Second Nature Chiswick — A Stay That Felt Like Home Away From Home
A Personal Overview of What Makes this Hometel Unforgettable
Second Nature Hometel, located in West London, is the world’s first whole-life net zero hometel, designed to feel less like a hotel and more like a true home away from home. This article shares a warm, first-hand overview of what it’s really like to stay here — from the thoughtful in-room kitchen setup and organic touches to the handcrafted design details and the sustainability systems working quietly behind the scenes. Expect an honest, practical look at the small moments that make the biggest difference, and why Second Nature Chiswick stands out as a genuinely unforgettable eco-stay for conscious travellers, digital nomads, and anyone who wants comfort without a heavy footprint.
Author: Gergana Marinova
June 17th, 2024 — a date I will always remember. That day, I stepped into Second Nature Chiswick, the world’s first whole-life net zero hometel. If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to stay at a hometel, let me take you inside my unforgettable journey at Second Nature Chiswick. As someone who lives and breathes sustainable travel, I can honestly say: this place is a game-changer.
My first impression: Comfort, Character, and Organic Chocolate
I know a lot about eco-stays: making the best green travel choices, packing light, minimizing my carbon travel footprint, etc. But honestly, it was the first time I met and felt a “hometel.” And when I did, I started to wonder: was it possible to be out of home and still feel at home? And the answer came no longer than I stepped into Second Nature Chiswick.
From the entrance, I was greeted by one of the kindest receptionists I’ve ever met, along with reclaimed terracotta floors, and a lobby filled with locally sourced plants, inspired by Kew Gardens’ greenhouses. The plants sit beneath reclaimed pendant lights to offer guests a green oasis from the bustling street outside. The entrance area pays homage to William Morris’s iconic Red House, with 100% natural exposed concrete slabs and handmade tiles. My face immediately lit up with a smile that in Thailand they call yim cheun chom, which means “I admire you.”
As their special guest, I was asked to sit and relax with a free drink while, in the meantime, the receptionist went to check if everything was correctly prepared for my stay. I sat in the lobby with a nice cup of cappuccino and took a moment to enjoy the comfort and creativity lurking in every corner.
After just a few sips of my cappuccino, I was invited to my room. What a pleasant surprise inside! A handwritten welcome note and two organic chocolates waiting in my room! It’s these little gestures that make you feel cared for from the very start. It’s these little touches that transform a room into a retreat. This note now stays on my bookshelf to always remind me what real hospitality actually means.
My room was a revelation. Sunlight poured in through large windows, illuminating bespoke furniture and soft, sustainable linens.
It was the details that truly set Second Nature Chiswick apart:
A kitchenette stocked with everything you need for a cozy night in, from a quick breakfast to a late-night snack
A glass bottle of fresh milk in the fridge, available to be refilled at any time, no single-use plastics in sight
Reusable glass water bottles, inviting me to hydrate guilt-free
Organic coffee and tea
Sustainability in Action
This project was started by two brothers, Robert and Stuart (former members of the British Olympic Development Sailing Team), who spent 10 years traveling the world. They got tired of staying in hotels and had the vision for something unique, and they created the “hometel” concept.
The world’s first fully net-zero hotel, inspired by the spirit of Chiswick’s 19th-century arts and crafts heritage, brings a whole new sense of green living to the hospitality industry. It’s really the first hotel in the world to be fully net zero, from construction to daily operations.
It’s thoughtfully designed as a place to live, not just as a place to stay, and guests can expect a relaxed and informal experience here.
Close to the door, there are organic bags — one grocery bag and another containing the hairdryer. You can take the grocery bag for your shopping and then return it, or you can purchase it, and it stays yours. They offer so many guest perks, and here sustainability lurks from every corner, so much so that I didn’t know where to start.
I took a shower before going out with Sebastian (the receptionist) for a short walk to show me the other spots inside the building. My biggest impression when I entered the bathroom was the two mirrors. Each, handcrafted by London-based artist Kieran Letts, uses UK timber and a steam-bending process.
During our inside-hotel tour, I was told that the building itself was originally on the site of a wallpaper factory, and they’ve kept remnants from this time in the rooms. The corridors are lined with unique carpets made from plastic fishnets collected from the ocean. Each room is slightly different, but every piece of furniture has been carefully selected to avoid hindering the environment. The good news: a total of 4,462 trees are planted to offset the carbon of all the furniture used. Guests are surrounded by bespoke, handcrafted pieces by a carefully selected group of designers, including Roberta Fox, Maiden Marbling, Kieran Letts, Alfred Newall, and others.
Rooms That Feel Like Home — Every Detail Matters
86 Unique Rooms: Each one designed for maximum comfort and minimum impact, with plush beds and beautiful, sustainable materials. The colorful artwork and bedroom throws are made from 80% recyclable cotton. The bedrooms are filled with extra touches: a handcrafted coffee table featuring artwork from local artisans; dried flowers and handmade “bits and bobs” boxes. Other bespoke features include handmade mosaic signs on each bedroom door, manufactured by local designer Janita O’Toole during lockdown.
