Smart, stylish and ultra eco-friendly, these two new homes in York are well worth a look, says Brian Page.

“I have something really interesting for you to have a look at,” Ben Hudson announced over the phone. “A pair of really nice houses – and with some very special eco-friendly, energy-saving features.”

Now, Ben, Of Hudson Moody, is not always given to over-effusive comments and when he says something is interesting then it usually is… And so it proved when we picked up the details for this pair of newly built homes in York’s Fenwick Street (in the des-res Bishopthorpe Road area of town).

They have both been built to Level 3 Code for Sustainable Homes. None the wiser? Well, let us put that in plainer English… The innovations built into the houses include Nu-Heat underfloor heating on both lower and upper floors – meaning lower fuel bills as underfloor pipes can heat the home at lower water temperatures than those needed for traditional central heating radiators (and cuts down on dust, apparently).

Energy-efficient lighting has been fitted throughout the house and high insulation levels and laminated glass lead to improved thermal efficiency (warmer for longer and at less cost, I think that means).

Ultra-modern water flow controls will further cut costs and water wastage – and Green types will be delighted by the low carbon emission ratings on both houses.

We could go on about the other eco-friendly design features but we think you get the picture – and by now you will be wondering what the houses themselves are like.

Well, let’s start with Number 22 where you have an entrance hall and downstairs cloakroom, a large dining kitchen and a further sitting room/dining area (lots of well-lit open space). From the first floor landing you have north-facing views towards York Minster. Off the landing there is an interesting first bedroom with a range of Velux roof windows and an en-suite shower room. The second bedroom (with three windows to the front) also has a very smart en-suite bathroom). Now, here are a couple of lovely little extras… There is a south-west facing courtyard garden to the back, with high walls giving you plenty of privacy – and there is an integral garage.

The guide price is £230,000.

Now let’s pop next door to Number 24. Here there is a similar ground floor layout with a dining kitchen and living area with a range of fitted wall and floor units with laminated oak work surfaces and a built-in range of appliances including electric oven, halogen hob, dishwasher and fridge-freezer (all with the top eco-ratings, obviously).

There is a further sitting room and dining area with French double doors leading out to a rear south-west facing courtyard (again very private).

Upstairs there are two big double bedrooms (17ft and 18ft in length, to give you an idea of size) and a house bathroom. Again, there is an integral garage with electronically-operated doors and a cycle store. Again, the guide price is £230,000.

So, if smart, eco-friendly homes in a good spot at a good price appeals then you should get in touch with Hudson Moody. Telephone the Nunnery Lane office on 01904 677776.