Families living in The Meadows have shared how they have halved their heating bills and live a 'perfect life' in swanky modern houses. Tucked away in the old part of The Meadows, and surrounded by Victorian terraced houses, people have revealed their secret to living a happy life from their new-built, eco homes.
The development, on the corner of Wilford Crescent West and Hobart Close, was built by the housing developer Blueprint. It comprises 24 new homes and 10 art deco apartments which have been built to meet low energy and sustainability standards.
Ash Vipat, who works in the construction business and also lives at one of the properties, said he was "very wise" for moving into one of the houses. The 32-year-old added: "I work in construction, I know what I am talking about. I have a friend who lives in a property of a similar size and I pay half of what he is paying when it comes to heating.
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"In this economic climate, this is such a massive help. I am in this business and I can see the details that make the difference. The windows are triple-glazed and the it has really good insulation. You barely need any heating. We save a lot of money."
He said he was renting a flat in the area and could not resist to put an offer on the house when he saw it on the market. "I think I am very wise, to be honest. I know there is that stigma around eco-houses - but you save a lot of money."
Sarah Walker, a mum-of-one, said the house was 'perfect' for her family. The 32-year-old moved into the property back in January 2020, just before the pandemic hit.
She said: "We like living in The Meadows, and the prices are better than across the river. There is a park nearby, The Embankment is close as well - and my daughter likes to play with the ducks."
The development is located at just a walking distance from the nearest tram stop and, once aboard, just a few minutes away from the city centre. With the Victoria Embankment just a stone's throw away, neighbours benefit from a wonderful scenery, which is also accessible to shops.
Mrs Walker said: "There are quite a lot of families in the area, too. And we also have our own parking space a well." She added that, while she pays more for electricity than where she lived before, she saves more money when it comes to gas and heating. "We do not put the heating on between April and September," she added.
Emily Hallam, a charity worker who also lives at one o the properties, added: "I am saving on bills, but I also feel better because I am helping the environment. Living here is amazing." The 31-year-old added: "It is very warm in the winter. We barely turn the radiator on. We just shut the windows and it gets warm."
