Three of the best eco-friendly homes for sale in Scotland now

A desirable eco-home can be found in almost every price range, and here are our top three for sale now.

The majority of people consider the environmentally sustainable performance of a building important when choosing a new home, according to a recent survey by BLP Insurance.

Energy-efficient heating and hot water systems are a top priority when choosing a new home, followed by double glazing and solar panels.

But when it comes to eco-credentials, there is a huge range of property described as environmentally-friendly, with some going a lot further than others to keep bills down and be sustainable.

Picture: Bidwells

Blackhouse Estate, near Selkirk, is a wonderfully secluded residential forestry estate with high conservation and amenity interest, located in a glen amongst the Tweedsmuir Hills.

Four miles off the main road, it is a completely off-grid hideaway in the Scottish Borders and very much a lifestyle purchase.

Picture: Bidwells

With no mains electricity, the property runs on hydro and solar power and a biomass heating system, which together meet all the house’s energy needs, plus provides a source of income.

Picture: Bidwells

At the centre of the 1,600 acres of woodland, pasture and hill grazing is Muttonhall, a former croft house which has been renovated and extended to create a first-class family house, finished to an extremely high standard.

Picture: Bidwells

The house has five bedrooms, four of which are ensuite, and three public rooms including a large dining kitchen at its heart.

Picture: Bidwells

Muttonhall has received an outstanding Grade A energy performance certificate rating with an extremely rare 100 per cent score.

Picture: Strutt and Parker

Luachran, North Erradale by Gairloch, in Ross-shire is a beautifully situated architect-designed eco-home in an outstanding location.

It is close to the coastline and has magnificent views over the Western Isles and Torridons.

Picture: Strutt and Parker

Completed in 2006, the accommodation has a contemporary design and provides bright and airy living space over two levels.

Picture: Strutt and Parker

In recent years the owners have replaced the electric heating system with an air source heat pump which qualifies for the Feed-in Tariffs and a Renewable Heat Incentive.

Picture: Strutt and Parker

The house has three bedrooms and two public rooms, a sauna and cinema room. Extensive decking takes advantage of the far-reaching views.

It has solar panels and a converted polytunnel makes for a unique party room.

Picture: Strutt and Parker

The half acre of garden includes planning permission for an additional one-bedroomed house for guest accommodation, letting purposes or a fabulous studio workshop.

Picture: Rowallan Castle

For those who want a brand new green home, a development of 66 custom-build eco-houses is planned for Rowallan Castle Estate in Ayrshire.

Partnering with Cherish Homes, the estate will feature contemporary custom-build houses chosen and tailored by their owners.

They will feature superb thermal insulation, triple-glazed windows and mechanical ventilation with heat recovery as a standard, with additional options including ground-source or air-source heat pumps.

Picture: Rowallan Castle

Construction is anticipated to start in October with an open day for buyers planned for 1 September at the castle.

At a glance

Picture: Bidwells

Where is it: Blackhouse Forest Estate, Yarrow Valley, Scottish Borders.What is it: Described as the ultimate off-grid residential and forestry estate, Blackhouse has 1,600 acres of commercial forestry resources and considerable sporting potential, plus a spectacular eco-home at its heart.Good points: With no mains services, the energy needs are met by hydro, solar and biomass power and heating, which also earn income. Valuable timber and sporting opportunities.Bad points: It comes with a lot of land to be managed, so is definitely a lifestyle purchase.Price: Offers over £1.795m.Contact: Bidwells on 01738 230152, or Knight Frank on 0131 222 9600.

Picture: Strutt and Parker

Where is it: Luachran, North Erradale, Gairloch, Ross-shire.What is it: A three-bedroomed architect-designed house in a spectacular coastal location.Good points: A beautiful house with with low running costs and a ground source heat pump. Planning permission for a one-bedroomed house in the grounds.Bad points: The location is remote.Price: Offers over £360,000.Contact: Strutt & Parker on 01463 723599.

Picture: Rowallan Castle

Where is it: Rowallan Castle Estate, near Kilmarnock, East Ayrshire.What is it: The opportunity to custom-build an eco-home with high thermal insulation, triple glazed windows and a heat recovery system.Good points: An easier route to self-build than going it alone.Bad points: Some environmental upgrades will cost extra, such as ground source or air source heat pumps.Price: From £340,000.Contact: www.rowallancastleestate.co.uk