A former television presenter and producer has placed his extensively renovated Victorian water tower home on the market for $3 million. Russell Harris, 68, and his wife Jannette, 56, purchased the derelict structure in Lymm, Cheshire, for £138,000 in 1997 and spent seven years and over £1 million converting it into a unique contemporary residence.
The 90-foot-tall landmark, originally built in the 19th century, now features a modern extension wrapped around the original stone tower. The property, which has received multiple architectural awards and was recognized by Grand Designs host Kevin McCloud, offers over 6,000 square feet of living space. This includes a double-height master bedroom, four additional bedrooms, a home office, a cinema room, a gym, and a sauna.
One of the property's most striking features is a rooftop garden with an eight-person hot tub, offering 360-degree views across the Cheshire countryside, toward Manchester and Liverpool, and the Welsh hills. The home's transformation was documented in a 15-part UKTV series presented by Mr. Harris, titled "Seven-Year Makeover."
In addition to its residential appeal, the water tower generates a passive income of approximately £75,000 per year, as telecommunications companies lease a section of the interior. The property was previously listed in 2016 for £2.5 million, but the sale did not materialize, leading the Harrises to withdraw it from the market.
Mr. Harris, who has appeared on BBC One's "Room For Improvement" and Channel 5's "I Own Britain's Best Home," stated that the property has been a cherished family home for over two decades. He described the opportunity for a new owner to acquire a "genuine Grand Designs icon" that combines dramatic architecture with comfortable living. The listing highlights the property's unique architectural significance, its secluded setting, and its established income stream as key selling points.