Blue Property is out to turn old steadings green

By Heather Rose
Posted: 2008/08/12

THE doors have opened on a new residential development in Scotland which could reduce household bills for occupants by as much as 50 per cent.

Called Lindifferon Court, it is situated at Ladybank, close to Letham in Fife, and is the debut project from Blue Property, an Edinburgh-based company whose aim is to use green building techniques and state-of-the-art technology to produce eco-friendly homes.

This Fife project has been designed by architects Roxburgh McEwan, and as well as helping purchasers reduce their carbon footprint, each home features cutting-edge design.
What makes this development so notable is the fact it is the outcome of a skilfully planned steadings conversion carefully designed so that old and new marry perfectly together.

The high energy efficiency of these properties is achieved by the use of high-specification glazing, super insulation and ground source heat pumps that make use of ground heat for underfloor heating within the homes.

This, explain the builders, ensures the homes can generate and retain as much heat as possible, so ensuring running costs are as low as possible.

A galleried entrance hall is likely to be the first aspect to capture attention within these homes. This area leads into the living space, which has the added home comfort of a wood-burning stove.

An open plan kitchen and dining area will almost certainly become the hub of the home for future owners, especially as this area also has doors which lead out to the back garden.

The luxurious master bedroom is upstairs and, as you would expect in a new home today, it has the added plus of en suite shower facilities.

In two of the homes at Lindifferon Court there is the extra benefit of an adjoining dressing room. Traditional features are to be found, too.

There are exposed timber beams and original arched entrances that are now large windows which help the homes to be as bright as possible. Doubleheight ceilings are also in evidence.

Gary Goldsack, director of Blue Property, said: "Lindifferon Court is a fantastic opportunity for homebuyers wanting to lead an environmentally friendly lifestyle with all the benefits of modern-day living and we would urge any interested parties to visit the development to experience this for themselves.

"As well as significantly reducing your carbon footprint, owning a home at Lindifferon Court will ensure that household bills are significantly reduced due to the properties' high level of energy efficiency."

In a setting that is well placed for access to the central belt as well as motorways heading north and south, prices for the homes at Lindifferon Court start at £335,000.

Adding to the appeal of these homes the builders say buyers will be eligible to receive an Energy Saving Trust grant of £4,000 to improve the energy efficiency of the properties.

Subject to planning, future owners could also have wind turbines or solar heating panels installed.

As Blue Property state on their website, their aim is to develop homes that are part of the solution to, not the problem of, climate change.

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