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.
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 Digital Commissioning Editor of Country Life. He writes about motoring, travel and things that upset him. He lives in London. He wants to publish good stories, so you should email him.
-
'One of the finest houses in Cheshire' blends Georgian architecture, modern exoticism and space to park your helicopter
Penny Churchill looks inside Stretton Hall, an exceptional house for sale
By Penny Churchill Published
-
Marilyn, maraschino cherries and classic movie musicals await you in Country Life's Quiz of the Day, August 29, 2025
Friday's quiz puts your cocktail knowledge to the test.
By Country Life Published
-
'One of the finest houses in Cheshire' blends Georgian architecture, modern exoticism and space to park your helicopter
Penny Churchill looks inside Stretton Hall, an exceptional house for sale
By Penny Churchill Published
-
Splendid isolation at four gorgeous properties for sale around the world
For those craving a home that offers a true escape from the world, some wonderful properties are on the market right now. Here's our pick of some of the finest — ideal for nature lovers, those in search of tranquility and Bond villains alike.
By Toby Keel Published
-
The market for super-prime houses in England's biggest millionaire's playground is booming — and this £10m example is one of the best
Whirley Hall is a 17th century building that's a perfect example of how 21st century updates can transform an old home almost beyond recognition.
By Penny Churchill Published
-
If I had to spend the rest of my life living underground, I would do it in this four-bedroom house for sale in the Peak District
The aptly named Underhill is a 'a work of inhabitable art' that was built in the 1970s. And there's a swimming pool in the middle of it.
By James Fisher Published
-
A micro estate for sale in west Wales shows that the best things come in small packages. In this case, three of them
Brithdir is a remarkable collection of properties centred around a lake and just five miles from the sea.
By James Fisher Published
-
This blissful converted mill has sweeping views, a breathtaking library and gardens by a Chelsea gold medallist
Penny Churchill takes a look at Stanbridge Mill, one of the finest properties for sale today in the west country.
By Penny Churchill Published
-
Portmore has it all: A 3,459-acre Scottish estate for sale, with a signature Baronial sandstone mansion at its heart
For sale for the first time in 40 years, Portmore Estate is everything you could ever want in Scotland.
By Penny Churchill Published
-
Location, community and charm: the enduring desirability of London's mews houses
From birds, to horses, to beautiful family homes, the mews of London are some of the nation's most sought-after homes. But why?
By James Fisher Published