We are noticing that our villa and apartment owners, particularly those with newer properties, are increasingly want to promote the fact that their homes have eco-friendly features. These range from energy efficient light bulbs and solar panels for electricity consumption, to environmentally friendly cleaning products, to the use of food and garden waste. As more horror stories emerge regarding the state of our planet, reducing the carbon footprint in our homes and finding alternative energy solutions, is becoming more and more important for home owners – and for environmentally aware holidaymakers as well.The properties listed below are just a few examples from our various destinations:
Villa Tatti, Tuscany – sleeps 14 – 22Situated in the Maremma region, near the Tuscan coast, this beautiful villa offers the perfect luxury retreat, with stunning views over its extensive estate, which produces natural wine and bio-dynamic olive oil. The impressive, original stone main building can sleep up to 14 people, with additionalu0026nbsp;accommodation available in a recently restored hayloft and barn. The large swimming pool is heated by solar panels, and there are two additional small pools, a wading pool and a full size Jacuzzi.As well as the vineyards and olive groves, the bio-dynamic holistic and sustainable approach, with use of organic and locally-sourced materials for fertilizing, are also used in the very pretty garden directly surrounding the villa. Solar powered sustainability also allows the property to create more energy than it uses every year.
Villa Arcadia, Paxos – sleeps 12 -14This beautiful villa with its magnificent sea views, is just a 7 minute drive north of the main town and port of Gaios. Its floor-to-ceiling windows offer uninterrupted views along the coast and the Ionian Sea, as well as the pine trees, cypress and olive groves which surround the property. The exceptional accommodation here is a combination of traditional stonework, and modern, spacious interiors featuring natural materials and abstract art pieces throughout. Moreover, the property offers an infinity swimming pool, floodlit tennis court and a gym.Eco-friendly features here include collecting water in tanks, and a solar power system for heating the water. The owners are in the process of getting permission for installing solar electric panels, and have an electric buggy for those wanting to drive the 100m down to the steps to the beach. The resident chef includes sustainably caught fish on the menu.
Villa Super Cannes – sleeps 6 – 10In a quiet and peaceful location, in the hills of Super Cannes, this outstanding villa is just a 15 minute drive from the glitz and glamour of the centre of Cannes. Surrounded by olive groves and eucalyptus trees, the villa offers stunning views and exceptional accommodation. Extra luxuries offered here include a fully equipped gym, spa, hamman, wine cellar, a cinema, and a heated swimming pool.It also boasts many eco-friendly features, including a power monitoring system to reduce electricity consumption, low-slow eco shower heads in all bathrooms, environmentally friendly cleaning products and recycling of food and garden waste. The property is also in the process of replacing plants with drought-resistant indigenous species.
Via Bellosguardo, Florence -sleeps 6 – 8There are many reasons why this beautiful property makes a wonderful base for a holiday in Florence.u0026nbsp;Situated on a hillside with stunning views over the city, it is quiet and very private, yet just a 15 minute walk from the Ponte Vecchio and River Arno.As well as offering the perfect retreat after a busy day after walking the streets of Florence, the owners have also ensured that the villa has many eco-friendly feature.u0026nbsp;Committed to recycling and reduced plastic consumption, guests can avoid buying bottled water, by using the property’s filtered system for drinkable tap water. The villa is also surrounded by an organic garden and orchard with no chemicals used.
Villa Royale, Cape Town – sleeps 12One of our most stunning Cape Town properties, this villa benefits from a spectacular Camps Bay location, with a backdrop of the Twelve Apostles mountain range, and wonderful views to the Atlantic Ocean to the front – and it is just a 5 minute walk down to the beach. The interiors have been designed to make the most of the natural light and unobstructed sea and mountain views, as well as guaranteeing a seamless flow between indoor and outdoor living. Other features include a large garden terrace with swimming pool, and an indoor koi pond.The villa has many eco-friendly aspects, including solar panels for electricity, large rain water catchment tanks and a filtration system for water supply, as well as installed flow restrictors in all showers. All waste is separated, with food waste being placed in bokashi bins and converted into nutrient-rich compost, and a worm farm is used to break down fruit and vegetable waste.
Villa Capalbio, Tuscany – sleeps 12Situated in the Maremma area of Tuscany, with beautiful countryside views, this villa is located just a 15 minute drive from the charming medieval town of Capalbio, and 10 minutes drive from the beach. Porto Ercole and Santo Stefano, on the Monte Argentario peninsula, are approximately 30 – 40 minutes drive.u0026nbsp;With a wonderful feeling of space, the interiors feature high ceilings, and the floor to ceiling windows at ground floor level open to terraces and wonderful outdoor spaces. There is a very large (20m) swimming pool on the lower level of the grounds.The villa is designed to be eco-friendly, with photovoltaic and solar panels, converting sunlight into electricity.
Villa Gaiole in Chianti, Tuscany – sleeps 10With a history dating back 500 years this traditional villa has many period features including thick stone walls, a central courtyard design, and a strategic hill top position. It is in a wonderful location for exploring Tuscany being just 15 kms from Siena and 40 kms from Florence. The house is surrounded by mature secluded gardens, filled with vines, olive and cypress trees, and local herbs, as well as a having a swimming pool, which can be gated for the safety of young children.The many eco-friendly features here include solar panels to heat water, underfloor heating fuelled by wood, and water from the property’s fresh water well which is softened, sterilised, and suitable for consumption. Garden irrigation is provided by collected rainfall water and guests are encouraged to recycle as much as possible.