Cilrhiw Country House

Overview:

Cilrhiw Country House is a beautifully restored Georgian mansion dating back to the 1820s. Set amidst tranquil Pembrokeshire woodland near Narberth, the 5,005 sq ft property offers a luxurious self-catering retreat for large groups, featuring five spacious double bedrooms, four bathrooms, multiple reception areas, and a grand entrance hall.

During a major renovation between 2020 and 2021, the owners aimed to combine period elegance with modern comfort and sustainability. As part of this transformation, Thermal Earth designed and installed a renewable heating system centred on two MasterTherm AquaMaster AQ45i ground source heat pumps, each delivering 22 kW of heating output.

The result is a seamless blend of heritage charm and modern efficiency — a sustainable heating solution that ensures year-round comfort for guests while preserving the property’s historic character.

Challenge:

The renovation of Cilrhiw Country House required a heating solution that could meet the demands of a large, multi-room heritage property while maintaining its elegant aesthetic.

The system needed to:

• Deliver consistent heating and hot water throughout 5,000+ sq ft of living space.
• Integrate discreetly within the period architecture.
• Operate efficiently to support the sustainability goals of the renovation.
• Provide a luxury level of comfort suitable for premium self-catering accommodation.

Balancing performance, efficiency, and design sensitivity was key to ensuring the system complemented the building’s heritage while meeting modern expectations for comfort and energy efficiency.

Solution:

Thermal Earth designed a bespoke renewable heating system using two MasterTherm AquaMaster AQ45i ground source heat pumps. Each 22 kW unit provides robust, reliable heating and hot water tailored to the property’s scale and layout.

System features:

• 2 x MasterTherm AquaMaster AQ45i ground source heat pumps (44 kW combined output)

• 6 x 100-metre vertical boreholes drilled by Thermal Earth’s in-house drilling division

• Underfloor heating throughout primary living spaces for even, luxurious warmth

• Radiators and towel rails installed in bathrooms and secondary rooms to complement interior design and functionality

The vertical boreholes harness the stable temperature of the earth to provide a sustainable, efficient source of energy, significantly reducing reliance on fossil fuels. The heat distribution system ensures every area of the house remains warm, comfortable, and energy efficient, perfectly supporting Cilrhiw’s role as a high-end holiday retreat.

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Key Benefits:

Results: 

• Efficient, low-carbon heating system suitable for large-scale luxury accommodation

• Significant improvement in energy performance and comfort

• Seamless integration within a heritage property without compromising design

• Long-term reduction in operational energy costs

• Demonstrates how renewable technology can enhance both sustainability and guest experience