A five-bedroom house sits on a private island on the River Thames that was once used as a romantic hideaway by royalty – and the idyllic getaway can be yours for the right offer
Househunters have a “once in a lifetime” opportunity to buy two private islands that provide an idyllic retreat on the River Thames. Holm Island and Hollyhock Island, located on the edge of the pretty village of Wraysbury, Berkshire, were once used by Prince Edward, later King Edward VIII as a lover’s hideaway.
The then future king would take advantage of the islands’ secluded nature to whisk away his future wife, Wallis Simpson, to ‘The Nest’, a house tucked away on Holyhock Island. Now, it can be yours for £3m. He abdicated months after becoming King.
He had intended to marry Wallis Simpson while King. However, her previous marriage made such a move politically very difficult and he abdicated.
The islands have extensive grounds, are home to wildlife and include a stunning home perfect for a quiet life with major infrastructure nearby.
Accessed via a long, private driveway with a bridge, Holm Island offers a “beautiful haven” just miles from Heathrow Airport and the M25, according to selling agents Kai Carter Estates. A contemporary five-bedroom home stands on the island offering wonderful views of the Thames while the 2.5-acre grounds are “absolutely magical”, including ancient woodland.
The home includes two garages and a large gravel parking area, as well as an “indulgently large” living room with wall-to-wall windows and doors. A balcony leads out to views of the Thames. It also includes a connected kitchen/diner, playrooms, study, and a bedroom with its own terrace and 270 degree views. Upstairs, four bedrooms all come with built-in storage and two have en-suite bathrooms.
The current owners, who are selling as they have chosen to downsize, gave a glowing review. They told Kai Carter:”We found these islands after a five year search looking for the perfect home, and this was more than we could have hoped for!
“It’s utterly unique here; secluded, private and a peaceful sanctuary all to ourselves, and yet we’re so close to everything. Coming down the driveway, we really feel we’re leaving the outside world behind.
“It’s like stepping into a peaceful oasis; the air is cleaner, the woodland full of wildlife, and being so close to the water is very cathartic. We designed the house ourselves making the most of the setting, we have large windows all around, high ceilings and open plan living space, it’s so bright here, every room is light.
“The balconies are great for enjoying the views and garden directly from the living areas. We’ve had some great parties here with marquees in the garden and we have enough parking for 100 cars!
“It’s an amazing place to entertain, especially as, with no neighbours, we don’t have to worry about noise. It truly is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.”
While the new owners won’t have to worry about nuisance neighbours, the islands do come with a flood risk. While the house was designed to withstand flooding, it can affect accessing the house.
The previous owners reported needing wellington boots due to ankle-high waters and once saw flooding up to a few feet deep in 2014. However, the living area of the property did not flood. New owners may wish to redesign or rebuild the home to ensure flood protection lives up to the latest standards in technology.