A CORNISH B&B once named the ‘greenest in the country’ has taken delivery of an all-electric Nissan LEAF so guests can get around in a more eco-friendly way.
Sally and Chris Searle already live ‘the good life’ – a field of solar panels power their historic house in Boscastle and they grow all their own fruit and vegetables.
Now they have decided to get rid of their old gas-guzzling car and sign up to zero emissions mobility with the purchase of the award-winning LEAF from West End Motors Nissan in Bodmin.
Sally, who runs the Old Rectory at St Juliot, said: “With the 20kw solar panels we have in the field behind us we can effectively charge our Nissan LEAF for free.
“We had been looking to replace our old diesel car for some time and wanted to continue the ethos of our business into our transport choice. The only thing we use fossil fuels for now is the strimmer.”
Sally said once they had taken the LEAF for a free four-day test-drive from West End Motors Nissan, in Bodmin Business Park, it was an ‘easy decision’ to buy one.
She said: “If people think about the majority of their journeys they will find, like us, it’s less than 50 miles and the LEAF copes with that with ease, even in the cavernous hills in North Cornwall. There are still lots of flexibility with EVs and charging points are springing up all over the place.”
As well as being their main vehicle, the Nissan LEAF – which costs from just 2p a mile to run – will also be used to ferry guests around the local area.
Sally added: “It’s an excellent choice to be able to run guests around in comfort if we need to. There are plenty of easy lease plans available and it was a real no brainer when it came to choosing which EV to go for.
“The LEAF was a natural progression for us and our business. We are part of the Green Tourism Business Scheme where we have been awarded Gold level and we were also awarded the ‘Greenest B&B’ in Britain 2012 and Green Travellers top review of 2013.
“Being able to use the energy from our solar panels means all our electricity is 100% renewable here. Using the fruit, vegetables and eggs from our gardens for guests and encouraging them to think about energy usage and even car-free days whilst they stay with us all adds up so the LEAF compliments our values very well.”
While it makes environmental sense to switch to electric, the Searles say there is also a financial advantage.
Chris added: “We have only had the LEAF a few weeks but it certainly makes a huge difference not having to visit a fuel station.”
James Holder, EV Specialist at West End Motors Nissan, said: “The Searles wanted a vehicle that would allow them to continue their eco-living so the Nissan LEAF – the world’s best-selling electric car – was a perfect match for them.
“More and more people are stepping behind the wheel of a LEAF and benefiting from the cost savings it can offer.”
The B&B is now offering guests who drive there in a Nissan LEAF, a 10% discount on a stay of three nights or more.
But traditional petrol and diesel Nissan drivers are not to be left out – they will receive a 5% discount if they stay three nights or more. Call 01840 250225 to book or visit www.stjuliot.com