A royal home once used by King Edward VIII and Wallis Simpson is set to go on auction for almost half the previous asking price.
Holm and Hollyhock islands, located on the River Thames, will go to auction on Tuesday through estate agents Savills with a guide price of £1.65million.
It had previously been up for sale under Kai Carter Estates for £3million in August 2025.
The islands, near Staines-upon-Thames, Surrey, had been used as a retreat for Prince Edward and Mrs Simpson during the early stages of their romance – an affair that rocked the Royal Family.
Joined by a romantic footbridge, the two islands span 2.9 acres of land and a 5,000 sq ft five-bedroom detached house with four bathrooms.
Hollyhock Island, the smaller of the two at just 0.2 acres, used to be home to a hideaway named The Nest, which was used by the former King and his lover.
It remains one of the most significant scandals in modern royal history, when then-King Edward wanted to marry twice-divorced Ms Simpson, which ultimately proved problematic.
The Church of England at the time forbade marriage to a divorcee whose former spouse remained alive.
This led to his abdication on December 10, 1936. He held the throne for just 11 months.
The couple married the following June at the Château de Candé in France, without a single member of the Royal Family present.
Edward, who later became known as the Duke of Windsor, would ultimately pass the throne to King George VI, the father of Queen Elizabeth II.
Holm and Hollyhock islands | Source: GOOGLE EARTH
Despite the historical significance, The Nest no longer stands, with just the remains visible.
Holm Island, the larger of the two, encompasses 2.5 acres and boasts 1,200 feet of private river frontage.
It is also home to the substantial residence, including a generous wraparound balcony space and garaging.
The property is being sold with vacant possession. An acre of ancient woodland adds to the estate’s natural appeal, and there is potential for further development, subject to obtaining the necessary planning permissions.
The islands are reached from the mainland via a gated private driveway off Wraysbury Road. They have remained under the same ownership for more than three decades.
Ralph Mendes da Costa, a director at Savills, said that the opportunity to acquire two islands within a commutable distance to London is “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,” he added.
“Carefully priced to engage the market, the property is expected to attract significant interest ahead of auction.
“Its exceptional riverside setting, generous proportions and scope for enhancement are likely to appeal to owner-occupiers, developers and investors alike, subject to securing the relevant consents.”
Holm and Hollyhock islands will be auctioned on an online live-streamed event on Tuesday, and will be offered as lot 61.
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