Truly Off-Grid Living at Singdean
When we arrived at Singdean in 2012, off-grid wasn’t the buzzword it’s become today. Many places say they’re off-grid when they really mean it’s just a bit quiet here. But we are truly, completely off-grid — connected only by fibre broadband!
We fell in love with Singdean. Living off-grid meant learning how to adapt — how to make our own electricity, manage our resources, and live in tune with the land. Now, all the power at Singdean and Alpnhaus is produced here, by us.
Our electricity comes from solar panels on both buildings, stored in a large bank of batteries. In time, we hope to add a small wind turbine and a hydro system to help during the winter months. We do keep a generator as a backup — because when you live off-grid, you quickly learn to always have a backup plan!
When we first moved here, people suggested a ground or air source heat pump. But those systems use too much power for our setup, so we had to think differently. We started with a huge log boiler that provided heat and hot water — it worked beautifully, but it was very demanding! So we switched to a biomass boiler, which is much more efficient (and yes, we still have a gas backup, just in case).
At 350 metres above sea level, Singdean gets all kinds of weather — with a capital W!
Snow, sun, storms, mist… and it’s all part of the magic. Living here means embracing the elements, working with them, and finding beauty in every season.
Because off-grid life isn’t about going without — it’s about living with the world around you. And we wouldn’t have it any other way.
Off grid luxury
Off-Grid Luxury, Crafted with Care
Alpnhaus offers the rare balance of luxury and sustainability — a truly off-grid lodge designed for comfort, calm, and connection with nature. Powered by renewable energy and built from local larch, it’s a place where you can slow down, breathe deeply, and enjoy life’s simple pleasures without compromise. Wake to birdsong, soak in your private wood-fired hot tub, and watch the stars come alive in one of Europe’s darkest skies. Here, sustainability doesn’t mean giving things up — it means gaining peace, space, and a sense of freedom.
As one of our guests wrote ‘The fact that Singdean is off grid is just the icing on the cake as it does your soul good to know that whilst staying here, you're part of the solution - not the problem'
Eco credentials
We are completely off-grid, physically connected only by super fast broadband! Our water comes from a private spring and is utterly delicious.
Our electricity is made here. We’re deeply aware of every watt of electricity we use. There are no energy-hungry appliances here — no kettles, hairdryers, or anything with a heating element. Every light is LED, every electrical item is thoughtfully chosen, and nothing is left on unnecessarily. When the sun shines, we make the most of it — running the washing and ironing from the power of sunlight itself.
We do however have the usual items such as fridge, washing machine, TV, light bulbs etc. So, if you do want to recharge your phone, its absolutely not a problem!
When we first found Singdean, we had to learn how to live — and run a business — off-grid. It’s not always easy, but with careful planning and a lot of heart, we’ve made it work beautifully.
We recycle, reuse, and choose local wherever possible. Our eggs, ham, and honey come from nearby farms, and we try and always bake our own bread and we make our own yoghurt. You’ll find our complimentary natural toiletries in full-sized bottles — no single-use plastics here.
All of our cleaning products are eco-friendly and septic-tank safe. Our soft, luxury bamboo toilet paper is plastic-free and helps fund sanitation projects around the world.
We let much of our 4 acres grow wild so that birds, bees, and small creatures can thrive. You might spot our resident barn and tawny owls, badgers, foxes, bats, roe deer, and occasionally red squirrels and even an osprey.
To date, we’ve planted over 2,000 trees — oak, birch, hazel, beech, pine, and more — helping our little corner of the Scottish Borders grow greener every year.
At Alpnhaus, we believe true luxury lies in living lightly — with nature, not against it.
We were one of four finalists for the whole of the UK (and the only ones from Scotland) for the "i news staycation awards 2019' for sustainable tourism. An award for the whole of the UK 2019. Although we didn't win, we dressed up in our finest cashmere and kilt and travelled to London for the awards do.
Winter is a difficult time to be off grid. Del spends a lot of time trying to keep the solar panels clear of snow!
