A pair of islands once used as a romantic hideaway by royalty are headed to auction with a starting price of more than £1.6 million.
Holm Island and Hollyhock Island, located on the River Thames, were once used by Prince Edward, later King Edward VIII, for romantic getaways with Wallis Simpson during their courtship.
The two islands, which are joined by a footbridge, were home to The Nest – a discreet hideaway for the then heir and his twice divorced lover.
They had intended to marry during his reign, but her previous marriages made such a move politically problematic – leading to his abdication.
Now, the 2.9 acre land near Staines-upon-Thames, Surrey is headed under the hammer with a starting price of £1,650,000.
The land is centred around a substantial five-bedroom detached house and is being sold with vacant possession
Located off Wraysbury Road and accessed via a private driveway, the islands have been held in the same ownership for more than 30 years, and have extensive parking and garaging.
The auction with Savills will take place from July 28 to 29.
Ralph Mendes da Costa, a director within Savills Auctions, said: “Opportunities to acquire not one, but two, private islands within commuting distance of London are 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.
“We expect interest from a range of purchasers, including end-users seeking an exceptional riverside home, as well as developers and investors attracted by the property’s scale, setting and scope for enhancement, subject to the necessary consents.”
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