Full Kitchen Facilities: Every room has a real oven, dishwasher, and a fridge with refillable glass milk bottles. There’s even a welcome pack with organic tea and coffee, making it easy to settle in and feel at home.
Waste Management: Each room has a dedicated bin for responsible waste collection, and the hotel’s policy makes recycling simple and intuitive. Second Nature Chiswick is zero waste to landfill and one of the first hotels to separate food waste from mixed packaging in custom-made in-room recycling bins.
Organic Grocery Bag: Need to shop local? Each room comes with an organic, reusable bag — perfect for those Chiswick market runs.
Artistic Elevators: Even the elevators are an experience, with stunning local art making every ride memorable.
24-Hour Laundry: For just£5, you can wash and dry your clothes using eco-friendly machines and organic detergents — ideal for longer stays or families on the go. (Tip: double-check the price at check-in, as rates may change.)
Fitness Room: Fitness Room: And if you’re staying longer (or just like to keep your routine while travelling), Second Nature Chiswick also has an on-site fitness room. What I appreciated most is that it doesn’t feel like an afterthought — the same sustainability — first mindset shows up here too, with thoughtfully chosen details that fit the hometel’s whole-life net zero approach. It’s a simple, practical space for a quick reset between work, exploring, and winding down.
Bathrooms: Full-size, refillable bathroom amenities — no tiny plastic bottles here — ceramic tiles, and hand-crafted Dali-esque mirrors created by Kieran Letts (London-based artist). Guests can find these characterful, wonky-looking mirrors in the marble-covered lift as well.
Smart Comfort: Saving Mode & Personal Touches
One of the cleverest features is the air-conditioning saving mode. After 10 p.m., it automatically switches off to save energy, but if you need it, just let the reception desk know, and they’ll reactivate it for you. It’s a small step with a big impact, showing how Second Nature balances guest comfort with environmental responsibility.
Reducing energy demand through design, Second Nature Chiswick uses ultra-energy-efficient lighting, occupancy sensors across the building, solar panels, and ground-source heat pumps, which convert 100% of the energy needed for heating, cooling, and hot water. Other sustainable initiatives include a blue roof, which can hold up to 50,000 litres of rainwater to reduce localized flooding, and a green roof boasting soil and wildflowers to increase biodiversity and absorb CO₂.
Second Nature Chiswick uses 89% less energy per m² compared to typical UK hotels, and it is the first hotel in the world to fully account for its entire carbon footprint, making it “whole life net zero.”
Digital Nomad Paradise
The lobby was bright, the air light, and I’d say it is a unique blend of modern design and cozy touches, filled with handcrafted pieces. It was also a digital nomad paradise. The space was inspiring and practical. Fast, reliable Wi-Fi, plenty of cozy nooks for working, and in-room desks make it easy to get things done. If you need to take a call or join a Zoom meeting, the soundproofing is excellent, so you can focus without distraction.
Food, Vibe, and Guest Perks
To avoid food waste, the hotel includes breakfast in the price, but it is chosen and prepared on the spot. Uniquely delicious. Second Nature Chiswick doesn’t have a traditional restaurant, but that’s part of its charm. Instead, you’re encouraged to explore local cafés and markets, supporting the community and experiencing the best of West London. With your in-room kitchen, you can whip up a meal with fresh, local ingredients. Just pop your organic bag over your shoulder and head out.
The vibe is friendly, relaxed, and refreshingly unpretentious. Guests gather in the lounge to share stories, work, or simply unwind. The staff go out of their way to make you feel at home, offering tips on the best local spots and making sure you have everything you need.
Bee Houses & Biodiversity
One of my favorite features? The rooftop bee houses. These little havens support local pollinators and are a beautiful reminder that sustainability is about more than just energy use; it’s about nurturing life in all its forms.
Green Credentials & Certifications
Second Nature Chiswick is proudly certified as a Net Zero Hometel. Their commitment covers everything from carbon-neutral construction to daily operations, verified by leading sustainability bodies. You’ll find details about their green initiatives throughout the hotel, and the team is always happy to share more about how they’re raising the bar for eco-hospitality.
I definitely recommend Second Nature Chiswick for eco-conscious travelers, for digital nomads, families, and anyone who believes that travel should do good. It’s a must-visit for those who need to feel the comfort of home while being out of home.
Why I’ll Be Back
Staying at Second Nature Chiswick was more than a comfortable night’s sleep; it was a masterclass in how hospitality can (and should) care for the world. Every detail, from the refillable milk bottles to the rooftop bees, reflects a genuine commitment to sustainability. It’s a place where you can relax, recharge, and know that your stay is making a difference.
I’ll be back because I felt truly cared for, completely comfortable, and, after all, everyone loves coming home, right? Well, that’s exactly how I feel here; it’s the kind of place that makes you want to return, again and again, to your hotel.
I walked in with a smile and walked out with a smile, the real one, the kind that appears not only on the lips, but also in the little so-called “orbicularis oculi” muscles that surround each eye. We can’t fool those tiny muscles; they activate only during a genuine smile.
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