Couple Transforms 1930s Water Tower into Luxury Peak District Airbnb
A determined couple has successfully transformed a neglected 1930s water tower into a stunning luxury property available for holiday rentals near the Peak District. Tamara Keeling, 50, and her partner invested approximately £60,000 to convert the derelict structure into a modern Airbnb that now welcomes guests from £185 per night.
From Dereliction to Luxury Accommodation
The imposing 15-meter (49-foot) tower, originally built in 1938 as part of a water treatment plant in Bolsover, Derbyshire, had been decommissioned since the 1970s. Private buyers acquired the property in the early 2000s, during which time it served unconventional purposes as a garden shed and even a skateboard ramp before falling into complete disrepair.
Tamara first spotted the distinctive Art-Deco style building on Channel 4's Grand Designs program back in 2003. "We drove over from our Victorian house in Matlock and we tried to find it," she recalled. "Then we did. It was such a fun place and we thought we'd try and get it one day."
A Nine-Year Pursuit and Six-Month Transformation
The couple's journey to ownership wasn't straightforward. They initially attempted to purchase the tower as early as 2007 but were outbid by another party. Undeterred, they persisted and finally secured the property in 2016 when they purchased "The Works" water works facility next door, which included the derelict tower.
"The tower didn't even have a proper front door and no electricity," Tamara shared about the initial condition. "It had a hole at the back too. My son had it as a skateboard ramp and we used it as a bit of a shed at one time."
Renovation work began in earnest in 2020, with the ambitious project taking approximately six months to complete. The couple opened their transformed property as an Airbnb in 2022, creating what Tamara describes as "something fun for us to do to convert."
Preserving Industrial Character with Modern Luxury
The couple made a conscious decision to preserve the building's industrial heritage while introducing contemporary comforts. "We made it very high end," Tamara explained. "It is an industrial building, we didn't want to lose that character - we like that."
Built from reinforced concrete, the tower retains many original features including board-marked concrete with moulded Art-Deco style door and window apertures. The property now boasts modern appliances, a striking spiralled staircase, log burner, king-sized bed, and a bespoke hand-built kitchen.
One particularly distinctive feature is the quirky shower with a glass floor. "There was a hole in the floor and instead of filling it in we said 'let's put glass in it'," Tamara revealed. "We do get lots of comments from people saying 'I wouldn't like looking up from the kitchen' but when the water is running all you can see are the soles of feet."
A Unique Getaway Destination
The property occupies six acres of land, providing guests with privacy and seclusion. "We've got six acres of land so it is lovely and secluded," Tamara noted. The top floor still contains the original massive 10,000-gallon water tank, adding to the building's unique character.
"It's designed for couples who want to get away, especially couples with kids," Tamara explained. "They appreciate it, we haven't had any problems from guests. I think sometimes people with children who want to get away for a short stay don't want the bother of having to travel far but want to feel like they've been away."
The location offers convenient access to local attractions, with Tamara noting, "It's a lovely area with plenty of places to eat and the castle right on the doorstep. We get locals visiting from Chesterfield and nearby Sheffield."
Tamara, who also runs an engineering firm, believes the brutalist architectural elements contribute significantly to the property's appeal. "She thinks that the brutalist element of the tower is what makes the stay 'really intriguing for people'," she said, reflecting on guest feedback that frequently describes the experience as "different."
The successful transformation demonstrates how innovative thinking and preservation of historical industrial architecture can create unique hospitality experiences in the British countryside.
