Housing boom! Yours for £350k, home that really is bomb-proof
THE UK’s toughest home – designed to withstand the blast from a 2,000lb bomb – has gone on sale for £350,000.
Rosehearty Tower was built to observe RAF bombing practice off the north-east coast of Scotland.
It has since been converted into a family home featuring four bedrooms, two kitchens, a triple garage, spiral staircase – and the original bomb-proof windows.
Built in 1994, the 45ft tower, near Fraserburgh, Aberdeenshire, allowed military observers to watch in relative safety as jets bombed targets being towed offshore.
A Mark 84 bomb dropped by an RAF Tornado can make a crater 50ft wide and spray lethal fragments up to 1,100ft away. So the building, which cost £750,000 to construct, had to be able to withstand the effect of an occasional stray bomb.
When bombing practice ended in the area in 2002, the tower was bought for only £75,000 and converted into a family home.
The upper part of the structure, which once allowed military observers to watch the fall of deadly weapons, now affords 360degree views of breath-taking coastal scenery and wildlife, including dolphins.
Sellers Doorstep Agents state: ‘The area boasts lovely walks, plenty of outdoor pursuits such as bird, whale and dolphin watching, bowling, cycling, sailing and is a well-known fishing and scubadiving spot.
‘The property is set in 0.529 hectares [1.3 acres] of grounds with commanding views over the Moray coast and North Sea.
‘Electric gated entry to a private drive leads to a triple garage with electricity and electric doors.
‘Entry to the building is via a vestibule which leads into the self-contained annex and main tower section. The main tower comprises on the ground floor of a large mirrored dressing room and utility room, stairs lead to the first floor bedroom and shower room.
‘Stairs continue to the second floor bedroom and bathroom with a spiral staircase leading to the observation room.’
Doorstep managing director Akshay Ruparelia described it as ‘a fantastic building with great history behind it’.
‘Whale and dolphin watching’