Sustainability is a topic at the forefront of everyone’s minds currently. As a company, we know we’re not perfect – we work in an industry that contributes a vast amount of CO2 emissions. However, we also believe that travelling is something that can positively impact the world and the people in it, contributing to local economies and enriching cultural knowledge.
As part of our continuing sustainability efforts, we’ve been speaking to our owners to find out what steps they’re taking to better the planet. And, to help you make a more conscious choice when booking your next holiday, we’ve pulled together a list of the top 15 eco-friendly villas that stood out to us.
1. The Bee Barn, Kent
Sleeps: 6
Prices from: £40pppn
What makes them green: Designed with low-impact living in mind, this characterful pod is made entirely from sustainable materials! Among other eco-conscious features, it boasts a living green roof, smart air quality sensors, and infrared underfloor heating.
Other things we love: It’s deceptively spacious – not only are there 3 stunning bedrooms, but also 2 bathrooms, 2 decks and a communal living space.
2. Emley Woodhouse, Yorkshire
Sleeps: 14-17
Prices from: £53pppn
What makes them green: The owners of this Grade II property are dedicated to supporting local businesses in the community, while their sustainable gardening is green-fingered in more ways than one – all tree work is chipped for the flowerbeds, plants are home propagated, and they even make their own mulch.
Other things we love: The rural gardens are perfect for al fresco dining – ideally using homegrown herbs to whip up delicious dinners.
3. Villa Ciottolo, Puglia
Sleeps: 8-18
Prices from: £40pppn
What makes them green: This property has a certified organic farm where they produce their own olive oil – ideal for those who plan on drizzling the Italian delicacy over anything and everything! It also uses solar heating for the water and a renewable energy provider.
Other things we love: The panoramic terrace views are sure to make you feel relaxed from the moment you arrive at this secluded, tranquil location.
4. The Cobbler’s Cottage, Cotswolds
Sleeps: 6
Prices from: £45pppn
What makes them green: Offsetting their carbon emissions each year, the owners of this cottage are really committed to their sustainable efforts. They’ve also insulated the property, installed underfloor heating and purchased LED lighting among other efforts, so it’s therefore unsurprising that they were a gold award winner with Green Tourism UK.
Other things we love: The gorgeous countryside setting, original beamed ceilings and cosy fireplace will instantly make you feel at home.
5. Les Grands Crus, Burgundy
Sleeps: 8
Prices from: £63pppn
What makes them green: Energy-consumption reduction measures such as reversible air conditioning, dual flow flushes for water, double glazing, and LED lighting installations all work to boost this home’s sustainability status. The owners have also adopted a simple-to-use recycling system and sustainable procurement policy for household items such as cleaning products.
Other things we love: Formerly a wine-press and winemaker’s house, this charming townhouse still boasts an enviable proximity to the most famous Burgundy wineries.
6. Villa Nebbiosa, Umbria
Sleeps: 10
Prices from: £40pppn
What makes them green: Through the use of solar panels, this property not only generates enough power to cover all the electricity demands of the villa, but they also create enough to sell power back to the grid, meaning it has a very low carbon footprint.
Other things we love: The infinity-style outdoor pool, loggia terrace, olive grove and small vineyard in the gardens make this the perfect pick for spending all your time outside.
7. Supernova, Sussex
Sleeps: 10
Prices from: £142pppn
What makes them green: This magnificent home comprises a natural swimming pond and beautiful gardens with local flora that attract wildlife. It is also made of innovative, ultra-modern building materials that ensure minimal impact on its surroundings.
Other things we love: The outdoor hot tub and the home’s sauna will ensure relaxation. The private tennis court and trampoline will keep everybody entertained and the coast is just a short drive away and the home is perfectly placed to enjoy the protected beauty of the area.
8. Casa Bona Vent, Menorca
Sleeps: 14
Prices from: £94pppn
What makes them green: You’ll find organic farming taking place on the property, plus vineyards, olive trees, and even lavender growing in the gardens. For the keen chefs in your group, there’s a vegetable garden and organic orchard that you are welcome to use too.
