Listed farm to become eco-house

A listed Somerset farmhouse is to be transformed into an eco-home after winning a Government grant.

Chewton Mendip Farmhouse is receiving funds from a Department for Trade and Industry programme that promotes renewable energy.

The Grade II 16th century property will bring in solar and wind power, heat exchangers and high-tech insulation.

Energy Minister Malcolm Wicks said the farmhouse was a "practical and exciting project".

The DTI's Solar Photovoltaics major Demonstration Programme was started in 2002 to help meet the country's longer term needs for clean electricity supplies.

To date, more than £20m has been given out in grants by the Energy Saving Trust which administers the programme on behalf of the DTI.