In October 2005, Southwaite Green was awarded Best Overall Start Up Business Plan Award in the Handbag.com/Barclays Business competition.  The business plan also won the Contribution to Communities award.

This short movie was recorded for the award ceremony, and was made during the early stages of the development of the Southwaite Green eco-cottages.

Owner Marna McMillin discusses her plans for creating luxury eco-cottages, powered by sustainable energy sources, from disused farm buildings, using the most environmentally-friendly construction methods possible.

Southwaite Green has come a long way since these early days, but we thought you might enjoy seeing how it all began.