Eyot House on D’Oyly Carte Island, Weybridge
We walk past this house all the time, and pictures of it, or the island are always appearing on my blog as it is wonderfully photogenic.
D’Oyly Carte Island at Sunset
Now we have a wonderful opportunity! For a measly £4,000,000 it could be ours!
River flooding at Weybridge
Although the island does get smaller in winter!
House on D’Oyly Carte Island
I recently found this advert on Curchods Estate Agents’ Website;
11 bedroom House for sale on D’Oyly Carte Island
A totally unique Grade II listed residence of immense character with many interesting and unusual features, in all some 10,000sq.ft. The property is positioned on a private island in the Thames at Weybridge, accessed by its own private pedestrian bridge. The mainland has a car park for some 40 vehicles/garage for 4 cars plus storage area. This is situated directly opposite the island and the overall area of the mainland is approx. 3/4 of an acre.
The property was built in the late 19th Century (Victorian) by Richard D’Oyly Carte, the operatic impresario. We understand that many of the Gilbert and Sullivan operas he was involved with were rehearsed in the property. (See potted history over). Without visiting this unusual island setting it is not possible to appreciate its quirky magnificence and the breathtaking spectacle of an island in the middle of the Thames.
Ballroom
A magnificent feature of the property is the ballroom which was restored to its original proportions by the present owners. The ballroom can be accessed directly from the grounds as well as from the hallway of the house. It has views facing South and West and its own private lawn on the west side, perfect for those long summer evenings.
Balcony
There is a magnificent veranda on the first floor to three sides of the building with amazing views of the river Thames which change regularly dependant on weather and time of year.
Gardens
D’Oyly Carte Island is approximately 1.9 acres. The gardens have been kept semi-wild to provide a natural habitat for wild life. There is a touch of the orient in the fine bamboo and rare shrubs and plants. It is believed that the gardens were designed by an architect named Colson in a style inspired by the settings of the Mikado. A variety of trees were planted by Kew Gardens over 100 years ago and some still remain today. Two of the most beautiful are the Cedar of Lebanon and the Weeping Beach. A rare and lovely old tree still providing fruit is the Mulberry Tree.
The gardens are a haven for wildlife. The king and queen of river birds, Swans, and also the Heron have nested and rested with their young in the islands tranquillity and safety.
Over the 25 years our clients have owned the property, they have carried out many improvements and much modernisation.
Many, many more details need to be told of the property, but as stated above, it’s the true feel and the tranquillity of the island and river that simply cannot be captured on paper. There is no one better to outline such detail than our clients. They will be present at viewings and will be happy to answer any questions.
By: Andrew Grant
It’s mine!!
Here are some of the estate agent’s photos, click on any to see them larger;
If you agree I should buy it, please send me a donation, my paypal account accepts credits of any size! Or call the Estate Agents and reserve it for me
Day One 
Let’s go in on it together. My £100 is on the way!
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Yippee! So far you’re the majority shareholder. Would you like me to send you a leaf?
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I’ll put an X in your parking spot next time I’m round there.
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Not to be stuffy, but as majority shareholder I’d like a garage not a parking spot.
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I wrote a big long reply to this but it has vanished 😦
There aren’t any garages, but I’m sure I could swing you a mooring, maybe even a swinging one? You will probably need one as there is no road onto the island so all shopping has to be carried over the pedestrian bridge or brought across by boat! Then there are quite a few steps up to the front door.
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I bet you almost feel cheated that they are selling your house. Are you going to see it from the inside? Peter would be in Garden heaven.living there. If I could afford it.. I would begin a small theatre group and rehearse and perform shows in the Ballroom!
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I don’t think they would let us look at it, you probably have to pay a deposit!!
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You have Al’s £100!
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True! I’ll book an appointment as soon as it arrives!!
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As long as they give me a share of the sale I don’t really mind :).
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At this stage, thanks to you, we all feel like that house is ours!
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Well there are 11 bedrooms so plenty of room for everyone 🙂
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Barbara, have you seen this: http://www.wikilovesmonuments.org.uk/?pk_campaign=Centralnotice
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Lol, It’s a bit big! ‘The world’s largest photo competition!’
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This house is listed as Grade II, and to be eligible they need to be Grade I or Grade II*, but i’m sure i’ll find lots locally & have a go 🙂
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If you are not in….. You know the rest!
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True… I’m planning on looking up some local buildings! No time until Monday, hope the good weather stays until then, although I hear rain is due!
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Oh you should definitely buy it…. it’s a steal 🙂
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That’s a good idea!! How do you steal a house??
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Barbara, your pictures are better than the realtor’s! You should definitely try to go for a walk through! Thanks for sharing this, it was a beautiful way for me to start my day!
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Thank you! Some of the views of sunsets from that house must be outstanding!!
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What incredibly lovely photographs. I particularly liked some of the angles and perspectives used like the shot from the wooden bench. What was your inspiration here?
Shakti
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Hi Shakti
I’m not sure what the inspiration was, although I do like to get low to take photos. The gold writing on the bench probably caught my eye 🙂
Thanks for your lovely comment xxx
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Admire from afar….the best way for sure!
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Definitely cheaper… And I can continue to admire it for free no matter who owns it 🙂
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My father lived there in the 60’s when it was flats. My mother had organised a party one night, but being the 60’s it got out of hand with loads of gate crashers. He said he was mortified to get home to find people engaged in free love all over the place, from the foot bridge, the gardens, you name it! Not sure if he got evicted after that!!
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Wow!! That’s a cool story!!
I think they’re turning it into flats again now
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