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.
