Eco Fractional Developments For A Greener World

As people become more environmentally aware, the worlds of construction and tourism have both been transformed by the green movement, so it was inevitable that the first wave of eco fractional properties should come on to the market.

In fact, the very idea of a well-run fractional resort is a sound environmental concept. A development which has a high (70% plus) occupancy rate can provide holidays for the same number of people as a whole-ownership resort which has a much bigger area and number of units. Add to that the latest green building techniques, and the eco fractional resort has a lot of appeal to consumers who care for the planet.

Gordon Miller, founder of eco homes website whatgreenhome.com, says: "According to The International Ecotourism Society, ecotourism is growing at three times the rate of traditional vacationing, increasing annually by up to 30 per cent. whatgreenhome.com launched a holiday lettings service in June this year in response to the increased demand from the public for eco holidays. Currently, we have listings for eco properties to rent in England, France, Spain, Portugal, Austria and Thailand. More are being added on an ongoing basis, including developments where fractional property is being sold, such as Halcyon Hills on the Greek Island of Samos, which is marketed by the Registry Collection."

Eco fractionals Greece
Halcyon Hills www.halcyonhills.co.uk is being built from locally-sourced materials, and will feature solar panels for electricity generation, water recycling and a geothermal heating system.
The properties range from studios to three-bedroom villas, with prices ranging from £21,000 to £72,000 for a 1/12th share. The development will also feature a spa and a marina.

Eco fractionals Costa Rica
Set in the Costa Rican rainforest, Las Terrazas de Si Como No www.lasterrazasdesicomono.com is an eco jungle Private Residence Club which takes its green credentials seriously. The resort is a member of the Certification of Sustainable Tourism Program, and features
solar water heating panels, energy-efficient air conditioning,
farm grown and/or Government certified timber, non-toxic laundry products and cleaners, organic garden mulch production
a hotel recycling centre, and custom-designed waste management systems.
Las Terrazas de Si Como No will be the first member to join the Green Residence Club (GRC) and its green fractional ownership/exchange programme. The Club says it offers its members "the opportunity to experience the magic of nature with all the comfort of barefoot luxury, while contributing to preserving the environment through sustainable practices".
Prices start at US$50,000 for a two-week interval.

Eco fractionals Canada
Whitewater Village www.whitewatervillage.ca in Eastern Ontario is an hour's journey from Ottawa. It is promoted as a destination for fans of the outdoors, as its lakeside location offers kayaking, fishing and swimming in the summer, while on dry land, mountain biking and winter sports are popular.
The buildings at Whitewater Village are designed to be 40 to 50 per cent more energy efficient than comparable structures, and will feature a geothermal heating system, solar water heaters, high insulation levels and sustainably harvested construction materials. The village itself is a car-free environment serviced by noiseless electric vehicles for most of the year.
Owners buy one or more five-week shares with prices ranging from $69,900 to 85,900 Canadian dollars.

Eco fractionals Australia
The Philip Island Private Residence Club www.piprc.com.au in Victoria, Australia comprises 211 villas over 65 acres of undulating land, an hour from Melbourne.
The villas and communal facilities have been designed with the environment and energy efficiency in mind. The overhanging northern roof line provides shade in summer while allowing the winter sun to warm the buildings. All villas are well insulated, keeping them cool in summer and warm in winter, and the landscaping has been designed to encourage the return of native birds and other wildlife.
Fractional real estate ownership is available at Philip Island for $32,500 to $42,500 Australian dollars for four-week shares.

Eco fractionals Panama
Located in the Bocas del Toro archipelago in Panama, Emerald Monkey is described as a five-star eco resort, which has been built by Balinese craftsmen using locally-sourced building materials.

Water will be provided from natural springs, while the resort will feature an organic fruit and vegetable farm, salt-water pools to minimize use of chemicals, and solar-powered golf carts for transportation (no cars allowed).

Amenities will include two private beaches, a butterfly farm, a meditation centre, a spa, and a diving centre. The properties on offer range from one- to three-bedroom villas, each with their own plunge pool. Fractional buyers can purchase a 10 per cent share, with prices starting from £45,154. The resort will be managed by the Preferred Hotels & Resorts group.

- George Sell - Fractional Life

12/08/2009