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Green Homes – This Weekend!

Green Open Homes featured on Radio 4, and ‘The House that Sell or Swap Built’ in Charlie’s own words.

youandyourslogoWe made it to Radio 4 today!  Hear more about Claire and Dan’s rainwater harvesting, John’s self-build and more,  from 35 mins in following this link.  More details of all the homes open this weekend here.

We’re already inspiring new habits and saving people money and the weekend hasn’t event started yet – HEET and FRP were at the Mall Walthamstow giving energy advice this week,  loads of gadgets distributed and some tasty Hornbeam cake scoffed too.

Charlie’s House – “The House that Sell or Swap Built” is the most beautiful example of what can be achieved with a thriving ‘swap’ community, a load of re-used furniture – and a fair bit of flair!

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Before…

And a year ago, it hadn’t begun as Charlie had been evicted and hadn’t been able to find another home.  Here’s her story and her warm invitation to you.

 

“Having nearly fallen defeated to the challenges of renting in my home town of 21 years, finding ourselves out priced and labelled, which led to myself and my two children being ‘homeless’ for a short while; to say, having a secure roof over our heads is something we are very grateful for, is an understatement!

Charlie's house has been furnished almost exclusively from Sell or Swap and charity shops - and been upcycled by Charlie using her skills from her upcycling business Betty Loves Buttons.
Charlie’s house has been furnished almost exclusively from Sell or Swap and charity shops – and been upcycled by Charlie using her skills from her upcycling business Betty Loves Buttons.

A roof to keep us secure… stability… community… Could this newly found space ever become our ‘Home’?

Rebuilding our lives, rebuilding a business, as well as rebuilding a home isn’t easy. It takes time, money and imagination. However, imagination for me, is the key!
Come and visit our space as it slowly becomes our ‘Home’. We’re still ‘work in progress’, but there’s fun it that too. 90% of the materials I am using, and the furniture I own is found, bought second hand or handed over from friends. I have a passion for the old (someone must have loved it once for it to have lasted till today!). charlieBlovesB_1329I am an upholsterer too and my workshop is part of my space. I have lots of ideas, some which will be ready for you to see, some of which I will be working on, some will be longer term projects, all of which carry the same theme… recycled, upcycled, repurposed, re-loved, reHOMEd.
Lets have tea.”

 

Waltham Forest Green Open Homes is made possible through funding from City Bridge Trust, London Catalyst and Trusthouse Foundation and through the resources of Green Open Homes.

 

 

 

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