2 bedrooms country house, 127 m²

Arcidosso, Grosseto (province)

Maremma

This off-grid, modern eco-house is situated in a quiet, secluded valley on the slopes of Monte Amiata surrounded by the beauty of the Tuscan countryside.  You are immersed in nature and yet still only 15 minutes by car to the nearest town with all amenities.

Sustainable house construction
The house is 127 m² and has been built using modern techniques with natural materials making it extremely energy efficient as well as creating a sustainable and healthy environment.  The house has two bedrooms, two bathrooms, one of which is en-suite, a large open-plan kitchen, diner, living room, a walk-in larder and an entrance room.

The main structure of the house was constructed using EcoCocon panels and the roof is well insulated and ventilated, keeping the heat in during the winter and out during the summer.  The foundation slab is also insulated using recycled foam glass.

Off-grid utilities
The house is fully off-grid, so no bills for electricity or water. 

There is a large PV array (on the roof of the house) and batteries which supply the house with electricity.  The system is sized so that the house runs all modern appliances; dishwasher, washing machine, fridge freezer, electric oven. 

There is a rainwater collection system that can store 30,000ltrs.

There are two solar panels for heating the water and a 300ltr storage tank. During the winter the water is also heated whenever the house is being heated.

The house is heated with a wood burning stove with wood supplied from the land. The high level of insulation means that it doesn’t use a large amount of wood.

Land
The house is situated on 6 hectares of mixed land, including olive trees, mixed woodland, fields and a small river (the Zancona).  There is a large fenced in vegetable garden planted with fruit trees, a 10m polytunnel and tool shed.  There is also a large fenced in area with some housing for keeping small animals, such as chickens, ducks or rabbits. There are two 5000ltr water storage tanks that supply water to the vegetable garden, animal area, bottom field, outdoor shower and outdoor kitchen/diner.

Other structures
Close to the house there is a 13m² cabin with electricity that can be used as an office space or a spare bedroom.

There is a glamping area close to the river with two small huts (each hut sleeps 2) that have an opening roof, a larger cabin (sleeps 2) in the woods with electricity, three compost toilets, an outdoor shower and a large covered area that is being used as a kitchen, diner, lounge.

Nearby towns and local amenities
The two nearest local towns are Arcidosso and Castel del Piano which can be reached by car within 15 minutes.  Here you will find supermarkets, grocers, mechanics, hardware stores, schools, hairdressers, cafes, shops and restaurants.  There is also a hospital with an emergency room in Castel del Piano.