Aston Road Villa

In 2012, friends of the couple shared the work they had been doing to protect a stream on their property with the assistance of the Riparian Trust.  

“We decided to investigate and contacted the Biodiversity Advisor at Kāpiti Coast District Council.  Funding was available for fencing the strip of land alongside our stream, which was permanently retired as part of a Memorandum of Understanding.  

This was the start of our sustainability journey. We then planted 3,000 native trees especially varieties to attract native birds and provide nectar sources for bees,” says Louise.  

In 2016, the Comptons  decided to design and build a new home which incorporated a designated guest wing where they could host and share travel experiences with guests. In February 2018, Aston Road Villa Bed and Breakfast opened and welcomed its first visitors.   

“Right from the start, we had a commitment to sustainability. Protecting and caring for the environment we live in is important to us,” says Louise. 

“Sustainability is part of our strategic and operational plan, and we have a core commitment to sustainable tourism in all economic, visitor, host community and environment areas.  

“Kaitikaitanga, the concept of guardianship for the sky, sea and land, are all included in the process and practices of protecting and looking after our environment. 

“We communicate our sustainability actions on our website. Setting up the business, we made sure our cleaning products, laundry detergents, soaps, and shampoo were biodegradable and eco-friendly. Recycling is encouraged, reusing Oeko-Tex towels and air-dried laundry are important. We have good Energy Star-rated appliances and a wrapped hot water cylinder for efficiency. 

“We grow organic vegetables, have established an on-site orchard, compost our fruit and vegetable waste, and have continued planting on the property. We only use organic sprays, and keep bees, chickens and sheep.  

“Other practical actions at the Villa include recycling bins for our guests’ use, and three trees donated monthly to Trees That Count. Guests are given honey from the property’s hives, and they support local business such as Kāpiti Chocolates and Ōtaki Bakehouse, ensuring sustainable supply chains are used for purchasing goods.”

In November 2023 they installed 20 solar panels and a battery for storage and the operation is now recording and reviewing power use.

"We continue to work towards a carbon neutral option and zero waste is our long term goal."

"Other projects include a garden to establish a food forest in conjunction with our vegetable garden and mini orchard. Allowing us to become more self sufficient and grow even more food for guests and we regularly share excess produce with friends and neighbours."

Aston Road Villa has committed to the Tiaki promise and has belonged to the NZ Bed and Breakfast Association since May 2018. This is a quality assurance programme that includes the establishment of an environmental and sustainability policy.

In August 2024 they achieved Qualmark GOLD Sustainable tourism award and have 5 stars for their B&B star rating.

"As part of the Qualmark journey we annually update our business, operational and marketing plans.  Health and Safety policies are monitored with an annual meeting minuted with the areas we have made improvements in."  

“Sustainability is a valuable point of difference in a business. Our focus is on the overseas tourist market. Many guests are now concerned that accommodation providers are delivering the smallest carbon footprint possible with their operation,” says Louise. 

"We continue to update and revisit our Tourism sustainability 12 point action plan which looks at actions we are undertaking now, actions for within the next year and actions within the next 3 years. I record the week to week actions in a spreadsheet, as it’s easy to forget."

A resource Aston Villa use regularly is envirorental.earth a useful site for information and networking with like-minded businesses.  

"Bob Garner who is the founder of Envirorental has a great quote which applies to us 'Sustainable action is a bit like a bowl of chips: once you’ve started, you can’t stop!”

Louise shares the benefits to his business from pursuing more sustainable operations.  

“We attract guests who have the same sustainable focus as we do. When we travel, we actively seek accommodation that is sustainable. It is often the reason our accommodation is booked ahead of others. For example, booking.com now have sustainable property measures that includes some of our policies in place regarding waste, water, energy, community and nature.”