England rugby Internationals Matt Stevens and Lee Mears have bought homes at the new Halcyon Hills Luxury Spa and Eco-resort on the Greek island of Samos. The duo, who play for Bath, recently visited the island where they were filmed for a programme that will be aired on Real Estate TV and the Discovery Channel. The duo is two amongst many who are buying into the resort’s eco-credentials.

The duo is two amongst many who are buying into the resort’s eco-credentials. Features include considered orientation to facilitate airflow, and using smaller windows to the rear and larger windows to the front of each property, which will negate the need for energy hungry air conditioning. Solar thermal panels will heat water

Water conservation measures will see grey and black water treated on site and recycled for irrigation. A small onsite desalination plant will supply water for the heating system throughout. Progressively, cars will not be permitted on site; guests will have use of electric vehicles and a shuttle bus will run an airport service for direct flights from the UK.

Hard-nosed investors as well as eco-warriors will find Halcyon Hills appealing. The developer is promising eight per cent guaranteed rental income for three years, a guaranteed buy back on completion – scheduled for 2010, a refundable reservation fee, and only a 30 percent first payment. Prices start from £145,000.

update 17 july 2008: Prices now start from £160,000 and the developer no longer offers a guaranteed buy back on completion.