A private island in the commuter belt: river retreat sells for £1 million — only 20 miles from central London
Private islands are making headlines in lockdown again only, as far as we know, this one isn’t the next party destination for Kim Kardashian’s closest inner circle.
Set in three acres of grounds with a small two-bedroom cottage, and surrounded by water, it’s a “lifestyle purchase” says Tim Firth of Jackson-Stops who were instructed to sell the now under-offer island.
In the middle of Weybridge town, just south of where the River Thames and the River Wey split, the house and double garage are accessed by a private bridge.
Vaulted ceilings, window seats and an outdoor decking area make the most of the weir views.
Strict local planning rules means it’s unlikely that permission would be granted to extend the property, yet Firth says there was huge interest in the island which was for sale for offers in excess of £1 million: “We had enquiries from people all along the river, from near Richmond and Hampton, down through Weybridge and further down towards Guildford.”
“Quite a few people on the coast too, in places like Devon, who want to come back up.”
“The sellers used to have it as a weekend retreat then they started renting it out maybe five years ago. Now it’s a lifestyle purchase, perfect for a retired couple – who are exactly the people buying it.”
After the first lockdown, Firth says the branch had an increase in London buyers from 35 per cent to 65 per cent overnight: "People like to compare it to Cobham, but Weybridge has the community feel and a more direct train line to London.”
Other unusual island properties to have been listed for sale in the area recently include a private wildlife haven on a small plot of less than an acre.
With an asking price of £1.25 million, the property on stilts is accessed by a footbridge. It comes with a private mooring, and planning permission to redevelop or extend.
