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Couple transformed ‘iconic building’ in village into £640,000 home

ByReport2

Jan 20, 2025

Couple transformed 'iconic building' in village into £640,000 home

The couple said it was a "huge job" turning the property into a five-storey family home

Grand Designs-style water tower house
Grand Designs-style water tower house

A couple who embarked on a huge Grand Designs-type project are now placing their dream family home on the market for £640,000. Claire and Gary Hall acquired an 1800s Victorian water tower back in 2018 and devoted the past seven years to its transformation into a remarkable five-storey home.

Taking on the one-of-a-kind and "challenging" renovation, the couple aimed to rejuvenate the "iconic" local beacon situated at the core of Penwortham, Lancashire. They are now hoping that the next owners can enjoy living in the water tower as much as they did.

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Claire, who is originally from Liverpool and Gary, from Preston, harbour a passion for reviving older properties, giving them a contemporary makeover while preserving their historical elements.

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Their next venture led them to the Penwortham water tower – a local landmark at a notable junction. Claire told the Manchester Evening News: "We bought this home around seven years ago. We had been living in Penwortham for quite a while, we've only ever moved slightly out of the area.

"We were looking to move at the time. We have moved quite a few times as we like to do up older properties and bring them back to life. When we first saw the tower, we knew it would be a challenge. It was just something really unique so we thought 'why not give it a go?'"

The tower was constructed by Canon Rawstorne to supply clean water to cottages around Penwortham End. Shortly after its construction, piped water from Preston became available, rendering the tower redundant.

The kitchen area
The kitchen area

It was later converted into a private residence. The couple purchased the property in July 2018, and at that time, only two of the floors were in a "liveable" condition.

Claire added: "The previous owners were only using the ground and first floor. It wasn't in a very good state, it was quite run down. When you went to the upper levels, there was a spiral staircase going right through the middle so the top three floors were out of use.

"Some of the old water tank was still there as well. It didn't comply with the proper building regulations when we picked it up, so we knew it would be a big project."

The dining area
The dining area

Claire and Gary, both accountants, embarked on a mission to make all five floors of the tower usable and liveable. Claire said: "The renovation was a big job. It's been absolutely transformed from top to bottom. Making the upper floors usable was definitely the biggest job.

"We had to take some of the original floors and ceilings out, and we had to put new staircases all the way up the tower. We've had people in to do the work over the years because it's such a unique project. We couldn't have done it ourselves even if we were good at DIY.

"We had a main contractor who did all the big structural work for us. We had all the plumbing and electrics redone to turn them into bedrooms. We also had to get someone to put a sprinkler system in all five floors because of fire safety.

"We put in all 40 new windows which were handmade. We also extended the courtyard and built a new living space outside."

Grand Designs-style water tower house
Grand Designs-style water tower house

The family, who now live in the home with their three children and dog, completed their extensive project just last year. Illustrating the scale of the project, they said: "It was quite a long process. The last thing we did was put in a new, handmade kitchen. Every space in the home is now usable.

"It was a really exciting but challenging project. The tower is like a monument in the village, everybody knows it, so we wanted to do it justice. We've had a lot of positive feedback from locals, especially people who've lived here for years, who have said how lovely it's been to watch the iconic building being brought back to life."

Claire shared insights into the home's interior design, she said: "The house itself is a mixture of old and new because it's been renovated throughout but we have tried to maintain all the character by keeping some of the original features. It's quite classic and neutral so I think anyone could go in and live in it. It's a very calming, very light and airy space."

Grand Designs-style water tower house
Grand Designs-style water tower house

Now complete, their dream home features three reception rooms, four bedrooms, and two bathrooms. Claire said: "You go in the front door and there's a lovely porch. On the right is the lounge and on the left is the open-plan dining room which then follows through to the kitchen and living space.

"It's lovely, bright and airy. There's bi-folding doors all the way across which take you out onto the courtyard. It's an outdoor indoor space. Up to the first floor there is a huge bathroom on the left with a big freestanding bath, double showers and handmade furniture.

"If you turn to the right, there's a separate dressing room on its own, and then there's the first bedroom. On the second floor there is a big double bedroom on your left with storage space and a walk-in wardrobe. Then you go up to the third floor which also had a big double bedroom, a little walk-in wardrobe and fantastic views.

"The top floor is a big open-plan studio space. It's got an en-suite, a working space, a seating area and then there's a mezzanine sleeping area with the most amazing views all across Preston. The ceilings are all lovely and high throughout."

Claire and Gary decided to put their beautiful family home on the market in August last year as they were ready for a new endeavour. Claire added: "We like a challenge and that property has been our biggest challenge for sure, but I think once we get to the stage where it's fully done, we get a little bit itchy feet, and so now we're after another project.

"We've literally done everything we can in terms of making it any better. So we reached the end of that project and now we are looking for a new one."

The living area
The living area

On discussing who would be best suited to the home, Claire said: "It's for people who dare to be different. It's for someone wanting somewhere lovely to live with everything on your doorstep.

"Penwortham is a wonderful place to live. It boasts an outstanding choice of schools, it’s only 10 minutes from the train station — perfect for jaunts to Manchester, Liverpool or London. It’s close to the motorway, and has a really nice vibe. It’s becoming quite the spot with plenty of charming bars and cafes. It’s just the right setting to raise a family.

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"We made the house quite low maintenance so it's suited to busy people. It would be good for anyone who is running a business as if you work from home, you could work from the top floor so you'll feel like you're away from the house. My nephew who lives in London said you'd pay a fortune just to live on the top floor in London.

"The house sits on a corner plot, but it is on a crossroads so we're aware it might put some people off. It's a bit like marmite, you'll either love it or it's not for you. Obviously if you got trouble walking, it's got six sets of stairs so that's not ideal. But it's a very unique home. We have really loved living there and have had mixed feelings about selling it."

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