustainable sources, and the hotel uses local suppliers for produce. Next on the agenda is rainwater harvesting to flush the loos. Staff have planted an organic garden for fruit and veg – and flowers for the tables. Take a walk through the woodland, cared for as part of a wildlife and habitat management project with the Essex Wildlife Trust.

There are still things to do… toiletries need to come in more sustainable packaging and do we really need those fluffy robes? But we liked the logs in the old fireplace made from recycled newspapers and the hotel sales staff drive a hybrid car.

How to help

• Visit by rail – the train from London Liverpool Street to nearby Bishop’s Stortford only takes 40 minutes
• Order organic wine in the restaurant
• Sign up to local wildlife trusts in your neighbourhood
• Turn off all appliances in the bedroom when you leave
• Hot? Who needs aircon when you can open the window