It’s not easy being green. But it’s pretty easy to be greener. This Earth Day, be sure to check out tips from Julie Jacobson on ways to make your home more green (they don’t have to be drastic!). And for a little inspiration, here are five eco-friendly homes for sale that make us green with envy.
1. A Dome of Green Dreams
Address: 12602 133rd Ave SE
City: Rainier, WA
Price: $299,000
Listed by: Bojana Foster, Signature Service RE Olympia
This unique concrete dome home is completely “off the grid,” with a self-sufficient solar energy system, generator, propane appliances and wood stove. Additional green features include energy-efficient radiant floor heating and skylights to bring the daylight in and minimize electricity use. The interior features bright paint and modern fixtures that make it look like any other modern home. There’s also a giant — but adorable — giraffe statue that’s worth a look.
2. Rustic Chic with a Green Streak
Address: 535 North Ave
City: Weston, MA
Price: $1,750,000
Listed by: Mizner and Simon Team, Benoit Mizner Simon & Co.
This timber frame home is Silver LEED certified, with solar-thermal systems, a composite slate roof and a vegetable garden. A cupola, or dome-like structure on the roof, brings in light and air to the living room. The interior embodies “rustic chic” design, with a perfect blend of wood and modern materials. Even though the home is fairly new (built in 2008), it was featured on the television show “This Old House.”
3. California Conserving
Address: 520 Loma Alta Rd
City: Carmel, CA
Price: $5,888,000
Listed by: John Donahue, Out of Area Office
The floor-to-ceiling windows on this home were built to maximize the view, but they also create energy-efficient indoor lighting. The solar panels on the roof provide energy, and the home is equipped with a heat recovery ventilator, which provides fresh air; and improved climate control, which reduces heating and cooling requirements. The interior of the home features wood and stone elements that give it a treehouse feel.
4. Modern Meets Sustainable
Address: 7900 Lenape Trl
City: Austin, TX
Price: $1,599,900
Listed by: Richard Payton, Turnquist Partners, REALTORS
This award-winning home blends modern design with sustainable living. It features solar panels, geothermal heat and floor-to-ceiling windows that capture natural light. The landscaping has easy-to-manage natural vegetation. The one thing we’re not so sure about when it comes to eco-friendly features is the garage full of classic Cadillac cars, but they sure are pretty to look at; you have to check out the listing photos!
5. Where Nature is the Star
Address: 608 Crystal Creek Dr
City: Austin, TX
Price: $1,499,900
Listed by: April Womack, Moreland Properties
Austin had several neighborhoods on our list of the top 10 neighborhoods for green homes, and while this home isn’t in a top neighborhood, it’s a beautiful example of green construction. It features solar panels and exterior well water, which both lower monthly utility bills. The interior has a unique atrium with walls of glass that bring the outside in, perfect for a meditation or yoga room.
Are you looking for a green home for sale in your area? There are plenty to choose from. Be sure to check out the “Eco-Friendly Homes” Redfin Collection for more. Which one is your favorite? Let us know what you think via Facebook, Twitter, G+ or in the comments below.
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