We Bought an Abandoned Water Tower – Here’s Where We Started

The first job after buying this abandoned Edwardian water tower was tackling years of overgrown ivy that had completely taken over the brickwork. What started as simple clearance quickly became something much bigger. To speed things up, we took a bit of a gamble and bought a 1989 JCB 3CX instead of hiring a digger — giving us the ability to dig out deep-rooted ivy and start properly uncovering the original structure. Along the way, we uncovered a few unexpected surprises. We also made a big step forward by getting a three-phase electricity connection installed by National Grid, future-proofing the site for workshop machinery, heat pump, solar export and EV charging as the project develops. We’re documenting the full journey of restoring this historic industrial water tower and transforming the site into our home. Before we can convert the tower, we need to stabilise and restore the structure, remove the existing barn, and self-build a new home on its footprint. The plan includes creating a large landscaped garden of nearly 1.5 acres that will eventually become a wildlife friendly haven. If you enjoy self-build projects, historic building restoration, JCBs, or slightly ambitious DIY… you’re in the right place. Abandoned Edwardian water tower restoration Self-build home project 1989 JCB 3CX Three-phase power installation Ivy removal and site clearance UK countryside renovation