Three very 21st century eco-homes in the country which blend nature, modern technology and quirky charm
The state of the art in modern, eco-friendly houses is taking how we live in all sorts of new directions. James Fisher picks out three properties for sale which show just what is possible.

Nottinghamshire — £1.975 million
Conceived from the outset to be modern, sustainable and environmentally friendly, the award-winning Belvoir Vue in Granby is a conservationist’s dream. The four-bedroom home, which was completed as recently as 2018, offers comfortable and contemporary living in an open-plan style in some four acres of gardens and grounds.
On the sustainability side, the property uses its large windows to collect and store heat in the winter months and the walls and roof are fully insulated.
The property is not connected to a gas network and, instead, relies on air-source heat pumps, as well as solar panels and a 21kw wood burner. Finally, grey water is collected and stored in a 6,000-litre rainwater tank.
For sale with Savills. See more pictures and details about this property.
Oxfordshire — £3 million
Beechwood House near Henley-on-Thames is a perfect example of how a modern house (both in style and age) can blend seamlessly with a landscape. Designed by Spratley Studios and completed in 2013, the five-bedroom home sits in beautifully landscaped gardens, with a mix of wildflower beds, terraces and native trees.
Inside, the property is set to an open plan and large floor-to-ceiling windows offer beautiful views of the landscape beyond.
Beechwood House has an energy efficiency rating of A and is kitted out with all the latest environmental technology, such as solar panels, air-source heat pumps, a heat-recovery system and a rainwater-harvesting system.
Sign up for the Country Life Newsletter
Exquisite houses, the beauty of Nature, and how to get the most from your life, straight to your inbox.
For sale with Hamptons International . See more pictures and details about this property.
Devon — £3.95 million
Built by Baufritz in 2016, The Lookout is a terrific ‘eco-home’ on an elevated position in the East Devon AONB, with immense views over Uplyme, Lyme Regis and all the way to the sea at Lyme Bay.
The property offers seven bedrooms and some 5,000sq ft of living space, as well as 58 acres of land, including private woodland managed by the Forestry Commission, and a heated outdoor swimming pool and a hot tub.
The Lookout is a Passive House, utilising ‘eco-walls’, solid concrete floors and ventilation to prevent heat loss.
For sale with Knight Frank. See more pictures and details about this property.
Credit: Wickhams, Sussex
A country house in Sussex that comes close to offering true self-sufficiency
We tend to think of country houses as beautiful places, not eco-friendly homes which could set the blueprint for the
The Chichester Harbour AONB, a slice of Sussex where nature, beauty and history come together
Rosie Paterson takes in the all-too-often overlooked Chichester Harbour.
James Fisher is the Deputy Digital Editor of Country Life. He writes about property, travel, motoring and things that upset him. He lives in London
-
Classical style meets fun and flair in a seven-bedroom manor in Cornwall
At Polstrong Manor, the current owners have combined period charm and elegant modern interiors to create a flamboyant country home 10-minutes from the beach.
By James Fisher Published
-
Two halves make a sublime four-bedroom home in Kent's North Downs
A contemporary extension to a traditional clapboard house brings light and life to Lavington House.
By James Fisher Published
-
The week in property statistics: Service charges reach record high
Plus, how first-time buyers prop up the mortgage market, why you need to move north if you want to live by yourself, and house-price growth slows
By Annabel Dixon Published
-
A seven-bedroom oast house for sale in East Sussex, where your dreams can run riot
Unlisted, yet full of character, this property in the High Weald National Landscape is an eccentrically furnished family home that screams fun.
By James Fisher Published
-
Character, history and comfort combine in a four-bedroom farmhouse in Norfolk
Willow Farm near Southburgh is that rarest of things — a perfect combination of period charm and modern elegance in some of England's best countryside.
By James Fisher Published
-
A Grade I-listed Georgian townhouse that's part of the fabric of Bath's history
With 5,500sq ft set over six floors in the centre of Britain's most architecturally rich city, there is much to love here.
By James Fisher Published
-
17 delightful homes for sale, as seen in Country Life
Our round-up of some of the best houses to come to the market via Country Life this week includes a wonderful Cotswolds home and a happily affordable cottage in the West Country.
By Toby Keel Published
-
'This is the most money you'll spend on anything ever': The things that really matter when buying your first home in London
It’s easy to dream of what the ideal first-home in London might be, but when the cost of living in the capital is this expensive, being near a Gail's isn't as important as you think it is.
By James Fisher Published