Zero-carbon new homes in Oxfordshire: each house at development near Bicester comes with its own fruit tree

Bicester Village, the popular faux village of fashion outlets on the outskirts of the Oxfordshire town of Bicester, was followed by Kingsmere, a 2,450-home estate in the region's mellow brick.

Now Elmsbrook, the latest housing scheme, offers 393 more modern-looking homes designed for “21st-century living”.

This zero-carbon development aspires to house a green-minded community, with a primary school, orchards, allotments and workspace for start-ups, in acres of open space to encourage active outdoor living. Every house gets a fruit tree in the garden.

Road and rail improvements are luring London commuters.

Bicester sits close to the M40, and trains to Marylebone take 50 minutes. Prices from £345,000 for a two-bedroom house. Call 01869 866558.