Firm’s heat pump tech installed at English Heritage holiday cottages

Heat pump manufacturer Vaillant UK is helping English Heritage meet its sustainable conservation goals by installing low carbon heating technology at some of its holiday cottages.

As custodian of more than 400 historic sites across England, English Heritage has committed to ambitious sustainability targets of achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2040, as part of its long-term conservation strategy.

To support these objectives, the organisation has worked with Vaillant to install aroTHERM plus air source heat pump systems at eight of its most popular holiday cottage destinations, replacing legacy oil and gas boilers.

Installations have already been completed at Coastguards Cottage, a three-bedroom property on the island of Lindisfarne, and at Fort House, a two-bedroom cottage at St Mawes Castle in Cornwall.

A further six properties within the English Heritage holiday cottage portfolio, including Peacock Cottage at Kirby Hall, Refectory Cottage at Rievaulx Abbey and Custodian House at Pendennis Castle, are among those scheduled to receive upgrades as part of this important ongoing programme.

Vaillant said the project demonstrates how modern heating technology can be successfully integrated into existing housing stock, helping to reduce carbon emissions while maintaining guest comfort and operational simplicity.

James Fowler, marketing and strategy director at Vaillant, said: “Working with English Heritage highlights how heat pump technology can play a central role in decarbonising properties.

“These projects at Lindisfarne and St Mawes show that with careful specification and system design, renewable heating can be integrated sensitively and effectively.

“Ease of control and reliability were critical factors. Holiday guests expect comfort without complication.

“The systems installed are designed to operate efficiently in the background, delivering dependable heating and hot water while helping English Heritage significantly reduce reliance on fossil fuels.

“At the same time, guests gain first-hand experience of a low carbon technology that is increasingly relevant for homes across the UK.”

Dr Paul Lankester, national sustainability lead at English Heritage, said: “Sustainability is a core priority for English Heritage, and reducing carbon emissions across our estate is an important part of safeguarding these special places for future generations.

“Partnering with Vaillant allows us to replace ageing oil and gas systems with renewable alternatives that align with our environmental commitments.

“Equally important was ensuring that our holidaymakers’ experience remains seamless. The new heat pump systems provide the comfort and reliability our guests expect, while supporting our transition towards a more sustainable future.”