Eco houses help buyers chill out

By Heather Rose
Posted: 2008/09/26

WHILE the thought of forthcoming fuel bills is already sending a shiver down the spine of many people as winter looms, a select number of Scots homebuyers will soon be looking to a future of

Those purchasing at the two newest developments to be announced by Edinburgh-based Blue Property are expected to benefit by saving up to 70 per cent on the cost of their heating bills. In financial terms that adds up to £1,500 a year.

And, point out the builders, the financial rewards will be even greater.

Purchasers will be eligible for a grant of up to £4,000 from the Energy Saving Trust because the homes at these two developments are being built with improved energy efficiency standards.

A further saving is possible when it comes to the mortgage. Buyers can qualify for a one per cent mortgage discount from the Ecology Building Society. The developments providing these financial attractions are Blue Sky at Carnbroe in Coatbridge and Blue Sky at Taynuilt in Argyll.

What makes these projects so notable is the fact the properties are the first, explain the builders, to meet their energy efficient Bluehaus standards, which are based on the principles of the German Passivhaus standard, relating to insulation, airtightness, solar gain and heat recovery.

Gary Goldsack, director with Blue Property, said: "The properties at both of our Blue Sky developments are ideally suited to families, and will also appeal to homebuyers wanting to reduce their carbon footprint whilst still enjoying the benefits of a comfortable modern lifestyle.

"We firmly believe that it is the responsibility of both housebuilders and buyers to recognise that reducing our carbon footprint is essential to securing a sustainable and secure future for the generations to come."

The Blue Sky at Carnbroe development is introducing 21 homes to the market with prices starting at £149,995. Featuring a mix of threeand four-bedroom detacheds, and three-bedroom semi-detached and terraced houses, the homes blend classic and modern themes.

Exteriors have wood panelling, white walls, black slate roofing and solar panels. Interiors are very much in step with modern living with fitted kitchens, open-plan living areas, good-sized bedrooms and bespoke bathrooms.

Flexible layouts are key at the Blue Sky at Taynuilt development, where the build programme is producing five houses, all fourbedroom properties.

Prices start at £249,995.


Well placed for access to Oban and with the plus of being amid glorious scenery and near beaches, interior layouts of these houses have open-plan kitchen and family rooms on the lower ground floor along with a separate utility room.

Bedrooms create the versatility factor as two have been designed in such a way that they could be used as a study or TV room.

Blue Property recently completed Lindifferon Court in Fife, the conversion of a B-listed steading creating energy efficient homes complete with highperformance insulation, glazing and ground source heat pumps.

INFORMATION: 01738 788199:
www. blue-property. co. uk