Two private islands on the River Thames that once served as a secret romantic retreat for royalty are set to go under the hammer with a guide price of £1.6 million.
Islands with royal history
Holm Island and Hollyhock Island, situated on the River Thames, were previously used by Prince Edward, who later became King Edward VIII, for romantic getaways with Wallis Simpson while they were courting. The two islands, connected by a footbridge, housed The Nest - a private sanctuary for the future monarch and his twice-divorced companion. They had planned to wed during his time on the throne, but her marital history made such a move politically untenable - ultimately resulting in his abdication.
Property details
The 2.9 acre site near Staines-upon-Thames, Surrey is now going to auction with a starting price of £1,650,000. The property features a substantial five-bedroom detached residence and comes with vacant possession. Situated off Wraysbury Road and reached via a private drive, the islands have remained under the same ownership for over three decades, and feature extensive parking and garage facilities.
Auction information
The Savills auction runs from July 28 to 29. Ralph Mendes da Costa, a director within Savills Auctions, commented: "Opportunities to acquire not one, but two, private islands within commuting distance of London are extraordinarily rare. Holm Island and Hollyhock Island offer a unique combination of privacy, green space and future potential, creating an exceptional opportunity for buyers seeking something truly distinctive. We expect interest from a range of purchasers, including end-users seeking an exceptional riverside home, as well as developers and investors attracted by the property's scale, setting and scope for enhancement, subject to the necessary consents."
