A couple who scooped a £56 million lottery win have invested a slice of their winnings in a new home which runs almost entirely on
green energy.
Nigel Page and Justine Laycock won the prize on the Euromillions draw two weeks ago, before deciding to pay out £4 million on the energy-efficient property in Gloucestershire.
The restored farmhouse located in the village of Barnsley runs on just ten per cent of the power that a normal home requires.
Some of the green energy techniques which have been introduced in order to create renewable, clean power and drive down the cost of
home energy bills on such a property include a solar park - where 20 solar panels are in place to soak up the sun.
The energy formed in the solar panels is sent underground, where it is stored in the rocks and used to heat the floor of the mansion.
Mr Page and Ms Laycock are also able to enjoy a heated swimming pool in their new home thanks to the solar energy they produce.
Also helping the green energy effort is the building's airtight status, which was designed by Paul Lavelle.
Being entirely airtight enables it to prevent power from being leaked, meaning the couple can use less fuel to heat and light their home.
Mr Lavelle, who was behind the green makeover of the farmhouse, told the Telegraph: "You don't have to build a hobbit house to be eco-friendly."
News of the environmentally-friendly £4 million home may prove to many that living off green energy is possible at any property.
In December, a council house in Barnet was also highlighted as doing its bit for the environment when it won a prestigious green award.
A family in Berkeley Crescent was recognised at the National Home Improvement Council's annual prize giving ceremony after installing low-energy appliances, solar panels and
insulation.
