For many buyers, the future is green

A desirable eco-home can be found in almost every price range, says Kirsty Mcluckie

The majority of people consider the environmentally sustainable performance of a building important when choosing a new home, according to a recent survey by BLP Insurance.

Energy-efficient heating and hot water systems are a top priority when choosing a new home, followed by double glazing and solar panels.

But when it comes to eco-credentials, there is a huge range of property described as environmentally-friendly, with some going a lot further than others to keep bills down and be sustainable.

Blackhouse Estate, near Selkirk, is a wonderfully secluded residential forestry estate with high conservation and amenity interest, located in a glen amongst the Tweedsmuir Hills.

Four miles off the main road, it is a completely off-grid hideaway in the Scottish Borders and very much a lifestyle purchase.

With no mains electricity, the property runs on hydro and solar power and a biomass heating system, which together meet all the house’s energy needs, plus provides a source of income.

At the centre of the 1,600 acres of woodland, pasture and hill grazing is Muttonhall, a former croft house which has been renovated and extended to create a first-class family house, finished to an extremely high standard.

The house has five bedrooms, four of which are ensuite, and three public rooms including a large dining kitchen at its heart.

Muttonhall has received an outstanding Grade A energy performance certificate rating with an extremely rare 100 per cent score.

Luachran, North Erradale by Gairloch, in Ross-shire is a beautifully situated architect-designed eco-home in an outstanding location.

It is close to the coastline and has magnificent views over the Western Isles and Torridons.

Completed in 2006, the accommodation has a contemporary design and provides bright and airy living space over two levels.

In recent years the owners have replaced the electric heating system with an air source heat pump which qualifies for the Feed-in Tariffs and a Renewable Heat Incentive.

The house has three bedrooms and two public rooms, a sauna and cinema room. Extensive decking takes advantage of the far-reaching views. It has solar panels and a converted polytunnel makes for a unique party room.

The half acre of garden includes planning permission for an additional one-bedroomed house for guest accommodation, letting purposes or a fabulous studio workshop.

For those who want a brand new green home, a development of 66 custom-build eco-houses is planned for Rowallan Castle Estate in Ayrshire.

Partnering with Cherish Homes, the estate will feature contemporary custombuild houses chosen and tailored by their owners.

They will feature superb thermal insulation, triple-glazed windows and mechanical ventilation with heat recovery as a standard, with additional options including ground-source or air-source heat pumps.

Construction is anticipated to start in October with an open day for buyers planned for 1 September at the castle.