Opposite Hampton Court Palace, in the middle of the river, lies Thames Ditton Island: an exclusive community of 48 houses and “small idyll in the Thames”, according to its Facebook page. For those looking for an opportunity to join Thames island life, now might be the chance: a three-bedroom house on the island is for sale with Dexters for £1.275 million.
Thames Ditton Island —known to locals as “The Island”— was created by King Henry VIII, who widened and straightened the Thames to expedite his passage from Hampton Court Palace to Westminster. Over the intervening years, it grew in popularity as a boating, picnicking and camping spot, particularly amongst Edwardian pleasure-seekers.
By the 1930s, it had become a popular, fashionable spot to spend the weekend, with a suspension bridge added in 1939.
Today, though, it is home to a “diverse set of residents including CEOs, artists, architects, sales leaders, technologists and creatives,” according to the island’s website.
The island, which purports to be “a brand in its own right”, is managed by its close-knit community of residents, and holds a number of annual island events, such as “Duck Race day”, which features a homemade raft race and a Christmas meal.
“As you would expect there is a strong sense of community with everyone happy to both have their privacy but also to pitch in and help each other whenever it’s needed,” reads the website. “The common bond of water, boats and island life attracts a healthy mix of people.”
Like others on the island, the property for sale is raised above the riverside, with a private mooring. Covering 1,617 square feet over two floors, the house’s entire ground floor is occupied by an open plan kitchen, dining room and reception, with bi-fold doors leading to the south-facing patio garden on the water’s edge.
Upstairs, there are three bedrooms, a family bathroom and an office. There is another secluded, landscaped garden at the front of the house, also containing a 117 square foot summer house.
The house, says Jo Gale at Dexters, has been recently refurbished inside and out to maximise its “spellbinding” river views and to be “enjoyed in every season”.
“Homes on Thames Ditton Island are extremely sought-after, offering waterfront living just moments from one of Surrey’s prettiest village high streets, and on the fringes of London,” she says. “The winter months are just as magical as summer, with the heated pagoda and log-burning stove in the spectacular open-plan living area, plus the ultimate boatie’s perks: a large private mooring and newly built pontoon.”
Given the house’s proximity to the capital — trains to Waterloo from Thames Ditton, half a mile away, take 35 minutes, or 16 from nearby Surbiton — the agents believe the property is likely to attract a London buyer in search of a quieter life.
“It's true to say living on an island is different to a nice semi with a driveway,” reads Thames Ditton Island’s website. “To those who understand, the pros far outweigh the cons. Every morning and every evening there is a river view, with some of the best sunrises and sunsets in the country, as the sky and the river change colour simultaneously.”
