Private island in River Thames up for sale

Hallsmead Ait, which is just into Berkshire, lies close to Shiplake in Oxfordshire

A private island passed by boaters and rowers on the Thames since time immemorial has gone up for sale.

Hallsmead Ait, a triangular island or an eyot in Berkshire and close to Shiplake Lock in Oxfordshire, is set to be auctioned next month if it is not sold before.

Agent Savills said it was a unique opportunity to own the vacant island, which is wooded and has its own landing pontoon.

Current owner and entrepreneur Jamie Waller said it "offers something truly rare – a self-contained island retreat located in one of England's most desirable riverside settings".

The island will be offered at an auction without reserve on 25 November.

The agent said it was on "one of the most picturesque reaches on the River Thames", on a "tranquil stretch known for its unspoilt natural beauty".

It said it had "sweeping views across the water and a rich variety of wildlife along its banks".

"With access by boat and a landing dock in situ, it's ready for imaginative use. Offering it at auction with no reserve underscores our confidence in the market's appetite for distinctive assets like this," Mr Waller added.

A series of concerts took place on another private island on the Thames in Surrey in June, with others planned next year.

D'Oyly Carte Island was bought by London theatre impresario Richard D'Oyly Carte in the late 19th Century.

He built the Savoy Hotel and Savoy Theatre and produced the first operettas from Gilbert and Sullivan.