CHIGWELL, England, June 20, 2014 /PRNewswire/ --
A Victorian water tower, which sits at the heart of Repton Park, an exclusive residential development in Chigwell, Essex, on the outskirts of London and which has been tastefully converted into a luxury three-bedroom home, is being marketed by local estate agent Hunt Property Services for £1.25 million, the first time that the property will have changed hands since its conversion 12 years ago.
(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20140620/693475 )
The 50m high, Grade II listed Landmark Tower is an iconic property, the interior of which belies its historic past. Formerly the water tower for Claybury Hospital, a Victorian asylum, once regarded as a model institution for its 2,000 inmates, today the tower features three stylish bedrooms, two with en-suite bathrooms and an additional family bathroom, a spacious lounge, high spec fully integrated kitchen and many modern features.
Set over eight floors, the property comes with its own private lift, gated entrance and beautiful gardens and enjoys 360-degree, panoramic views across Essex into Kent and the City of London. "The Landmark Tower is a landmark in every sense," says Hayley Hunt, Director of Hunt Property Services. "It can be seen for miles around and is the focal point of what has become one of the most prestigious addresses in the south-east.
"At its foot is an exclusive Virgin Active gym, created from the asylum's former chapel, with a stunning pool and spa area featuring the original stained glass windows. Whoever buys this property will own a part of history."
Sole agents Hunt Property Services will host an open day for The Landmark Tower on Saturday, 12th July from 12:00 noon - 2:00 pm. Those interested in viewing this unique property, which is likely to be much sought after and has already attracted interest from overseas, should make an appointment by calling: +44(0)20-8502-7667 or email: info@huntpropertyservices.co.uk
Notes to editors
Originally an estate house with extensive grounds, the first documentary reference to Claybury is in a survey dated 1270, when it was a free tenement, measuring 176 acres, held by the local abbey at Barking. The estate was more or less constant in size until the early 19th century, when it increased to 440 acres, according to a historical account of the site by London Borough of Redbridge. Notable owners of Claybury include Sir Thomas White, founder of St. John's College Oxford, who occupied the estate around 1560, and Oliver Cromwell, uncle of The Protector. Elizabeth I is said to have visited Claybury in 1597.
In 1791 the well-known landscape architect, Humphrey Repton, was hired to advise on the gardens. Repton remarked on the "profusely beautiful situation" of the Claybury Estate in his Red Book. He also quoted a Mr. Langford's description of the area: "There is a rich home view of the Counties of Essex, Middlesex, Surrey, Kent and Hertfordshire; the distant view is open and unbounded, and the scene is so varied that whilst every different object charms, every different view delights. The rich enamel'd meads, the irriguous streams, the lowing oxen and the battening sheep, all form a scene that is truly picturesque."
At the end of the 19th century, some of the estate grounds were developed as an asylum and in the late 20th century Claybury hospital became obsolete and fell into disrepair. The hospital closed in 1996 and the following year a public enquiry was held, which examined the development potential of the site. The inquiry concluded that the Borough and English Heritage views on the future development of the area were appropriate and reasonable.
Following this decision by the Secretary of State, the Borough entered into discussions and subsequent negotiations with Crest Nicholson PLC, who redeveloped the site, creating 770 homes, including the Landmark Tower in what is now Repton Park, named after the famous 18th century landscape architect.
(With thanks to London Borough of Redbridge: 'Claybury - A Special Character Appraisal')
Press enquiries:
Michael Medalyer
Medalyer Public Relations
T: +44-(0)20-8500-6611
E: mike@medalyerpr.com
Share this article