A once crucial piece of infrastructure positioned perfectly for commuters, is now on the market to be transformed.
A water tower with permission for conversion into a three-bedroom house is about to be auctioned with a starting price of £45,000.
Situated near the commuter-friendly area of Newbury, this unconventional property offers an ideal opportunity for those seeking a unique makeover project akin to those seen on Grand Designs.
“Occasionally, a water tower is featured at our auctions, and in the past, they have sparked a considerable amount of interest given their unconventional charm,” Savills auctioneer Steven Cane tells Homes & Property.
“I anticipate high interest during the auction, with potential buyers likely comprised of developers, investors, or those aiming to craft a unique home.”
There are already ongoing efforts to convert this community asset into a residential building.
The tower, which juts out over the adjacent tree line, has approved planning permission to be converted into a three-bedroom home, complete with a rooftop terrace.
Access to the property would be through a hall on the ground floor, with three subsequent floors accommodating the bedrooms, all placed underneath the existing water tank. The tank could be transformed into a kitchen and dining area, capped by a roof terrace.
In addition, there would be room to park two cars in the undercroft area.
The water tower, standing 12.4 metres high, was initially built to facilitate the housing estate it resides on, primarily established to serve the American airbase at RAF Greenham Common.
The structure incorporates a cross-braced metal frame which supports a water tank that stands 3.6 metres high.
A previous planning permission permitted the installation of solar panels and a wind turbine on the rooftop, but this approval has ceased to be valid.
Water towers became popular in mid-century England to supply mains water to residences. Placing them at substantial heights allowed gravity to ensure water pressure, especially during peak consumption periods.
With enhancements to the primary water systems, some of these towers have been sold to individuals interested in unusual home construction projects.
If you’re interested, the auction takes place on Tuesday 16 April 2024 at 9:00am. Full information at Savills.
