Thanks Lesley - I feel this is a wonderful opportunity for me to work in as 'friendly' a manner as I can, and geothermal is not particularly popular here so I'm having some difficulty finding impartial information. I do feel a bit uncomfortable with the depth of digging that is required with our cold winters, but would appreciate any further information you could give me from your friends. I will also look into the gathering heat from air method.

What you did at #5 with the gardens has me quite inspired, and I'm envisaging a garden that has very little grass and requires very little formal maintenance - walkways, native plants, secret areas - and of course a greenhouse. At the moment it's a riot of overgrown weeds.

Thank you.

ps - grateful for the lift from the airport!!!