Developers of Sheffield's £5.2 million eco homes, in Norfolk Park, have brought in "well-loved" furnishings, bought from websites eBay and Freecycle, where internet users sell and exchange unwanted items.

A spokesman for the developers said: "A new show flat at the sustainable Sheffield Bright Green Homes Scheme is breaking all the rules of a conventional sales and marketing suite.

No soulless 'fresh from the showroom' furniture for this flat.

"In fact, the Environment Trust, the London-based charity which developed the homes, spent just £1,200 - on white goods, soft furnishings, the lot."

Items in the flat, giving it a lived-in look, include folding bikes from Northampton, a bed from Stratford on Avon, sofas, tables and chairs from Nottingham, and an eco-dishwasher from Doncaster.

Each item has been labelled with its history and a photograph of its former owner to show its authenticity.

A Trust spokeswoman said the aim was to show how "in a society dominated by consumerism, one person's unwanted goods can make a comfortable home for someone else".

A total of 47 eco homes have been created, replacing high-rise tower blocks. The new properties feature solar panels, water-saving spray taps, and insulation systems made from recycled rags and will have estimated energy bills of £100 each year.

Click on the green icon above for out slideshow of the inside of the home.

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