New eco homes cut energy bills in Essex
The ‘green’ features offered by Countryside Properties at their development at The Thatchams in Priors Green, Takeley, Essex could help to dramatically reduce energy bills for buyers. According to a report by the NHBC Foundation and Zero Carbon Hub , a new four bedroom detached home could be 55% cheaper to run, saving home-owners over £1,300 a year in gas and electricity costs.
Comparing the indicative energy consumption of today’s ‘upgraded’ Victorian homes against new homes built to 2010 requirements, the report concludes that fuel savings of up to 55% for a four bedroom detached new home could be made.
Andrew Day, Head of Architecture, Design and Sustainability at Countryside Properties comments: “The houses at The Thatchams have all been designed to reflect the historic landscape and traditional architecture of the local area. Despite the conventional styling, they have been constructed using the most up to date building methods and are highly energy and water efficient. On average a Countryside Properties home is 6.5 times more energy efficient than one built just 30 years ago.”
The Chamberlain housetype at The Thatchams is a three storey, four bedroom detached house boasting excellent green credentials. Over 75% of the lighting in the property uses low energy fittings, which consume up to 80% less electricity than standard light fittings.
The photovoltaic roof panels create electricity to run the appliances and lighting, whilst the solar water heating systems provide around a third of the home’s hot water needs, helping to reduce bills. Water use is also reduced through the installation of dual flush toilet systems which save up to nine litres of water on a single flush, adding up to thousands of litres per toilet each year.
Offering 1,847 sq ft of living space, the Chamberlain is a spacious family home finished to a superb specification. On the ground floor the living room features doors onto the rear garden. The separate dining room offers a perfect space for entertaining friends, while the large kitchen/breakfast area makes an ideal family room. A cloakroom and utility room complete the downstairs accommodation.
On the first floor there are three bedrooms, one with en-suite facilities, and the family bathroom. But it is the stunning master suite on the second floor which will really take prospective purchasers’ breath away, with its large bedroom, dressing room with built-in wardrobes and en-suite bathroom with separate bath and double shower.
As with all homes at The Thatchams, The Chamberlain is finished to a luxury specification. Modern fitted kitchens feature a range of energy efficient integrated appliances and the floor is covered with ceramic tiling. Recycling bins are provided in kitchen to facilitate the re-use and conservation of raw materials.
The bathrooms feature white sanitary ware with walnut finish bath panels and chrome fittings. The eco-friendly theme is continued in the bathrooms where spray head taps use around 50% less water than conventional taps saving thousands of litres each year.
Outside there is a separate garage and private driveways are block paved. The rear garden features a patio area and is fully turfed. A water butt is provided for water conservation and a composter bin enables recycling and a reduction in waste sent to landfill sites.
The development is located in the picturesque village of Takeley, offering a combination of village living and the green open spaces of the Essex countryside. Perfect for growing families, Takeley has a new primary school and children’s nursery and is in the catchment area for two sought after secondary schools - King Edward IV Grammar and Chelmsford County High for Girls. A supermarket, independent shops and leisure facilities are a short distance away in Great Dunmow.
The development is well placed for travel further afield, with the M11 and Stansted Airport both minutes away. Takeley is also convenient for commuters with central London just under an hour away by train on the Stansted Express.
Prices start at £455,000 for the four bedroom detached Chamberlain housetype. For further sales information, visit countryside-properties.com. The Sales & Marketing Suite and show homes are open seven days a week from 10am until 5pm.
