More Golf Homes Are Taking a Swing at Sustainability

Some homeowners enjoy their lake house, others have their cabin in Aspen, and some enjoy golf homes. These residential properties are linked to golf courses and interestingly enough, are seeing a surge in sustainable building practices, says the New York Times. Green golf homes may feature solar panels, geothermal heating and cooling, LED lighting, and insulated glass windows. And although the green version of golf homes can be 15% more expensive, owners could save money if they plan to own for a while. There are now 965 golf courses are certified for eco-friendliness. Read more to see what some of these homes are like.

Located on the roughly 13-square-mile Kiawah Island, about 45 minutes from Charleston by car, this home sits within Indigo Park, a Platinum LEED Certified neighborhood with 16 homes. Each one has a geothermal heating and cooling system that cuts energy use by up to 80 percent, an energy-efficient washer and dryer, a tankless water heater that uses up to 35 percent less heat than traditional heaters, and a circuit to charge electric and hybrid cars.

The property is close to Kiawah Island Club, which has two golf courses — including one designed by Tom Fazio — a spa, a golf learning center and a variety of ocean-centric activities such as crabbing, fishing and kayaking. The island itself has a 10-mile-long beach and more than 30 miles of bike trails.

Size: 2,780 square feet

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