Nestled within the former grounds of the Grade II listed house Lower Hardwick in Chepstow, there's a new eco home emerging from the land.
The two-storey property is a uniquely designed high end, contemporary home that's being built into the garden's slope.
Property developer Adam Veres from Kardinale Homes Ltd explains: "In two months time we start constructing this home that is a bespoke design. From the front it looks like a single storey dwelling but actually around the back it drops into the land to create a two-storey home.
"We decided we wanted to build something different plus the planners are sympathetic for an eco, sustainable new build; there aren't many bespoke ones in the area."
Adam, originally from Newport, says the home is run on a 100% airtight system that includes poured concrete wrapped in insulation either side to provide maximum energy efficiency.
Combined with a high-rated energy efficient boiler and a seamless glass system, the home runs with a low carbon footprint.
Adam adds: "The living roof is sedum and is not only part of the eco credentials of the home assisting with the insulation but also blends into conservation area landscape.
"You can't see the home as you come down the main hill in Chepstow and that's why there are no solar panels on the roof; because of its location."
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The outside of the house will be clad in cedarwood with feature stone walls.
Adam explains: "The stones we are using are actually reclaimed stone from the actual site, from walls or dug out of the ground."
Inside, the property is going to be as contemporary as it looks on the outside.
On the lower ground floor the impressive double-height lounge and next door open-plan kitchen diner will have huge floor to ceiling windows and doors that open out onto the private rear garden.
Upstairs, on the ground floor, there will be four double bedrooms, two of which will have ensuites and three of which will have views over the garden and the Chepstow roof-tops beyond.
The choices of finishes will reflect the home's luxury and contemporary feel, including a bespoke, hand-built kitchen, underfloor heating, marble tiles, solid internal doors and bespoke windows.
The home will have its own private, gated access and be a totally unique property proposition for a new owner wanting to combine an energy efficient home with a highly contemporary style.
But if an eco home is not quite what you're after, there are other options on this site as this eco gem is one of four modern homes being built at this locaton.
But the three neighbours of the eco home are a totally different house offering, with not a single blade of grass on their roofs to be seen.
Adam explains: "These neighbouring homes as part of our Little Hervells development, and are in a Georgian style.
"They are built within the former grounds of the listed building Lower Hardwick. We bought the land and as they are next to the historic house we felt the design of these homes should reflect their location more historic location."
And the planning department obviouly agreed as the homes gained consent and are now nearing completion.
Adam says: "Plot two is finished and is now the show home, with plot one and three either side of it now being built. We will start constructing the eco house next door in about two months time."
The site of these four bespoke new homes is located in the heart of the popular and historic town of Chepstow , easily walkable to the main street and castle.
With the demise of the tolls on the Severn bridges, this area looks likely to become increasingly popular with commuters from Bristol looking to secure more property for their pound this side of the river, so Little Hervells could be enticing house hunters from across the border very soon.
The site comprises of one substantial four storey, five bedroom detached home that comes complete with a lift, a gym in the basement and an impressive indoor swimming lane pool.
Next door are two semi-detached five bedroom homes, both continuing the luxury standard of facilities and finish which includes handmade double glazed windows, solid panelled doors and a bespoke, wide front door.
The high end fixtures and fittings match those found in the eco home including LED low vault lighting and USB and CAT7 Ethernet ports, but also touches of interior design that connects the houses back to the historic site. These include Georgian style sash windows, architraves, deep skirting and staircase hardwood handrails and spindles.
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The period neighbour, Lower Hardwick, is described by bristishlistedbuildings.co.uk as a small, late Georgian mansion built in 1813.
Over 100 years old, the mansion now has some stylish new 'future proof' neighbours that are constructed to be lived in and enjoyed for the next 100 years.
The four bed eco house is on the market for £650,000, the five bedroom detached home is for sale for offers over £900,000, and the two five bed semi-detached homes are for sale for £725,000.
For further information, call the Chepstow branch of Peter Alan on 01291 630876.
