Designed for the future, these 15 eco-homes are truly impressive, and buyers worrying about the depleting store of fuel on the planet will no doubt be interested in the innovative wood-pellet heating system which has been installed in this development.

Grade A insulation and solar panels on the roof are just some of the other great features here which to date are still fairly unique in this country.

Developed by Bolterra, this scheme is on the outskirts of Moate, a traditional market town, close to the N6.

Thriving Moate has the third largest population centre in Co Westmeath, and has several great amenities nearby, including a heritage centre, golf club, arts centre with theatre, gallery space, conference room and information centre.

And just 16kms from Athlone and 33kms from Mullingar, Moate is a relatively easy commute to most big towns in the midlands.

The scheme comprises a mix of large four- and five-bed houses ranging in size from 232 to 251sq m (2,500 to 2,700sq ft). Along with the usual reception, dining and kitchen areas, all homes come with an extra room which could be used as a familyroom or playroom.

Each home is on a one-third of an acre site of landscaped gardens, and a lot of emphasis has been put on natural light.

According to developers Bolterra, the solar panels on each home will provide 60% of domestic hot water needed, while the wood pellet heating system is 40% cheaper to run than any other conventional system.

Top-grade insulation should also cut down on heating costs, and a pressurized plumbing system will be installed in all homes.

Other eco elements which make these homes that bit different from the rest include the natural clay-tile roofs, and hardwood doors and windows.

Price: four- and "ve-bed detached eco houses from 489,000 Agent: Shine & Dunning, 090-6476499