| Sustainability and eco-friendliness are top concerns for an increasing number of holiday home buyers, according to leading Spanish home builder Taylor Wimpey España. With this in mind, the firm is showcasing three different takes on building second homes sustainably, in the Costa del Sol, Mallorca and Costa Blanca. Sales and Marketing Director Marc Pritchard explains: “There are concepts which apply as standard when building homes sustainably, such as choosing natural materials and prioritising goods from local sources. It’s also important to understand the context of each site and how best to harness natural energy sources. Using aerothermal energy systems, for example, can extract up to 75% of energy from outside air, which can then be used to heat homes. That can deliver significant energy and cost savings for second home buyers.” |
Aerothermal energy systems are used as standard in Taylor Wimpey España’s energy certificate A-rated homes. Given that half of Europe’s energy consumption relates to heating and cooling buildings, the switch to aerothermal heating can make a significant difference. Other features resulting in energy savings across Taylor Wimpey España’s most sustainable homes include thermal insulation of exterior walls, rooves and windows and the provision of LED lighting, double glazing and low-consumption appliances. Properties also include pre-installation for charging electric vehicles. Other benefits are site-specific. Breeze, in Balcón de Finestrat in Alicante, for example, is well located for accessing the local public transport network, which includes bus, train and tram routes, providing homebuyers with a range of alternatives to using cars. “We often think about energy efficiency and natural materials in terms of reducing properties’ impact on the planet. However, there are other benefits too. More energy efficient properties can save owners money on their gas and electricity bills. Internal air quality can benefit too, which can deliver wellbeing benefits for owners. As more and more buyers focus on sustainable homes, these types of properties are also likely to hold their value more than older, less eco-friendly buildings.” Marc Pritchard, Sales and Marketing Director, Taylor Wimpey España |
Taylor Wimpey España’s detached homes at Las Villas de Dalt de Sa Rapita in Mallorca showcase all of this in action. Particularly popular with British buyers, the three-bedroom, three-bathroom villas provide spacious accommodation with large terraces and private gardens and pools. The local area provides a variety of restaurants overlooking the sea, a promenade for strolling along the beach at Sa Rapita and bucolic spots to delight in the magical sunsets over the Mediterranean Sea. Keen cyclists are also well served by the villas, which are priced from €740,000 plus VAT, with Sa Rapita providing an excellent starting point for various exploratory routes across the island. The villas hold an energy certification of A, thanks to their aerothermal heating, double glazing, LED lighting and numerous other sustainability-focused features. |
Also A-rated as a result of these features, along with water- and energy-saving measures in communal areas, are the apartments of Almazara Hills, near Istán in the Costa del Sol. Surrounded by ancient olive trees and on the doorstep of the stunning La Concepción Reservoir and Sierra de las Nieves Natural Park (a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve), the homes provide easy access to nearly a dozen hiking trails and six mountain bike routes. Other activities available in the area include fishing, canoeing, climbing and canyoning, while visitors to the reservoir, where motorboats are banned, have a chance to spot the Costa del Sol’s rare and elusive otters. Homes at Almazara Hills are priced from €355,000 plus VAT. Apartments come with two or three bedrooms, while a select number of three-bedroom penthouses are also available. The properties face southeast, with unrestricted views as far as Marbella Bay and Gibraltar. All homes come with large terraces, with solariums for the penthouses. In addition to a communal pool and landscaped gardens packed with autochthonous plants, the development features rural pathways through the surrounding forest areas, enabling homeowners to relax and unwind in tune with nature. For more information, please contact Taylor Wimpey España on 08000 121 020 or visit https://www.taylorwimpeyspain.com/. If you reside outside of the UK, you will need to call 00 34 971 706 972. |
