Smarter homes, real people, real stories
Discover how homeowners across Oxfordshire are making their homes more comfortable, more efficient, and better to live in – one step at a time.
Every home is different – and so is the way we live in them. These case studies share the journeys of people who’ve worked with Cosy Homes Oxfordshire to plan energy-saving upgrades that match their needs, goals, and budgets.
Some wanted to cut carbon. Others needed to bring down bills, tackle damp, or make their home feel more comfortable.
From compact terraces to centuries-old cottages, these stories show what’s possible – and how small changes can lead to lasting impact.
If you’re wondering what’s right for your home, these real-life examples are here to help you feel informed, inspired, and ready to take your next step.
A home is so much more than just a place where you live
For over 10 years, Jane and her family have lived in their Edwardian semi-detached home in North Oxford. Built in 1910, the house has a striking design with solid walls and suspended timber floors. Over the years, the house has been modified to include a
How a 1970s mid-terrace became an energy-efficient haven
When a 1970s mid-terrace house in Eynsham, plagued by cold spots, damp cladding, and high energy bills, underwent a full eco-refurbishment, it faced unexpected challenges, including asbestos removal. With guidance from Cosy Homes Oxfordshire, the project not
Energy-efficiency in Eynsham
A landlord in Eynsham, Oxfordshire, tackled persistent mould in a 1960s rental property. The measures implemented resulted in a higher EPC rating. Discover what he did and the impact it
Orchard House retrofit
Mary and Philip opted for an assessment, which led to the development of a comprehensive Whole House Plan crafted by a qualified Retrofit Coordinator. This plan outlined all the necessary recommendations, actions, quotes, and
Maureen’s Whole House Plan story
Worried about climate change and keen to lower both her carbon footprint and energy bills, Maureen wanted to understand how to make her home more efficient. A thermal imaging camera showed that better insulation was a priority, and she was also thinking about
Nilam’s inspiring retrofit journey in the heart of the Paddox estate
Nilam embarked on an inspiring retrofit journey, driven by her love for nature and a desire to make a positive impact on the
Eco-refurbishing a large Victorian semi-detached
In North Oxford, a large family home has been transformed through an eco-retrofit, reducing carbon emissions and making the home far more energy-efficient. This was all part of the homeowners’ commitment to sustainability and creating a more comfortable
“We’ve wrapped our whole house in insulation”
"We're delighted with the Cosy Homes team. As neither of us is tech-savvy, we truly appreciate and value the guidance and advice they've provided." Eleanor, East
Smart retrofit, cosy result
Driven by a desire to reduce carbon emissions, Lis and Sarah in their terrace home in East Oxford aimed to make their home more environmentally friendly. They were thrilled to find their home warmer and cosier as a
Peter and Maggie make 1970s Sandford home energy efficient
Peter and Maggie investigated getting a retrofit as they want to protect the
Retrofitting a Didcot home to be warm and comfortable all year round
Meet Heather and Paul from Didcot, Oxfordshire. Their semi-detached home received a transformative upgrade, replacing their fossil fuel boiler with an air source heat pump to enhance comfort and reduce carbon emissions. About the home Heather and Paul live in
Retrofitting an end-of-terrace family home in East Oxford
We retrofitted an end-of-terrace family home in east Oxford, helping ensure that every room in the home was comfortable, and cutting carbon emissions for the family. About the home Jan Rosenow’s home is an end-of-terrace house in East Oxford, dating from
Retrofitting to get a Cotswolds cottage off fossil fuels for good
Trish and Tim’s journey to retrofit their home in Hook Norton has seen them eliminate fossil fuels from their heating system, improving comfort while reducing their carbon footprint. About the home This end-of-terrace cottage in the picturesque village of
Retrofitting a barn in Hook Norton to add additional space to the home
Catherine Hayward and her family live in a charming 16th-century Grade II listed thatched cottage in the picturesque village of Hook Norton, North Oxfordshire. Alongside their home, they also own a barn, used as recreational space and a home office. As the
Making a cold, dark terraced house in Oxford feel cosy and warm
The Nicholson family, with their two boys, live in a 1960s end-terrace house in a small Oxford development. Their home used to be cold and dark, and they often huddled in the tiny kitchen—the warmest room in the house. With a growing family and a chilly
Tackling extreme mould in a semi-detached house in Headington
Tina, Richard, and their children live in a semi-detached home in a typical Oxford suburb. A few years ago, they decided to undergo a whole house eco renovation to reduce their energy consumption and tackle severe damp and mould problems that were affecting