The former home of disgraced entertainer Rolf Harris, once valued at over £4 million, has failed to sell at auction after bids reached only £1.54 million. The property, located on the banks of the River Thames in Berkshire, was put on the market last year but has struggled to attract buyers due to its dilapidated state and the stigma associated with its previous owner.
Harris, who was convicted in 2014 on twelve counts of indecent assault, lived as a recluse in the mansion after his release. The 6,440-square-foot property features four bedrooms, a 45-foot living space, a 35-foot master bedroom, an artist's studio, a self-contained annexe, and a boathouse. However, the house is now in significant disrepair, with estimates suggesting that between £1.5 million and £2 million is needed for renovations.
An urban explorer known as Colin, who runs the Bearded Explorer YouTube channel, recently visited the property and documented its decay. He discovered a bizarre relic in the basement: a mould of a human head, which he identified as being of Harris's wife, Alwen. Colin described the find as 'creepy' and expressed surprise that such an item had been left behind.
Local estate agent Brian Warren, who previously valued the property, said the initial £4 million asking price was too high. He noted that potential buyers would face additional costs for demolition and rebuilding due to the property's condition and its location on the river. The mansion was custom-designed by Harris, inspired by his childhood home in Perth, Australia.
Colin entered the property through an unlocked door, which is considered trespassing but generally a civil matter. He remarked that despite the house's beauty, it was overshadowed by its dark history, with some of Harris's crimes allegedly taking place there. The property remains unsold, with its future uncertain.
