Four-bedroom house, Mystery Hill, Hockerton, Nottinghamshire
Residents of this idyllic development in this Nottinghamshire village are buying into a lifestyle and community as much as somewhere to live. It's a rare opportunity to join the Hockerton Housing Project, a small collection of homes spearheaded by sustainability specialists Professor Brenda Vale and Dr Robert Vale in the 1990s. Founded around the principle of co-housing, each family owns their own house and private garden but shares energy and water systems, as well as their time and skills. Energy is generated through on-site wind turbines and solar power, and rainwater is harvested and reused, while the community is about two-thirds self-sufficient in producing vegetables, fruit and eggs, not to mention the small flock of sheep raised for meat that also helps maintain the land.
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Once an agricultural building, this property was transformed into an impressive residence by the award-winning A-Zero Architects, which specialises in environmentally responsible design. A true countryside bolthole, this capacious home has five bedrooms, an open-plan kitchen/living/dining room and second reception room, with one wing of the house still undeveloped, leaving plenty of scope for a variety of uses. Its eco-friendly credentials include an energy-efficient heating and ventilation system that currently makes more money than it costs to run, while its distinctive exterior is clad with locally sourced British larch.
Despite its urban location and period features, this Victorian terrace in London's Stoke Newington boasts an EPC A-rating thanks to factors such as solar panelling, meaning the house produces more electricity than it consumes. The characterful interiors benefit from original ceiling features and large bay windows, while mod cons include underfloor heating as well as a rear garden and studio that comes complete with plumbing and electricity.
Set in a sought-after village moments from Brighton's popular coastline, sustainable attractions of this high-spec home include solar panels, rainwater harvesting and a green roof. Just as much attention has been paid to the luxurious interiors, from the integrated sound system to the custom kitchen – kitted out with granite surfaces and top-of-the-range appliances – which leads to a balcony with sea views.
With the picturesque Bride Valley, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, as its backdrop, this home both reflects and respects its rural surrounds. Sustainability was a key consideration during its build, with many of its features reclaimed or recycled. Meanwhile, triple glazing, solar panels and thorough insulation means it has gained a coveted A-rating for efficiency, with the added benefit of being low-cost to run.
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