Gainsborough tower which could be turned into 'dream home' on the market
An historic water tower in Gainsborough, which boasts the potential for “truly rare” development potential, is up for sale.
The 129-year old Cox’s Tower in Gainsborough could be turned into a six-storey home in a “Grand Designs style project”.
The Grade II-listed structure sits on the top of Cox’s Lane in Gainsborough, giving any occupants panoramic views over the town.
A new owner would also be able to build three new five-bedroom homes surrounding the tower under planning permission from West Lindsey District Council .
The development has a guide price of £225,000 and an undisclosed reserved price, and is marketed by William H Brown.
The red-brick tower was built in 1897 and remains unchanged inside and out according to the description.
The online brochure describes it as “a truly rare and unique development opportunity” with the potential to be “an architectural dream home”.
It also suggests that it could make a “unique Airbnb”, joining the trend of holiday homes in weird and wonderful locations.
The homes would be hidden from view on Heapham Road by a wall, with two new access points created.
Anyone interested in the offering should contact William H Brown.
West Lindsey planning officers granted permission for the change of use in 2024, with the council raising no objections to the change of use.
Planning documents submitted by Shy Harris say the project would “restore the historic appearance of the site from public view, protecting the setting of the listed asset.”
Gainsborough Town Council had raised concerns about how the six-storey home would overlook nearby properties and infringe on their privacy.
A similar scheme was approved in 2013, but expired without the work ever being undertaken.
The Cox’s Hill reservoir was first built in the 1860s to supply the growing town of Gainsborough, and extended in the 1890s which required a new water tower.