When it comes to a luxury home, it is possible to enjoy all of the trappings of elegant living, while also keeping one’s house eco-friendly for the ultimate net zero home. Let’s take a look at some of the ways that you can make your home more sustainable. It is possible to achieve this goal without giving up any of the lifestyle perks that you are accustomed to!
1. Selecting Natural Materials
While many people might initially think of something out of a rural Little House on the Prairie setting when they first hear the words “log home,” the truth is that those interested in luxury properties are finding green eco friendly log homes meet and surpass their needs. While they can enjoy all of the perks of a luxury home, they simultaneously know that they are doing their part to reduce their carbon footprint. Selecting old growth timber for floors, frames and beams can give a home a depth and classic beauty. Oftentimes homes are even built right into rock formations, which can provide amazing insulation properties.
2. Selecting Eco-Friendly Products
No matter how much money you may have in the bank, it doesn’t make sense to pay the high costs that are associated with running a second or third home. Non-toxic spray insulation and high quality polyester batts can achieve tightness and prevent air leakage. Select washing machines, dishwasher and toilets models that reduce water consumption, LED lighting and low energy appliances. All of these eco-friendly changes will work together to dramatically reduce your home’s bills.
3. Integrate Your Home into a Natural Setting
One of the best states to build or buy an eco-friendly home is Colorado, which provides some of the best natural scenery in the country. Whether you choose Winter Park, Vail, Aspen or Beaver Creek, you will be close to world class attractions like skiing, snowshoeing and hiking. Many people don’t realize that these areas are quite sunny year-round. When a home is positioned towards the sun, you have the further advantage of making use of solar energy.
For example, offered to the market for the first time is the Eco Home at 119 Elk Meadows in Tabernash, which neighbors the resort town of Winter Park Colorado, one of the country’s top ski resorts. The home is selling at Luxury Absolute Auction – with No Reserve, October 25, 2012 by Supreme Auctions. Due to all the eco-features in this home, the operating costs are a fraction of what they would be. This remarkable property offers four huge master suites, a gourmet kitchen and massive dining room and great rooms that can fit 200 people for soirees. Plus, this home includes a $1 million+ custom entertainment cave.
Even though the Eco Home is nearly 15,000 square feet, its utilities are just $450 per month due to all of its eco-friendly features and capacity to be a net zero home. If you follow the proper guidelines in setting up a property that works in harmony with its natural surroundings, you can achieve similar cost savings. This is the ideal way to enjoy the good life, while benefitting our planet at the same time. As for the stunning property on Elk Meadows, near Winter Park, the area inspires visitors from around the world and rewards those lucky enough to call this home. Check out the property auction page and see for yourself.