The decommissioned South West water tank that was transformed into ‘stunning’ five-bed property has captured imaginations around the UK

A Sidmouth reservoir that was transformed into a unique dream home has captured imaginations around the country as it goes on the market for £895,000.

Ann and Robert Hardy bought the decommissioned South West Water holding tank in 2008 with an ambitious vision of building the ‘stunning’ glass-sided, five-bedroom property with a vast, central atrium.

The couple this week told the Herald it will be a ‘wrench’ to leave the home they spent years creating, but they hope new owners may get the same joy from it that they have.

Reflecting on the Grand Designs-style project, Ann said: “We bought the site from South West Water with planning permission to build a property there.

“We were living in Cornwall at the time and it was the fact it was a very interesting property that attracted us.”

Robert is a chartered civil engineer and project managed the entire build himself – resulting in an entirely unique home nestled into the countryside and almost entirely hidden from view, with futuristic, curved glass frontage.

All rooms of the spacious 6,500sq ft family home overlook the central outdoor courtyard, with its raised pond and timber decking, leading out to a fenced plot of land with views over Salcombe.

Ann added: “We have absolutely loved living here and its going to be a wrench to move. Its just time to move on as we want to downsize a little bit and there are a couple of personal reasons. Its nice having so much interest in the property, it’s a lovely house and I hope someone else will enjoy living here as much as we have.”

Described as ‘one of Britain’s most unusual conversions’, the property attracted widespread interest when it was first completed - and news that it is now back on the market has made national headlines.

Mike Dibble, director of Bradleys Estate Agents, Sidmouth, said he believes the former Woolbrook Reservoir has captured people’s imaginations because it is such a different style of home.

He added: “It is a totally unique property within Sidmouth. This is a former reservoir that has been converted to a stunning family home. All of the rooms look out over a central atrium which provides a perfect sheltered seating out area. There is gas underfloor heating, double glazing and incredibly spacious accommodation.”

The ‘hidden’ property can be accessed from Balfours along a shared tarmac driveway.