Snooping around: Eco homes

Property of the week: Sheffield Park House, East Sussex. This £425,000 chunk of stately living was remodelled by James Wyatt and the grounds laid out by Capability Brown. The two receptions and two bedrooms are gracefully proportioned, and there are beams upstairs. When residents tire of their 30 acres they can drift through a private gate on to the National Trust-owned portion of the estate. Beware the huge service charge - more than £2,500 for six months.
Humberts, 01342 326326 Photograph: Humberts/Humberts

Take three: eco homes. This open-plan four bedder near Totnes, Devon, grew from its surroundings and won an eco award. The straw bales that clad the (locally sourced) timber frame were donated by a local farmer, the insulation shorn from local sheep, and the floorboards are from a nearby chapel. For £690,000 you get a study, a pantry, a utility room, a cloakroom and two bath/shower rooms. The four-car parking somewhat undermines its eco credentials.
Marchand Petit, 01803 847979 Photograph: Marchand Petit/Marchand Petit

Take three: eco homes. Once Imperial Tobacco’s HQ, this is now a series of one and two-bed apartments overlooking a fishing lake in 10 acres near Bristol. A ground source pump supplies hot water and underfloor heating, and surplus heat is recycled. The roof is sedum clad, appliances are low-energy rated and the kitchens have recycling bins. Residents share a pool of electric cars. Prices start at £105,000, but you’ll have to buy off-plan.
Knight Frank, 0117 917 4997 Photograph: Knight Frank/Knight Frank

Take three: eco homes. Eco chic is the aim of these three- to five-bed flats at Ecostessey Park, Norwich. The gizmos justify smugness: rainwater harvesting, individually programmed radiators, solar panels, water regulators on all taps, kitchen waste compacters and electricity from a local wind farm. Reserve now and the developer will pay your energy bills for five years. Space isn’t great: the bedrooms are a bit of a squeeze. Prices are from £249,950.
Savills, 01603 229258 Photograph: Savills/Savills