Frédéric, a professional firefighter, is transforming a 1930s abandoned water tower near Liège, Belgium, into a luxurious guesthouse with his wife, Aléna. After purchasing the structure for 90,000 euros, they face challenges in renovating the 17-meter tall building, including debris removal and harsh winter delays. With over 300,000 euros invested, their plans feature a custom steel staircase and a jacuzzi, honoring the tower’s industrial heritage. They aim to welcome guests within a year while already envisioning their next restoration project.
Reviving a Historical Gem: Frédéric’s Ambitious Project
Every morning, before the sun rises, Frédéric embarks on a unique journey up the 80 steps of an abandoned water tower from the 1930s, nestled near Liège, Belgium. As a professional firefighter, Frédéric has developed a passion for transforming disused factories into something spectacular, and this latest endeavor is no exception. Together with his wife Aléna, they are set to convert this industrial relic into an exquisite guesthouse. However, despite his construction expertise, Frédéric faces significant challenges in this monumental task, especially given that the structure stands over 17 meters high. “At this height, everything becomes more complicated; every tool and material has to be hauled up. If I forget something at the bottom, it’s an 80-step trek back down,” he shares in a recent segment of the TF1 magazine ‘Reportages Découverte.’
Transforming the Water Tower into a Dream Destination
Once a vital water source for the city of Montzen, this tower has been abandoned for the past decade. Frédéric, a local resident with a vision, decided to rescue the building from decay, purchasing it for 90,000 euros. “This has always been a dream of ours. We’ve lived nearby and often talked about transforming it into a restaurant or hotel. When we saw the ‘for sale’ sign, we knew it was time to act,” he reminisces.
With an investment exceeding 300,000 euros, Frédéric and Aléna aspire to welcome their first guests within a year. Their ambitious plans involve demolishing the massive reinforced concrete tank that once stored the city’s water. Due to limited site access for heavy machinery, Frédéric has enlisted help, anticipating over 70 days of labor to remove 140 tons of debris through a narrow chute. The complexity of the project has grown beyond their expectations. “Every detail must be meticulously planned. This structure, built in 1937, deserves respect and preservation,” he emphasizes.
Despite the harsh winter weather causing delays and increasing costs, Frédéric remains steadfastly optimistic. The frost has hindered crucial insulation work, creating a daily financial strain of nearly 300 euros. “Every day counts, and if this delay persists, we could face significant setbacks,” he admits. However, he is determined to overcome these obstacles as he prepares to install a custom-made one-ton steel staircase, a centerpiece of the future luxury guesthouse.
With a vision that honors the building’s industrial heritage, Frédéric is also planning to install a 2.5-ton jacuzzi atop the water tower, ensuring it fits seamlessly into the design. “We had to consider how to integrate water without flooding the entire structure, and the jacuzzi’s round shape reflects the tower’s original design,” he explains with pride.
After a year and a half of dedication and hard work, the water tower is transforming into a stunning three-floor guesthouse, with Frédéric and Aléna putting the finishing touches in place. As they prepare for reservations to open, Frédéric’s passion for restoration remains unwavering, with plans already underway for a new project: converting an old castle into a guesthouse.