The idea of living off grid has gained more appeal as homeowners seek to escape during the pandemic and a greater degree of self-sufficiency.
Living the off-grid dream can involve growing your own food and avoiding soaring energy bills with a set of solar panels, or even relying on your own wood supplies to help heat up your home.
Such homes are often in remote locations, surrounded by plenty of green open space – something that became highly desirable during the lockdowns.
We have picked two off-grid homes for sale at opposite ends of mainland Britain in our latest property battle and ask, which one would you choose?
We pick two remote homes with impressive eco-credentials at either end of mainland Britain and ask which one would you choose?
Helen Whiteley, of property website OnTheMarket.com, said: ‘With energy prices hitting the headlines at the moment, it’s natural to consider our own consumption and the way we power our homes.
‘These two ‘off grid’ properties located in Okehampton, Devon and Loch Nevis, Mallaig, are wonderful examples of properties that offer a significant degree of self-sufficiency.
‘Each of these properties would be worth exploring for those seeking a lifestyle change and a more sustainable way of living thanks to their eco-friendly credentials.’
Four-bedroom house in Devon
The first property (pictured) is in Devon, on the edge of Dartmoor National Park, and can only be accessed by a 4×4 vehicle
This off-grid property is called Autumn Wood and it sits in a third of an acre on the edge of Dartmoor.
It has direct access to the national park and has no neighbours, making it a sought-after haven for many during the pandemic.
It has electricity generated by solar panels or a generator, private drainage, and a water supply from a natural spring on a gravity fed system. The only mains service is telephone and broadband.
The property is made of timber and it is heated by an oil-fired range or from a multi-fuel stove with back boiler.
The unique property is made of timber and it is heated by an oil-fired range or from a multi-fuel stove with back boiler
The house has electricity generated by solar panels or a generator, private drainage, and a water supply from a natural spring on a gravity fed system
Rooms with a view: The remote property windows boast some far-reaching views of the surrounding Devon countryside
The property is accessed via an unmade track and a 4×4 – or a vehicle with sufficient ground clearance – is required to make your way along it.
The garden includes an established and productive vegetable plot that is protected by rabbit fencing around the entire plot. There are several timber outbuildings, including a workshop and a timber built garage.
The Okehampton property is on the market for £600,000 and is being sold via estate agents Godfrey Short & Squire.
There are several timber outbuildings in addition to the main house, including a workshop and a timber built garage
The four-bedroom property in Okehampton is called Autumn Wood and on the market with a price tag of £600,000
The garden includes an established and productive vegetable plot that is protected by rabbit fencing around the entire plot
Two-bedroom house in Scotland
This off-grid property sits in around eight acres of land on the shores of Loch Nevis, on the North Morar Peninsula in Scotland.
As well as the main two-bedroom stone-built cottage, there is a two-storey framed building that is self-contained with a kitchen and shower room.
Crucially, there is also additional accommodation for up to 24 guests spread across five timber lodges, meaning this is a property with potential to generate an income.
But it is only for those with an adventurous spirit, as it is only accessible on foot or by boat, and comes with a pier and mooring.
This off-grid property sits in around eight acres of land on the shores of Loch Nevis on the North Morar Peninsula in Scotland
As well as a two-bedroom stone-built cottage, there is a two-storey framed building that is self-contained with a kitchen and shower room
The property is on the market for ‘offers over £700,000’ and includes this stone-cottage with a cosy living room
Ardintigh Bay is 47 miles from Fort William on Scotland’s north west coast and boasts stunning sea and mountain views
The property is called Ardintigh Bay and it is powered by its own hydroelectric power supply that is housed in a stone-built shed under a slate roof. Bottled gas is used for cooking and there is a private water supply and a septic tank.
The property is on the market for ‘offers over £700,000’ and is being sold via Bidwells estate agents.
The two-bedroom property is powered by its own hydroelectric power supply that is housed in a stone-built shed under a slate roof
A lifestyle change for family or a new business? There is additional accommodation for up to 24 guests spread across five timber lodges