Holm Island & Hollyhock Island

Viewing strictly by appointment only

ACCOMMODATION

Holm Island is accessed by a private ¼ mile driveway with bridge access on to the island - strong enough to withstand the weight of a fire engine. Set back from the road, it's secluded and private, offering a beautiful haven that feels miles away from everything, yet so close to transport links and local amenities.

The contemporary house sits in the middle of the island with views of the Thames and rich flora, fauna and wildlife. Designed with light and space in mind, the house is bright throughout with large windows, large rooms and flexible living space.

GROUND FLOOR

There's a large gravel parking area and two garages / void spaces designed to allow the flow of water if and when the island floods. There are 2 exterior staircases leading to the house.

FIRST FLOOR

The indulgently large living room is an outstanding living space with wall to wall windows and doors opening on to the balcony with views of the mature grounds and Thames river. This is a notably bright room with an open fireplace for cooler nights.

Alongside the living room there's a connected kitchen/dining room with a wrap-around balcony and wonderful dual aspect views.

There's a playroom, study and store room, along with triple aspect bedroom 5 with its own terrace and 270 views, with a shower room alongside.

SECOND FLOOR

Accessed by a large circular staircase with a column of windows overlooking the north side of the island, the 2nd floor has 4 double bedrooms, all wonderfully bright, with built-in storage.

The dual aspect main bedroom has views of the Thames, an en-suite shower room and walk in wardrobe. Bedroom 2 has an en-suite shower room while bedrooms 3 & 4 are served by a family bathroom.

GROUNDS

The grounds of Holm Island are absolutely magical. Extending to 2.5 acres with 1200 ft of Thames frontage, the eastern half of the island is ancient woodland with walkways, deer, woodpeckers and parakeets, all giving the most wonderful feeling of space, tranquillity and a connection with nature. Walking through the woodland feels as though you're in the middle of nowhere, the ultimate playground for relaxation and exploration.

Around the house there's a large open garden area with plenty of space for entertaining. The current owners have hosted large parties for 200 people here, with marquees and no concern for noise, given there are no nearby neighbours.

From the woodland, there's a footbridge leading to Hollyhock Island.

HOLLYHOCK ISLAND

This 0.2 acre island has the remains of 'The Nest', a house used by Prince Edward and Wallis Simpson during their courtship.

This slightly elevated island, situated between Holm Island and the mainland, offers potential for an entertaining space or additional home STPP.

Please note: The house has planning permission, but not building regulations sign-off.

SELLER INSIGHT

We found these islands after a five year search looking for the perfect home, and this was more than we could have hoped for! It's utterly unique here; secluded, private and a peaceful sanctuary all to ourselves, and yet we're so close to everything.

Coming down the driveway, we really feel we're leaving the outside world behind. It's like stepping into a peaceful oasis; the air is cleaner, the woodland full of wildlife, and being so close to the water is very cathartic.

We designed the house ourselves making the most of the setting, we have large windows all around, high ceilings and open plan living space, it's so bright here, every room is light. The balconies are great for enjoying the views and garden directly from the living areas.

We've had some great parties here with marquees in the garden and we have enough parking for 100 cars! It's an amazing place to entertain, especially as, with no neighbours, we don't have to worry about noise.

We're downsizing now so we're excited to pass the islands on to the next owner so they can begin their own adventure here. We hope they'll feel just as inspired as we have been by this magical setting and embrace the freedom to create their own haven here. It truly is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

FLOOD RISK

Holm Island & Hollyhock Island, like many properties on the Thames, are subject to flooding. Largely it is ground water rising first, often followed by water coming over the banks. The current owners have lived there for 25 years, in their time they have experienced the following:

* The house was designed to withstand flooding to the ground floor area based on 1 in 100 year flood level data. The flooding may be a minor inconvenience, requiring wellington boots, intermediate level requiring waders and rare occasions when it is advisable to wait and let the water recede to a safe level or move out of the house.
* Approximately 3 out of 4 years the island floods, usually ankle deep, lasting from 1 to 10 days typically during the period November to February.
* The access driveway is slightly higher than the house, when flooding is forecast, cars can be parked there and the house accessed with wellington boots.
* The worst the house has experienced was in 2014 when the water was a few feet deep. However, the living area of the house did not flood.

While the current house is built to withstand flooding, the new owner may wish to redesign or rebuild given advances in building technology for waterside properties. See 'Architect's Insight' for more information on options available.

Wraysbury is located on the River Thames floodplain, making it vulnerable to flooding during periods of high rainfall or river surges.

Notable flood events were in 1947, 2003, and 2014. Despite this, Wraysbury remains a desirable village for many, given its excellent transport links, friendly community and pretty surroundings.

The 'River Thames Scheme' aims to reduce the risk of flooding, more information can be found on the River Thames Scheme website.

Homes on flood plains are mortgageable with the right house build and insurance in place.

AN ARCHITECTS INSIGHT

While the island does experience occasional flooding, this shouldn't be seen as a drawback. Our expertise lies in creating flood-resilient homes-whether through innovative retrofitting or bespoke new builds designed to keep you safe, dry, and comfortable year-round.

There's exceptional potential here, depending on the new owner's vision and budget. Options include:
* Transforming the existing structure: Retain the core shell while upgrading the facades with a contemporary exterior and generous cantilevered balconies that embrace the river views.
* Starting fresh: Demolish the existing home and build a state-of-the-art, flood-resilient residence-or even an eco-amphibious house that adapts with the water levels, all while maximizing living space and sustainability.
* Riverside properties of this calibre are few and far between-especially those that come with their very own private island. This is a truly unique opportunity to own a slice of the Thames that offers both seclusion and natural beauty.

This is more than just a riverside property-it's a chance to create a one-of-a-kind home in one of the Thames' most exceptional locations."

Richard Coutts FRIBA
Founder of BACA Architects


LOCATION

Wraysbury is the ideal setting for those who want peace coupled with connectivity and community. This riverside haven has a strong community spirit, excellent amenities, rich outdoor life and superb transport links to surrounding towns, London Heathrow, London and beyond.

On the banks of the River Thames, Wraysbury is surrounded by lakes, riverside walks, and ancient woodland, it's a haven for nature lovers and those seeking a peaceful, semi-rural lifestyle.

London Waterloo is under an hour away by train, and Heathrow Airport is a short drive, making Wraysbury ideal for commuters and international travellers. The village has local pubs, great schools nearby and a variety of clubs and societies.

From lazy summer afternoons by the water to invigorating winter walks through the surrounding countryside, Wraysbury offers an enviable quality of life, whether you're drawn by the tranquility, the convenience, or the unique charm of village living.

AMENITIES & LOCAL SERVICES

Wraysbury High Street offers a selection of independent shops including convenience stores, a post office, pharmacy, newsagent and a takeaway, alongside several pubs.

Nearby Staines and Windsor-both a 10 minutes drive away-offer a large choice of retail, cinemas, restaurants and leisure centres.

COMMUNITY & SOCIAL LIFE

Wraysbury boasts an active community with a rich calendar of events. Wraysbury Village Halls is a vibrant hub, hosting weekly yoga, Pilates, aerobics, arts and crafts classes, coffee mornings, quiz and bingo nights, live music, seasonal markets, Women's Institute and fundraisers. The halls can also be hired for weddings, rehearsals, and private events.

The Wraysbury Village Club hosts regular events including live music. Additionally there's an annual Village Fair on the green in June.

For sporty residents there are several local activities: sailing, tennis, bowls, cricket and football clubs.