A FORMER water tower which has received permission to be converted into residential use is now up for sale – with agents describing it as a rare opportunity to create a ‘Grand Designs’ style luxury home.

The red brick building off Lyons Hall Road in High Garrett, near Braintree, has a guide price of £450,000 and is listed with property agent Savills.

Permission to convert the water tower into a home was granted by Braintree Council in August 2022 after it was decommissioned by Anglian Water.

Listed by property agents Savills, they have also released CGI images of what the home could look like.

Thurrock Gazette: The water tower was previously used by Anglian Water before being decommissionedThe water tower was previously used by Anglian Water before being decommissioned (Image: Savills)

According to the plans, the 'Grand Designs' style project would provide accommodation of approximately 3,444 sq ft over three floors, with the option to create an additional level inside the original structure.

Thurrock Gazette: The 'Grand Designs' style project would provide accommodation of approximately 3,444 sq ft over three floorsThe 'Grand Designs' style project would provide accommodation of approximately 3,444 sq ft over three floors (Image: Savills)

The planning permission includes four bedrooms with individual en suite facilities arranged over the ground and first floor, while the second floor would feature a reception space and private terrace.

Thurrock Gazette: A CGI image of what the inside could look like after conversionA CGI image of what the inside could look like after conversion (Image: Savills)

The upper level would be used for a kitchen/family area with a potential mezzanine and utility room.

Thurrock Gazette: The planning permission includes four bedrooms with individual en suites, a principle reception space, private terrace, kitchen/family area with a potential mezzanine and utility room The planning permission includes four bedrooms with individual en suites, a principle reception space, private terrace, kitchen/family area with a potential mezzanine and utility room (Image: Savills)

Provision has also been made for a garden to the north and east of the property, with parking at the front.

Thurrock Gazette: Provision has been made for a garden to the north and east of the property, with parking at the frontProvision has been made for a garden to the north and east of the property, with parking at the front (Image: Savills)

Karl Manning, head of residential sales at Savills, said: "Water towers are a rare find. Each one has its own artistic, architectural, historical and engineering significance, but this example holds more character than most.

"Located in a discreet setting along a private road and overlooking some wonderful countryside, it’s a very exciting opportunity for a buyer who has the time and vision to undertake a ‘Grand Designs’ style project.

“All floors have great open space with high ceilings and there is every chance to create a landmark home.

“The towns of Halstead and Braintree are both close by and provide a range of amenities and services, while for the commuter there are great links by rail to both Chelmsford and London.”

For more information or to view the listing, visit bit.ly/3JHb2XY.