The Journey
The Clarenden Eco-Stay developed out of a clear vision and dream by owners Brendan Norris and Clare Mann. This journey reflects the values of sustainable lifestyle principles. Here are the highlights:
It began with a dream……
Over twenty years ago, Brendan wrote down the goals he wanted to achieve in his lifetime. One of those goals was to prove that sustainable living could be done in comfort. As a natural born problem-solver, he wanted to escape unnecessarily high energy bills and create alternative living options utilising renewable energy. Over the years his expertise grew as he integrated his professional IT skills with a passion for sustainable lifestyle options. After a successful IT career, he retrained in the renewable energy field but quickly realised that career opportunities did not address the real problems facing individuals wanting to create sustainable lifestyles.
Creating sustainable lifestyles….
Brendan quickly realised that powerful myths and assumptions surround the public image of modern sustainable living. He and his partner Clare sat around many a dinner table debating with others who were sceptical that sustainability didn’t mean compromising a rich and comfortable lifestyle. They set out to prove it to themselves and others that sustainable living with minimum impact on the environment is an essential ingredient of a great lifestyle!
With Clare’s expertise in personal transformation, the vision began expanding to encompass plans for a larger venue and offering. Workshops and training about lifestyle and sustainability were explored, together with ways of creatively integrating the personal change in values that must accompany all external action.
In 2003 on a holiday visit to his native New Zealand, Brendan together with Clare found the perfect location. Set in the heart of Marlborough on 64 hectares of regenerating New Zealand Native Bush and 5 mins drive from the Marlborough Sounds, the location offered the opportunity to transform the vision into reality. After purchasing the land, plans for building began. The prohibitive price of connecting to the national grid, removed any excuse they might have for not creating a home 100% off the grid. A new road was built that would provide easier access to the site location and plans for building were underway.
Relocating home and business…..
Once the site and main house structure were in place, they moved into their newly named Clarenden home and began operating their consultancy businesses from home. Despite early days of bucket-showers as the bathroom was finalised, comfort was soon restored when all sustainable features were in place. This included the Biolytix worm farm, solar hot water, wood burning fire, solar panels, water turbine, batteries and inverter. The interior was decorated with non-petroleum based, eco-paints and the finishing touches were added. A very quick overview of many hours of work and dedication.
Sharing the vision…..
Having comfortably lived and run successful businesses from within this ‘off the grid home’ for 2.5 years, it was time to continue with the vision of creating a context in which to educate others. Clarenden is now available for people to enjoy the comfort we have whilst learning about what you can do to integrate sustainable lifestyle measures into your life.
“If you have it in you to dream you have it in you to succeed!”
Beth Page: Dream Catcher Consulting
