Renewable Energy - Green-heat Cotswold house sells for record price

25/04/2008

An underground heat pump and solar-powered hot water are just two of the features of a "revolutionary" new eco-house which has just been sold in the Cotswolds.

The Telegraph reports that Orchid House, which went for a record £7.2 million, is expected to produce more energy than it consumes via an array of renewable heating devices.

As well as the heat pump and solar source, rainwater and wind power will be harvested for the building's toilet and bathroom facilities.

The planet-conscious buyer of the property is rumoured to work in the entertainment industry, while a number of high-profile stars are known to have holidayed in its vicinity.

In a recent move predicted to boost the uptake of renewable heating devices - and heat pumps in particular - in the UK, heating giant Danfoss took over Sheffield heat pump installer ECO.

A representative for the Danish company told reporters that although the British heat pump market is "still new and relatively small", substantial growth in demand is anticipated over the next few years.