Green and pleasant

Luxury home is already equipped to face the future, writes Paul Drury

Glasgow will step onto the world stage later this month when the city hosts the United Nations CoP26 conference, which will consider the way people engage with the planet and how best to tackle climate change.

within comfortable commuting distance of the summit venue is Hillcrest, a ‘futureproofed’ house that comes fully clad in environmentally friendly credentials.

Not for this owner the fear that the gas boiler could be ripped out in a few years’ time in order to meet emissions targets.

and the luxury five-bedroom detached property on the outskirts of the city clearly demonstrates that when it comes to ‘eco’ homes, you don’t need to fit a grass carpet to the roof.

Property developer Brian Mcardle drew on his professional experience when it came to designing a top-of-the-range home of his own in Carmunnock, the last village within the city limits.

so instead of a gas boiler, Mr Mcardle installed an air source heat pump.

They might be expensive at the outset but can more than make up for the initial investment through lower fuel bills in the long term.

The green lobby will no doubt approve of this choice of heating, plus the double glazing and 13 solar roof panels which come with a battery to help store most of the energy.

Mr Mcardle enjoys a good view of glasgow, thanks to Hillcrest’s enviable position on the northern flanks of the ancient village.

The large lounge is double-height and fitted with a range of Velux windows, with French doors opening out to the garden.

any Bake off fan would be in their element in the kitchen, equipped with state-of-the-art studioline appliances from german manufacturer siemens.

They include an induction hob, twin electric ovens, a steam oven, microwave, dishwasher, wine cooler and tall fridge-freezer.

Interestingly, there is also a teppanyaki grill with two downdraft fans for keen cooks who enjoy Japanese cuisine.

The master bedroom is served by a dressing room and a statement en suite bathroom with curved glazed wall and large Jacuzzi bath.

and there’s even a cinema room for watching the latest David attenborough films.

‘I just wanted to create a fantastic home,’ said Mr Mcardle. ‘I know the kitchen can be quite a dramatic space, so I fitted it with mood lighting which can change colour depending on how you feel or the time of day.

‘The environmentally-friendly approach doesn’t just make sense from a green perspective – it makes financial sense, too.’

To cement your eco credentials, take a short cycle ride to nearby Cathkin Braes, which was used as the mountain bike competition trail for the 2014 Commonwealth games.

There are four colours of circuit you can take, depending on the degree of difficulty you believe you can tackle.

living in this house, we suggest you take the green Circuit.

Offers over £750,000 to Holly on 0800 074 8585 or info@ mqestateagents.co.uk