Meadows families say life is ‘perfect’ in new eco homes
SUSTAINABLE HOUSES ARE HELPING OWNERS TO HALVE THEIR HEATING BILLS
FAMILIES living in The Meadows have shared how they have halved their heating bills and live a “perfect life” in swanky modern houses.
Tucked away in the old part of The Meadows, and surrounded by Victorian terraced houses, people have revealed what life is like in their newly built, ecologically friendly homes.
The development, on the corner of Wilford Crescent West and Hobart Close, was built by Blueprint, an award-winning housing developer which specialises in the development of sustainable homes. It comprises 24 new homes and 10 Art Deco apartments that have been built to meet low energy and sustainability standards.
Ash Vipat, who works in the construction business and lives at one of the properties, said he was “very wise” to move into one of the houses.
The 32-year-old said: “I work in construction, I know what I am talking about. I have a friend who lives in a property of a similar size and I pay half of what he is paying when it comes to heating. In this economic climate, this is such a massive help. I am in this business and I can see the details that make the difference. The windows are tripleglazed and the it has really good insulation. You barely need any heating. We save a lot of money.”
He was renting a flat in the area and could not resist to put an offer on the house when he saw it on the market.
He said: “I think I am very wise, to be honest. I know there is that stigma around eco-houses – but you save a lot of money.”
Sarah Walker, a mum-of-one, described her house as “perfect” for her family. The 32-year-old moved in back in January 2020, just before the pandemic hit.
She said: “We like living in The Meadows, and the prices are better than across the river. There is a park nearby, The Embankment is close as well, and my daughter likes to play with the ducks.”
The development is within walking distance of the nearest tram stop. With the Victoria Embankment just a stone’s throw away, neighbours also benefit from wonderful scenery.
Mrs Walker said: “There are quite a lot of families in the area, too. And we also have our own parking space as well.”
She added that, while she pays more for electricity than where she lived before, she saves more money when it comes to gas and heating.
She said: “We do not put the heating on between April and September.”
Emily Hallam, a charity worker who also lives in one of the properties, said: “I am saving on bills, but I also feel better because I am helping the environment. Living here is amazing.”
The 31-year-old added: “It is very warm in the winter. We barely turn the radiator on. We just shut the windows and it gets warm.”