When building or renovating a property there are many things to consider such as usage, design, budget and of course style. One person who knows this more than anyone is Keith Hope, who along with wife Sandra, converted Havannah Street's old water tank into a stunning two unit complex.

Originally built in 1914 and owned by the railway, the tank sit derelict for years, before Keith decided something needed to be done, "We lived right next door to the tank and just got sick and tired of looking at it sitting there," he said.

Knowing a similar conversion done at Piper Street's "The Reservoir", a plan was hatched and work begun. In partnership with Robyn White from Robyn White Designs, they went through alternatives to make the building "more than just a tank", with a focus on an industrial look.

Built over a six year period Keith said while there were many challenges and changes throughout the process, such as the late inclusion of the remarkable slate stone outside the building, he is extremely proud of the outcome.

While the main construction was completed by Landa Homes, the units are the result of combined family effort, with Keith doing internal work with his son Stuart who is also a builder, and wife Sandra focusing on design, colour and finishings.

The history of the tank has been preserved while something modern, stylish and functional has been created. Keith said the key was the design and materials used.

The entrance way is a highlight that features a stunning, stained glass windows, created by local Lorraine Inwood, depicting trains and the railway to acknowledge the history of the tank and Bathurst itself.

Attention to style, functionality and sustainability is evident throughout. The basement has a four car garage with further storage below accessed by a car and goods lift. A 250,000 litre water storage unit can handle all the water needs for the building, and the air conditioning unit is also located in the basement to assist with efficiency. To top this off solar panels have been located on the roof that make the complex energy efficient.

The units are split into two levels which Keith said was an important design aspect. "Both units can lock off the bottom level meaning they can be used as B&B's with three bedrooms, a bathroom, rumpus room and small kitchenette, while owners are still able to enjoy private use of the top level," Keith said. "There is even an intercom system with monitor, cameras and locking systems meaning you don't have to go downstairs to answer the door or let someone in".

The units have a generous amount of space with high levels of natural light entering the building, something that all bedroom's with their enormous walk in robes, take full advantage of. Keith said space and storage were vital in getting the units right.

The use of space and light is welcoming in the open plan kitchen, dining and living areas and the bathrooms, all of which were built with comfort, luxury and the surrounding views of Mount Panorama and Bathurst in mind.

Luxury is evident in the bathrooms with plantation shutters, heated towel rail and gorgeous freestanding baths encouraging you to never leave. This carries on through the open plan kitchen, dining and living areas that are beautifully finished with stone benches, soft close cabinetry, double, electric ovens with gas cook tops and dishwashers, and a useful walk in pantry.

The units, accessed via internal stairs or the disabled access lift, are completed with a private balcony for each unit, and a pleasing backyard with established plants and lawn, with Keith and Sandra's goal to create something stylish and unique hailed as a fantastic success.