Former TV presenter Russell Harris and his wife Jannette are listing their renovated Victorian water tower in Lymm, Cheshire, for £3 million. the nine-story luxury residence features a glass extension and generates significant annual rental income from telecom providers.
From £138,000 to a £3 million listing
The financial trajectory of the Lymm Water Tower reflects a massive leap in both property value and architectural ambition. According to the report, Russell Harris and Jannette Harris purchased the derelict 19th-century structure in 1997 for a modest £138,000. Over the following seven years, the couple invested more than £1 million to transform the stone cylinder into a high-end contemporary residence.
This level of investment has positioned the property as a trophy asset in the affluent Cheshire village of Lymm. By blending the original Victorian masonry with a modern glass-laden extension, the owners have created a home that functions as both a private sanctuary and a significant financial investment, now seeking a buyer willing to pay £3 million.
A 90-foot landmark with 360-degree views of Manchester and Liverpool
The physical scale of the Lymm Water Tower is its most defining characteristic, standing 90 feet tall across nine stories.. As reported by the source, the property offers over 6,000 square feet of living space, including a double-height master suite and four additional bedrooms. The interior is designed for luxury, featuring a dedicated cinema, a gym, a sauna, and a winter lounge.
The architectural highlight is the private rooftop terrace,which includes a hot tub. This elevated position provides 360-degree vistas that stretch across the English countryside and reach as far as the city skylines of Manchester and Liverpool. The residence is also a Grade II listed building, ensuring that its historical significance is preserved even as it hosts modern amenities.
The £75,000 annual telecom revenue stream
Unlike most residential properties, the Lymm Water Tower provides a built-in passive income stream that offsets the costs of maintaining such a massive structure. A small section high within the tower is currently leased to telecommunications companies, which generates approximately £75,000 in annual revenue for the owner.
This commercial utility adds a layer of investment security to the home. For a prospective buyer, the telecom lease transforms the property from a pure luxury expense into a hybrid asset, where the infrastructure of the Victorian tower serves a modern industrial purpose while the lower floors serve as a residence.
Kevin McCloud's recognition and the 2016 failed sale
The Lymm Water Tower has gained prestige within the architectural community, even without being featured on television. The report notes that the design was shortlisted by Kevin McCloud, the presenter of Grand Designs, for the top hundred projects. This recognition places the home in the same league as the most ambitious residential conversions in the UK.
However, the path to a sale has not been seamless. The property first entered the market in 2016 with an asking price of £2.5 million, but the sale fell through, leading the Harris family to withdraw the listing. this previous failure suggests that the market for such a niche, high-value architectural piece is extremely limited, requiring a buyer who values eccentricity as much as luxury.
Who will buy a Grade II listed tower in Lymm?
Despite the impressive specs, several questions remain regarding the property's viability in the current market.. While the source mentions that telecommunications companies lease the space, it does not specify which providers are involved or the remaining length of those contracts, which would be critical for any investor.
Furthermore, the Grade II listing status means any future modifications will be subject to strict heritage regulations. It remains to be seen if the £500,000 price increase since the 2016 attempt will be met with interest, or if the property's uniqueness continues to be a barrier to a successful closing.
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