I
n the heart of rural New South Wales, a family's extraordinary home has been thrust into the spotlight after a curious passerby's video of their 10-story abode went viral. The Evans' residence, affectionately known as the Girvan Tower, is a marvel of architecture that has left many wondering if it's an apartment complex or a private estate.

    Built in the 1990s for Peter Grey, the tower was purchased by Andrea and Andrew Evans in 2012 for a mere $779,204 USD. The family has since transformed the property into a thriving permaculture farm, Vast Harvest Permaculture, which spans an impressive 400 acres.

    James Evans, the 21-year-old son of the family, revealed that they were initially hesitant to showcase their home on social media, fearing it would detract from their focus on sustainable living. However, when the stranger's video gained widespread attention, they decided to set the record straight and share a tour of their remarkable residence.

    The Girvan Tower is not just a unique architectural feat but also a testament to the family's commitment to self-sufficiency. The ground floor boasts an original red carpet, chandelier, and pool, while the first floor serves as a storage level with gym equipment and a former outdoor tennis court. Each subsequent floor offers a glimpse into the family's daily lives, from James' living area on the third floor to his parents' room on the seventh.

    The real showstopper, however, is the rooftop observation deck on the tenth story, which offers breathtaking views of the surrounding farmland, all the way to Newcastle and the ocean on the horizon. The Evans family plans to capitalize on this unique feature by listing a recently renovated second-floor space as a short-term holiday rental on Airbnb.

    As part of their permaculture business, the family already offers paid tours, workshops, and farm-to-table meals. They're now expanding their offerings with additional accommodations, buggy rides, and horseback excursions to educate visitors about self-sufficient living and healthy eating.

    For James, the best part of their unusual home is having his own space within the sprawling estate. "I'm a homebody," he said, revealing that he's only left the area once in the past four months. His passion for permaculture is evident as he shares stories about their 24-mile food forest, which boasts an astonishing array of edible plants, including jackfruit and 15 varieties of mangoes.

    As James looks to one day take over the farm and business, his vision for a sustainable future is clear: "I want my grandkids and great-grandkids here, building a future generation of sustainability." The full house tour is available on Vast Harvest Permaculture's YouTube channel.