If the idea of swapping your noisy neighbours for a choir of birds and gentle river waves sounds appealing, then mark your calendar for November 25.
That’s when Hallsmead Ait, a charming triangular island nestled in one of the Thames’ most serene spots by Shiplake Lock, will be auctioned.
Spanning a modest 4.75 acres of woodland, Hallsmead Ait isn’t just a pretty patch of green; it comes with its own landing pontoon.
With the island accessible only by boat, you can forget noisy morning commutes and pesky traffic jams — think more along the lines of leisurely river cruises in your own backyard.
Would you like to own an island on the Thames?
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Yes
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No
Situated near Henley-on-Thames, dubbed ‘Britain’s poshest town’, passers-by and boaters alike have long admired the island’s unspoilt charm, and let’s just say the local wildlife probably won’t be throwing any raucous island parties without your say-so.
Estate agents Savills are calling this a ‘unique opportunity to acquire an entire Thames Eyot,’ which sounds fancy but basically means you could own your own private island on the river.
And here’s the twist: there’s no guide price and no reserve. Meaning you might just nab yourself a Thames gem at a bargain price.
Current owner Jamie Waller says the island is perfect for leisure or something a bit more imaginative (subject to planning permissions, of course).
And he added that it ‘offers something truly rare — a self-contained island retreat located in one of England’s most desirable riverside settings’.
Meanwhile, Gary Murphy, director at Savills Auctions, said: ‘Though not currently habitable, Hallsmead Ait presents a rare and exciting opportunity to own a private island on the River Thames.
‘Subject to planning consent, there may be potential to build a small summer house to be used as a place to entertain family and friends, host yoga or pilates retreats, or simply as a quiet spot to relax and unwind.’
And Hallsmead Ait isn’t the only unique property on the market in the capital at the moment.
In Greenwich, an abandoned public toilet is up for auction for £110,000, along with another set of former loos in West Norwood, with a higher guide price of £150,000.
Meanwhile, a double garage in Clapham has hit the market for a staggering £150,000 — triple the cost of a house in one northern town.
And it’s not the only time an island has come up for sale.
Last year, a 30-acre island located between Limerick and Clare on the Shannon Estuary hit the market for £722,000.
As auction day approaches (provided the island doesn’t get snapped up before then), interested buyers shouldn’t let this opportunity float away.
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