See inside Gipsy Hill's Highland Tower: spectacular church conversion home - once owned by the Queen - is for sale in south London

Many of the capital's grandest churches have been carved into warehouse-style loft apartments with dramatic vaulted ceilings and pointed-arched windows.

But it's far less common to find one of these architectural gems converted into a single, showstopping home and perhaps London's most unique rental property.

Yet on the corner of Gipsy Hill and Highland Road, in the south London borough of Lambeth, sits Highland Tower - a striking church conversion said to be once owned by the Queen is now for sale for £1.8 million after a recent £50k price drop.

Built in 1861, the Grade II-listed former church tower was renovated by its current owner soon after the purchase in 2002 and now includes an extra section on one side that has turned the space into a four-bedroom home so large an internal lift has also been installed.

"Refurbishing the property was tough going and we spent way more than we had budgeted for," says owner Mr Rubinow, who put Highland Tower on the rental market a few years ago in order to begin work on his next project - a converted water tower in St Albans.

"We really enjoyed living in the tower, it's like nothing else. Once you're inside, it's so quiet you forget you're in London."

Inside, a narrow spiral staircase leads up to the Clock Room and the Belfry Room where stunning 36ft windows frame the best of the capital's skyline.

Throughout the property, original features are combined with high-quality contemporary furnishings, including 3ft-thick walls, 40ft ceilings, fire alarms and security system - plus the restored, original church clock and front door.

"One interesting fact is that it was owned by the Queen - and I have the paper work to prove it," says Mr Rubinow.

As well as the lift, there's a roof terrace on the fourth floor that is perfect for entertaining and off-street parking for two cars.

According to estate agent Simon Stone of Unique Property Company, buyers can expect a rental income of about £1,500 per week for the tower.

Twenty-five minutes from the West End and Marble Arch by car, and a 30-minute train journey from London Bridge, this spectacular church tower is also on the doorstep of Crystal Palace.