Two Private Islands Home To The Ruins Of Wallis Simpson’s Royal Hideaway

Throughout history, any royals risking illicit affairs have needed secret spots to hide from the prying eyes of the public. Anne Boleyn and Henry VIII, for example, had their own Tudor ‘love nest’, which recently went to auction. A stone’s throw from Windsor Castle, the king would hide his then-mistress in the former inn ready for late night rendezvous. Though a less bloody affair than Henry’s relationship with Anne, the more recent romance of Edward VIII and Wallis Simpson similarly reverberated throughout history. Falling for the divorced American socialite, Edward was forced to abdicate the throne – and leave the remains of their private island hideaway on the Thames behind. 

Inside The Two Private Islands For Sale On The Thames

When people talk of private islands, you tend to imagine luxurious Caribbean resorts, or rural rocky outcrops off the coasts of Scotland and Wales. While the concept of a private island sounds appealing, the prospect of living slap-bang in the middle of nowhere, and needing to charter a boat (or helicopter) just to pick up groceries, sounds less glamorous in reality. Offering the best of both worlds, these two new private islands on the River Thames combine the charm and seclusion of a Swallows and Amazons-esque world with access to civilisation. 

The Grounds

Holm and Hollyhock Islands (which sounds like something straight out of an Enid Blyton book) sit on the River Thames in Wraysbury, Berkshire. With a five-bedroom home on Holm, this larger island spans 2.5 acres of The Thames, including 1,200 ft of panoramic river views, a gated driveway and bridge. Equipped with wrap-around balconies and an open-plan design, the extensive grounds attached to the house include an acre of ancient woodland. While this woodland provides a habitat for local wildlife such as deer, woodpeckers and parakeets, the other side of the house offers a large open garden fit for entertaining. 

The current owners explained that they found the islands after a five year search for the perfect home: ‘It’s utterly unique here; secluded, private and a peaceful sanctuary all to ourselves, and yet we’re so close to everything[…] 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.’

While they’re now downsizing, they are excited to pass the islands onto the next owner. ‘We hope they’ll feel just as inspired as we have been by this magical setting and embrace the freedom to create their own haven here. It truly is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.’

Inside

Designed with two garages on the ground floor and two exterior staircases providing access to the higher levels of the home, this creates space for the water to flow into if the island ever floods. While you may need to occasionally don your wellies, the water which encroaches the island for around 10-15 days a year doesn’t usually pass beyond the ankles and has never affected the home’s living areas. If the flooding situation ever worsens in the future, there is also scope to redesign, or even rebuild the house, to better ward against the flood. 

The first floor offers a large living room with wall to wall windows and balconies, as well as an open fireplace for cooler nights. There’s also a connected kitchen and dining room, playroom, study and store room, alongside a bedroom, plus a further four bedrooms on the floor above equipped with en suites. 

The History Of Hollyhock Island

Linked by a footbridge, the neighbouring Hollyhock Island is steeped in royal history. While now uninhabited, the 0.2 acre island was once home to a hideaway by the (rather fitting) name The Nest used by then-Prince Edward and Wallis Simpson during their courtship. Though the house no longer exists, the remains of the The Nest can still be seen there to this day. 

Edward first struck up a relationship with Wallis Simpson in 1931 when the American socialite was still married. Crowned King Edward VIII upon his father’s death, the king ruled for less than a year (325 days to be precise) before his relationship threw him into a royal scandal. His plans to marry Wallis Simpson were foiled by the Church of England and its stance on living with ex-spouses. Choosing love over the crown, Edward abdicated in December 1936, leaving his brother George to become king. And without the right royal scandal, George’s daughter Elizabeth II may never have become queen. 

Where Is It?

Located in Wraysbury, Berkshire, the two islands sit just outside of the ULEZ zone, one mile from the M25 and six miles from Heathrow. 

How To Buy?

The house and islands are on the market for £3m. To find out more head to kaicarterestates.com