just a giant hippo floating up the river
(not my photo)
hampton court bridge
D'Oyly island owned by Richard D'Oyly Carte...he was the theatrical impresario who brought Gilbert and Sullivan together and produced their 13 operas.He also built the Savoy theatre to stage them and the Savoy Hotel.
He was born in 1844 and died in 1901.He may have started from humble beginnings but his entrepreneurial va va voom led him to buy this island and build this house.It is reached by the arched steel bridge..carefully locked.
You can imagine the debauchery and sodden opiate filled nights spent here.The ideal party house.
He had another London house in the Adelphi and was the first person to install a lift in his house.He also employed the artist Whistler to paint his walls.He was famous for a macabre sense of humour and theatre and kept a crocodile on this island....I love this house.
ooh I have friend envy - what a bloody great place to live, didn't realise others lived on the island - just looked it up on the Right Move site , it's under offer . Did your friend have to access the island via that arched bridge or is there another way? The photos inside are a pleasure to see - would have lost the blue carpet on the stairs though. the view from the verandah is gorgeous.D'oyly island was recently on the market for £4m.
Mate of mine lives on it, (not in the house), but his boat is moored there, he's getting his marching orders soon.
The island was originally bought by him to make an out of London version of the Savoy, but he couldn't get a booze licence, so it became his private house.
edit, and that topiary, 1/2 way from Hampton Court to Walton is
Just had a look at the photos. The Ballroom is stunning. £4 Million seems pretty cheap these days considering it has 13 bedrooms. I am going to buy a euromillions & cross me fingers.ooh I have friend envy - what a bloody great place to live, didn't realise others lived on the island - just looked it up on the Right Move site , it's under offer . Did your friend have to access the island via that arched bridge or is there another way? The photos inside are a pleasure to see - would have lost the blue carpet on the stairs though. the view from the verandah is gorgeous.
I don't recall the Dave Gilmour studio - am sure I would have clicked it if i had ...will have a gander at my photos from that day.
Just had a look at the photos. The Ballroom is stunning. £4 Million seems pretty cheap these days considering it has 13 bedrooms. I am going to buy a euromillions & cross me fingers.