The Girvan Estate is owned by Peter Grey, described by stock and station agent John Miles as an eccentric who has a passion for high-rise buildings.

"We are all into different things," Mr Miles said yesterday.

"Peter's idea of a good time is driving up to Surfers Paradise with King of the Road on his stereo and checking out high-rise buildings and eating ice-cream and hot chips.

"He's old school. He drives an old Ford ute around most of the time. His family has lived in the area for generations."

The tower-like structure is impossible to miss, sitting on top of a hill on a back road between Stroud and Bulahdelah.

Mr Grey lives in the building with his wife, who was recently diagnosed with Alzheimer's, prompting the sale.

His son has moved in and lives on one floor, while a niece lives on another floor.

Mr Grey spends most of his time on the top floor, where his office is, leaving the other seven floors largely untouched.

The building has an internal lift, seven bathrooms, two additional toilets, balconies on every floor, three bedrooms, and no, they do not employ a cleaner.

There are 360-degree views from the top floor, and an observation deck from which to enjoy it.

On a clear night, you can see across to the lights of Newcastle, and the building itself is lit up with blue neon lights.

During a rare interview, the media-shy Mr Grey told ABC Radio National in March last year that he had never used the in-ground pool on the first floor, because he can't swim.

Nor had he ever used the spa on the 10th floor, or the indoor tennis court on the first floor.

Mr Miles said each floor was large enough to become a self-contained residence.

Subject to council approval, it could be converted into a resort, he said.