Over five years during holidays, Bertie renovated a 200 year old tumbledown log cabin in the French Alps into a one-bed off grid eco chalet. With help from family, friends, neighbours, volunteers and the odd contractor they made the building sequentially safe, dry, secure, warm, airtight, then comfortable and finally charming!

The house is airtight, walls and roof externally insulated and reclad. Rainwater is collected from the roof to be re-used internally. A log stove provides heat and hot water. PV panels and a battery provide DC power. A compost WC provides the last touch of rustic luxury.