About this property
Rising 23 metres above the Hertfordshire countryside, Tonwell Tower is a remarkable architectural conversion just under an hour from London. Originally built in 1964 as a Brutalist water tower, this Grade II listed landmark has been reimagined as a four-bedroom private home, offering a stay that is as design-led as it is memorable.
Sleeping up to eight guests, the tower unfolds across six levels, with more than 1,600 sq ft of living space connected by hand-built spiral staircases. At its summit, the former water tank has been transformed into a dramatic open-plan kitchen, dining and living space framed by expansive glazing and far-reaching views that stretch across fields and as far as the City of London skyline. Four flexible en-suite bedrooms (each arranged as doubles or twins) ensure comfort and privacy for every guest.
Mid-century Danish furniture sits alongside carefully integrated modern technology, from underfloor heating and smart lighting to high-spec kitchen appliances and sustainability-led bathroom design. A generous roof terrace crowns the experience, with the option of an eight-person hot tub for soaking beneath open skies.
For celebratory weekends, multi-generational gatherings or design-focused escapes, Tonwell Tower offers something truly distinctive.
Set on the edge of the tiny village of Tonwell in East Hertfordshire, the tower enjoys a rural position while remaining remarkably well connected. Surrounded by open fields, woodland and public footpaths, the area lends itself to long walks, cycle routes and pub lunches in neighbouring villages such as Watton-at-Stone, Thundridge and Bramfield.
Despite its countryside setting, London is within easy reach, around 30 minutes by train from nearby Stevenage to St Pancras, and under an hour by car. Cambridge is also within an hour, making Tonwell Tower ideal for guests travelling from either city.
The surrounding area offers a wide variety of activities, from golf courses and country estates such as Knebworth House and Hatfield House, to Warner Bros. Studio Tour, nature reserves and the Lea Valley leisure attractions. Luton and Stansted airports are both within 40 minutes, with Heathrow just over an hour away.
Accommodation
Tonwell Tower spans six levels connected via two hand-built spiral staircases, with over 100 steps leading from ground floor to roof terrace. The accommodation is arranged vertically, culminating in the former water tank at the top of the tower.
Ground Floor
- Entrance hall
Level One
- Small home office/study area
- Laundry/Utility Space
Level Two
- 2 Double/twin bedroom with en-suite bathroom
Level Three
- 2 Double/twin bedroom with en-suite bathroom
Top Floor (Former Water Tank – 60sqm Open-Plan Living Space)
- Fully equipped high-spec kitchen (Bora induction hob, Siemens oven, espresso machine, Quooker tap, dishwasher)
- Central dining area
- Lounge space with 72-inch hdtv, Apple TV and integrated sound system
- Floor-to-ceiling glazing with panoramic countryside views
- Roof Terrace (80sqm) Expansive roof terrace with far-reaching views
Amenities
- Wi-Fi connection
- Underfloor heating throughout
- Smart lighting, blinds and climate control
- Air-source heat pumps & mvhr system
- Washing machine and dryer
- Private garden (fully fenced)
- Private parking (multiple cars)
- Exterior security cameras (garden/entrances only)