At the end of July, Milica Kitson, Emma Thomas and Ed Evans, CEWales visited Great House Farm near St Fagans to see a private housing development that is achieving a high standard in energy efficient, sustainable homes.

LivEco, who specialise in building sustainable eco houses, are erecting eight new properties and renovating the existing farm house at the Great House Farm development, which is one of the last remaining protected areas of open countryside on the edge of Cardiff. It will be one of the first of a new generation of homes, created specifically for people who want to take advantage of new technologies and who want to live with the minimum possible carbon footprint.

Adjacent to the listed medival farmstead that is being lovingly restored, the new houses are designed around the old village pond amongst the remaining historic field system.

Views out from the site are extensive and are limited only by mature woodland along the skyline.

At the same time, home owners at Great House Farm will benefit from all the amenities available in a Capital City, accessible by local cycleways and public transport. Shops are close by, as is the beautiful village of St Fagans, well known for its atmospheric country pub and restuarants.

Sustainability is central to the concept behind the development. Buying into the concept will will open up a full range of energy (and planet!) saving features, including solar hot water heating, photo voltaic energy, and an electric car charging facility.

State of the art building techniques will guarantee minimal energy and water usage, making investment in Great House Farm not just a great place to live, but also, by insulating owners from continually rising fuel bills, a hedge against the future.

To find out more about the development, view the brochure here.

CEW will be organising a visit to the development in the autumn, look out for details over the next few weeks.