Private river island hits the auction block for mystery price

A secluded island on the River Thames is set to go under the hammer with no price guide. 

The 4.75-acre clump of trees is in a peaceful river bend in the English county of Berkshire, about an hour west of London. 

Jamie Waller, a British entrepreneur, bought the spot – known as Hallsmead Ait – several years ago for around £500,000 ($1 million). 

Waller has used it as a private retreat and installed a 12-metre-long jetty for landing boats.

Now the island is back on the market. 

Waller suggested buyers might like to divide up Hallsmead Ait and build several boathouses. 

“Or it could be bought for a commercial venture like a glamping site or a retreat. I’ve had enquiries for people looking to use it as a yoga retreat before,” he told local news outlet the Henley Herald. 

Savills director Gary Murphy, who has the listing, told The Standard it is unknown whether the local council would grant planning permission for a dwelling on the island. 

Murphy said all interested buyers should do their own independent research. 

Due to the uniqueness of the property, Hallsmead Ait will go to auction with no reserve price. 

This means the island will sell for whatever the highest bid is on the day. 

“If the highest bid is £100 [$200], I will drop the hammer on £100,” Murphy told The Standard. 

If England is too far to travel, there are plenty of river islands for sale right here in Australia. 

A 165-acre island is for sale on the Karuah River, about two hours north of Sydney. 

Boogee Boogee Island is a hotspot for wildlife, with everything from koalas to dolphins on your doorstep. 

Those who like their wildlife with more bite might like to check out Goat Island in the Northern Territory, which is surrounded by saltwater crocodiles. 

Pub owner ‘King’ Kai Hansen is selling the island after 20 years of ownership.