Grand Designs, which returns tonight for its unprecedented 23rd season, is a national institution.
Since 1999, the show, hosted by presenter and creator Kevin McCloud, has taken us inside magnificent homes, paving the way for other, similar series such as Homes Under the Hammer and George Clarke’s Amazing Spaces.
Of course, certain constructions have been more memorable than others throughout the years, and the one that always seems to remain in people’s minds is the London water tower – the majestic Kennington building that debuted on the 100th episode in 2012.
What became of the water tower, and is anyone still living there?
Who built the London water tower?
The London Water Tower was erected in 1867 to supply water to the neighbouring Lambeth Workhouse, where Charlie Chaplin spent his childhood with his mother.
It was dilapidated and overrun with trees and dead pigeons when property developer Leigh Osborne and his partner Graham Voce purchased it for £380,000 in 2010 with the intention of converting it into a family home.
The property was changed into a five-bedroom, four-bathroom house with various stories, including a glass cube holding a kitchen and living area on the upper ground, as well as a 24sq ft reception hall at the top of the tower with panoramic views of the capital.
It wasn’t simple, though. The duo had planned to invest roughly £600,000 in renovating it, but ended up spending an eye-watering £2m on the project, placing part of the costs on Osborne’s grandmother’s credit card at one point.
What happened to the London water tower?
The mansion was listed for £6.5 million in 2018, with the price reducing to £4.75 million while it remained unsold.
It was removed from the market and reintroduced in 2021, as lockdown restrictions eased, at a cost of £2.75 million.
It was purchased that year by property entrepreneur Jamie Hamer and flatmate Susanna, however the final selling price has not been disclosed.
‘I was browsing homes across London within my price bracket on Rightmove, and when I first saw the water tower, I originally thought it had to be a joke,’ Hamer said at the time.
‘I remember saying, “there’s no way this is a real home!” And I just had to see it. As soon as I walked in, I knew I was going to buy it – I just loved it.’
And he said that people are still attracted by the property, and they frequently receive guests who want to view it for themselves.
‘We often get people ringing the doorbell asking if they can take a look around,’ Hamer explained.
‘Then some will ask where the buzzers for the other flats are. They’re surprised to find out it’s one home.
Grand Designs is on Channel 4 on Wednesday night at 8pm.