I’m sure that many capital city-dwellers have experienced the compelling urge to throw in the towel on London life, and hotfoot it straight to a private island to live out the rest of their days. But I’m also fairly certain that a large percentage of those Londoners wouldn’t last long before realising that a) they prefer their diaries to be as full as a rush-hour tube carriage and b) they can’t afford to live on a private island. We may have just found the perfect middle ground, though. Because perched in one of the most peaceful and picturesque parts of the River Thames is a secret island that happens to be up for sale – and could soon be snapped up for a little as a few pounds. Please allow me to explain.
Hallsmead Ait
The lush and leafy island in question is known as Hallsmead Ait. Spanning 4.75 acres, the ‘rarely available’ island is situated on the reach above Shiplake Lock, not too far from ‘Britain’s poshest town’ (AKA Henley-on-Thames). And it is set to be auctioned off on November 25 (as long as it hasn’t been snapped up before then).
The triangular island has long been admired by boaters and passers-by. It’s currently sat vacant, but comes complete with its own landing pontoon, and has potential for a variety of uses. The island (otherwise known as an ‘ait’ or an ‘eyot’) is up for sale with the property-pros over at Savills, who have described the potential to snap up Hallsmead Ait as ‘a unique opportunity to acquire an entire Thames Eyot’.
Hallsmead Ait will be offered without reserve at auction on November 25, and it’s currently unclear as to how much it’s likely to go for. But you never know with an auction, do you? It could be acquired for a complete and utter bargain.
You can take a look at the full Savills listing here.