When we first moved into this house, it was cold, and I complained of being ‘freezing,’ and wrapped myself up in blankets and jumpers (ever the drama queen).

After just a few days (maybe 3-4) after moving in, the house became very very warm. The north-facing windows are bathed in sunlight a lot of the time, warming the rooms and the floors. The Esse, especially when the lids are up, warms the house very well, and the tiled floor in front of the stove is very warm and nice to walk on. The strawbale walls, which are thick, hold in all the heat.

I confess that I was concerned that the tiled floors would be cold under our bare feet, especially first thing in the morning. I am happy to confirm that this is not the case. Even first thing in the morning, the floors are warm to step onto. We never wear shoes inside (it is a house rule, not that it makes the floor any tidier; straw is *still* coming in!!!) so having a warm floor is very pleasant. Even as I sit here in the office, the floor is warm under my feet, and this is a place in the house that does not get sunlight.

The house is retaining all the heat from the sun, fire and our bodies. Even our guests, Susie and Darren, who are staying in a south-facing room, claim to be very warm and comfortable. We thought the south rooms might be cold, but they are actually only a fraction cooler than the north rooms.

Usually we have to have the windows open during the day, so the cool breeze can come in and make us a bit more comfortable. It is weird sometimes that it is 12 degrees outside and we are in t-shirts, without much effort to heat the home. We have to remember to dress warmer if we are going out.

Temperatures are dropping here in Tasmania. Sometimes we get lovely warm days of low-mid 20s. These days are usually beautiful and sunny. That is when the wasps come. I love autumn. It must be my favourite season. You have to dress in layers. Leggings and skirts or jeans/pants, boots, singlet, shirt, cardigan and jacket, hat and scarf (and gloves for the mornings) are standard outfits for me. You can strip bits off when the sun comes out, and then put them back on ten minutes later when it gets overcast again. Sunglasses on. Sunglasses off. Sunglasses on. Sunglasses off. etc.

It’s great weather for being outside. We really need to be outside making a garden around the house, but we’re still settling in. We’re still unpacking boxes and wondering where to put everything. I don’t think you can ever have too many cupboards/shelves.

Anyway, the house is really comfortable. I recommend strawbale for that reason, and north orientation and black tiled floors as well. Beautiful and warm inside when it is beautiful and cold outside!

yay!