Other things we love: There’s the option to go all out during your villa holiday in Menorca by hiring Casa Bona Vent’s private charter boat.
9. Malvern Estate, Midlands
Sleeps: 10-18
Prices from: £70pppn
What makes them green: Its 45 acres of woodland and 95 acres of low-input pastures are managed using regenerative farming techniques – this vastly increases the carbon dioxide stored in the soil. This works to balance out some of the negative thermal inefficiencies of the old listed property, with the owners now working to change to solar energy, plant more trees, and create new hedgerows and species-rich hay meadows going forward.
Other things we love: With its tennis court, private lakes, tree swing, courtyard, Gruffalo trail and table tennis, there’s an outdoor activity suited to all members of the family – pets included!
10. Villa Selca, Brac
Sleeps: 14
Prices from: £55pppn
What makes them green: You won’t find any single-use plastic toiletry bottles here – the owners have replaced them all with bamboo containers, while also eliminating toxic chemicals from the villa’s cleaning processes. Added to that, the bed linen is all organic, as are the beach towels.
Other things we love: The location – it’s situated on the sparkling water’s edge, with a luxurious outdoor hot tub and stunning views from the dining terrace.
11. Villa Giardiniera, Umbria
Sleeps: 6
Prices from: £70pppn
What makes them green: Easily accessible by bus, Villa Giardiniera allows you to ditch the car, making your carbon footprint even lower when travelling around the area. The villa owners are also committed to supporting local businesses, and you can too by exploring the nearby towns and villages on foot.
Other things we love: While the old-style pool may be smaller than what you’re used to, we love the authentic feel it gives the garden.
12. Palm House, Comporta
Sleeps: 12
Prices from: £144pppn
What makes them green: This contemporary cabin makes use of gorgeous local materials, all natural but totally elegant. The setting is all natural too, with the sand and scrubland flora that make this area unique, beautifully intertwined with the design that encourages indoor-outdoor living. There are also solar panels to power the home.
Other things we love: The beautiful pool area surrounded by sand gives the feeling of beachside living and there’s a quirky fireplace that will be irresistible to light for warmth and ambience on cooler evenings.
13. Villa Orea Thea, Crete
Sleeps: 6
Prices from: £124pppn
What makes them green: With a pool like that, there’s only one thing that could make Villa Orea Thea even more appealing – their commitment to monitoring and reducing their water waste. The property uses solar energy, and the tubs are all designed to waste less water. The same goes for the garden, where the automatic watering system also uses a smaller amount of water. Added bonus: there’s a herb garden too!
Other things we love: The cliffside location makes for insane views and enviable Instagram snapping opportunities.
14. Villa Regina, Lake Garda
Sleeps: 8
Prices from: £76pppn
What makes them green: As a ‘climate house’, meaning it has both underfloor heating and living space ventilation that lowers its carbon footprint, Villa Regina is certainly worthy of a place on our eco-friendly villas list. There’s a huge organic garden with an olive grove, including a herb garden that guests are welcome to make use of during their stay.
Other things we love: The exclusive, idyllic location of this eco-friendly villa above Lake Garda – whether you get active on the water or simply lay back and enjoy the views, it’s sure to win your heart.
15. Mas Mayeaux, Provence-Alpes
Sleeps: 8-12
Prices from: £54pppn
What makes them green: Its efficient condensation boiler and air conditioning system with heat pump work together to save energy when heating the house and water. Mas Mayeaux is also situated within walking distance to various shops, restaurants and attractions, so there’s no need for a car.
Other things we love: The picturesque 5,600-acre private grounds include a pretty river, fragrant Provencal lavender, hammocks, a pool terrace and a ping pong table.
Still not found what you’re looking for? All of these eco-friendly villas are taken from our sustainable villas collection as part of our #LiveALittleGreener initiative, so there’s plenty more to choose from! We’ve also pulled together a list of villas you can easily get to by train – ideal for those who want to cut down on their flights.
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