Iconic 'Grand Designs' Water Tower Home Listed for £2.75 Million

A unique ten-story home converted from a Victorian water tower in Kennington, south London, has been listed for sale at £2.75 million. This price represents a substantial reduction from the £6.5 million initially sought by developers in 2013. The property gained prominence after its extensive renovation was showcased in the 100th episode of the Channel 4 series "Grand Designs."

The transformation project, undertaken by property developer Leigh Osborne and his partner Graham Voce, involved turning the derelict 100-foot landmark into a luxury residence. The conversion cost them over £2 million, far exceeding the initial estimated £600,000. The extensive work included replacing 4,000 bricks, fitting 47 windows, and removing over 200 dead pigeons, along with a £7,000 bill for clearing bird droppings. The glazing alone reportedly cost £250,000, with scaffolding adding another £70,000.

Faced with escalating costs, Osborne secured more than £500,000 in loans from friends to complete the project. The finished renovation, featuring a glass-fronted cube extension, a lift, and a viewing room at the top, was described by "Grand Designs" host Kevin McCloud as a "jaw-dropping showstopper."

Osborne and Voce originally purchased the property for £380,000 in mid-2011. Despite its television fame and status as "one of central London's most recognisable buildings," the property failed to sell at its initial £6.5 million asking price. It was subsequently marketed as an Airbnb before being sold to businessman Jamie Hamer in June 2021 for £2.5 million.

Hamer, a commercial director, moved into the residence with architect Susanna Citrano. He noted that the home's "Grand Designs" notoriety often led to curious fans knocking on the door. The couple later enhanced the property by adding a hot tub to the terrace, which offers panoramic views of landmarks including the Houses of Parliament, the London Eye, and The Shard.

The water tower, dating back to 1867, originally served the adjacent Lambeth Workhouse. The property is now marketed by DDRE Global and comprises six bedrooms and four bathrooms distributed across its numerous levels. The accommodation is linked by a Yorkstone staircase and a separate lift tower. The ground floor features a glass and steel "Cube" extension with an open-plan kitchen and reception area, leading to a roof terrace. The uppermost level, the "Prospect Room," was created within the original cast-iron water tank, offering 360-degree views of the capital.