Thread by @nationaltrust

This week is #GreatBigGreenWeek, and what better way to mark it than with a celebration of Britain's original smart home, Cragside.

A thread 🧵

Home of Lord William Armstrong and Lady Margaret Armstrong during the 19th century, Cragside remains one of the greenest places we care for.

William's passion for efficiency, innovation and engineering and Margaret's love for natural sciences combined to create a remarkable Victorian property which was way ahead of its time.

It's been using hydropower to light the house for more than 100 years, and was the first place in the world to be lit using the power of water.

Cragside is also thought to have been one of the first private residences to have a dishwasher, a vacuum cleaner and a washing machine.

It set the standard for modern living, but innovation at this incredible north east property hasn't stopped there.

An Archimedes Screw was installed in 2014, which sees water turn its spiral blades, harnessing the energy of the falling water to light up the whole house.

And any surplus power from this goes to the National Grid.

Find out much more about Cragside here: ow.ly/KBbs50OLw83

Photos: Rupert Truman