Regenerative Rudge Farm: Powering a Greener Future

At Rudge Farm, sustainability has never been a buzzword — it’s a way of life. Our approach to regenerative tourism goes far beyond simply reducing our impact; it’s about restoring, replenishing, and future-proofing the land and systems we rely on. From the soil beneath our feet to the power behind our cottages, every decision we make aims to give more back than we take.

Harnessing the Power of the Sun

Across Rudge Farm, we currently operate 30 solar panels arranged across four domestic four-kilowatt systems, each backed up by 16.4 kilowatts of battery storage — giving us a combined total of just under 50 kilowatts of system storage. Throughout the day, as the sun shines over the fields and lake, the energy generated by our panels is carefully stored in these batteries for use later on.

This approach works beautifully for our guests. Most choose to spend their days exploring the local area before returning in the late afternoon — just as the sun begins to dip and our system switches seamlessly to stored solar power. At this point, the batteries are full and ready to release the clean energy gathered through the day, powering lights, heating, and evening showers.

The result? Rudge Farm currently runs at around 78% off-grid, powered almost entirely by renewable energy captured on site. It’s an elegant example of how thoughtful technology can harmonise with the rhythm of rural hospitality.

Innovation at the Heart of Rudge: Our Plant Room

Step inside our plant room, and you’ll find a system that quite literally blows others out of the park. This is where cutting-edge engineering meets sustainability — the nerve centre that powers our heating and hot water systems with precision and care.

At its core are three water-heater boilers. Unlike conventional combi boilers, these work in conjunction with a large storage tank and an intelligent pump system. The result? Hot water is continuously circulated through the cottages, sitting ready and waiting right above the tap. This means instant hot water for our guests, without the waste or delay of traditional systems.

The entire system operates via underfloor heating for even, efficient warmth and is designed to adapt as technology advances. Right now, it runs on LPG — but not for long.

The Hydrogen Future

Our next step in regenerative energy is already underway. The system has been purpose-built to transition to a hydrogen-ready setup, powered by an electrolysis process that turns water into pure energy.

In simple terms, the electrolysis machine will split water into hydrogen and oxygen. The oxygen will be safely released into the atmosphere — contributing to cleaner air — while the hydrogen will be stored in repurposed tanks that once held LPG.

From there, the hydrogen will take the place of traditional fuel, powering our boilers cleanly and efficiently.

But the benefits don’t stop there. Our hydrogen system, incorporated with the plant room, will also allow us to transform how our cottages are heated. Traditionally, radiator systems require water heated to 60–70°C, demanding more gas and providing less efficient warmth — particularly as radiators are often placed beneath windows, where much of the heat can escape.

Our new underfloor heating system changes that entirely. Operating at just 55°C, it requires significantly less energy to reach an ideal temperature. The result is a more efficient, environmentally friendly heating system that keeps our guests comfortable while dramatically reducing our energy footprint.

When the hydrogen system is fully operational, Rudge Farm will take another major step towards complete energy independence — a closed-loop, green energy model that uses water to create power and releases only oxygen back into the air. This will also mean that our heating systems will be completely off-grid, as the power required to run our boilers will be supplied directly from our solar panels. In other words, the entire heating process — from power generation to heat delivery — will operate independently of the grid, powered entirely by the sun and hydrogen.

A Living Example of Regenerative Tourism

For us, regenerative tourism isn’t just about inviting guests to stay somewhere beautiful; it’s about ensuring that beauty lasts. Our solar and hydrogen systems are part of a much bigger picture — one where every aspect of Rudge Farm works in balance with the environment.

From sustainable planting and wildlife-friendly lake management to green energy and forward-thinking technology, we’re proud to show what’s possible when hospitality and sustainability grow side by side.

At Rudge Farm, we don’t just host holidays — we’re building the blueprint for the farms, cottages, and communities of the future.

A Living Example of Regenerative Tourism

For us, regenerative tourism isn’t just about inviting guests to stay somewhere beautiful; it’s about ensuring that beauty lasts. Our solar and hydrogen systems are part of a much bigger picture — one where every aspect of Rudge Farm works in balance with the environment.

From sustainable planting and wildlife-friendly lake management to green energy and forward-thinking technology, we’re proud to show what’s possible when hospitality and sustainability grow side by side.

At Rudge Farm, we don’t just host holidays — we’re building the blueprint for the farms, cottages, and communities of the future.

Rudge Farm by the Numbers

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