A SEVEN-METRE high water tower and the land surrounding it is set to go under the hammer at a guide price of £40,000.

The disused water tower, in Layer Road, Abberton, is planned to be sold at a virtual auction tomorrow.

The structure is about 22ft high with sweeping views of nearby Abberton Reservoir and open countryside.

Iron gates measuring 300 square metres encompass the historic tower - this gated land will be included as part of the auction.

Gazette:

Climb - the inside of the structure 

The plot is also close to residential homes in Layer Road and Mersea Road.

It has been under the same ownership for several years, but the current owner has now decided to sell the water tower on at auction.

Dedman Gray Auction Ltd, which is based in Southend, will be running the online auction at 2pm via a live stream.

Mike Gray, the company’s managing director, said: “It’s been ten years or more since we last offered a water tower for sale.

Gazette:

Views - Abberton Reservoir 

“The tower has already created a great deal of interest for many different types of use.

“Most inquiries have been from people in Colchester, although we have received one inquiry about the tower from someone in the Midlands.”

He said there could be a variety of uses for the tower for potential buyers, subject to the necessary planning consents.

Across the country abandoned water towers have been transformed into holiday retreats, restaurants, community spaces and extraordinary homes.

Gazette:

Disused - the structure going to auction

Just last month the water tower for a former prisoner of war camp, which also served as a secret Second World War communications hub, was put on the market in High Garrett, near Braintree.

Simply known as the Water Tower, the building has been renovated in to a five-storey house and will cost a new owner £1.2million to purchase.

Mr Gray said the guide price for the water tower in Abberton has a modest price tag of £40,000.

“What makes this particular tower quite interesting is that there are remarkable views over Abberton Reservoir,” Mr Gray added.

“We are looking forward to see the eventual sale of the building.”

To find out more information about the auction, visit dedmangray.co.uk.