Gibraltar Lane, Cookham Dean, SL6

The Islands represents a truly idyllic riverside retreat at the upstream end of an ancient royal fishery dating back to Tudor times. The estate sits in what is known as “The Wind in the Willows Backwater” about a mile downstream from Marlow. Kenneth Grahame’s boathouse is at the top of the backwater; he lived in Cookham Dean whilst writing “The Wind in the Willows”. Seldom does such an unusual and unique property come to market. Nowadays, The Islands estate comprises the original part of the house, a cottage, and more than five acres of land and its own private island. Reportedly the largest private island on the Thames.
The driveway is approached via a pair of wrought iron gates and as one descends towards the house, the imagination is set alight as one steps back in time to another world of calm, tranquillity and languid afternoons relaxing in or on the water.
The entrance to the house is set beneath a turret and heavy double doors open to the reception hall which is oak-panelled with an open fireplace, a stained glass window and panelled ceiling, somewhat reminiscent of a Scottish hunting lodge, evoking the Victorian period. The reception hall opens onto the principal ground floor rooms, some of which are set at quirky angles contributing to the originality of the house. The drawing room and dining room are in the oldest part of the house. Both have open fireplaces and are inter-connected by a pair of oak-faced double doors in perfect keeping with the pillars, exposed beams and attractive cornicing. The true joy of these two rooms lies in the magnificent large bays with leaded light windows. Wide doors are set into the drawing room bay and they open inwards encapsulating the thought and attention to detail that has gone into every aspect of this property as it has grown over the years. The view from this spot is quite magical as the eye is drawn across the balcony and river.

Outside

Landscaped Gardens and Grounds:
It is only when one takes the bespoke cantilevered footbridge across the river to the island that one can fully appreciate the true splendour and joy of this estate. Looking back at the house, the larch-clad façade, decorative ridge tiles and finials are quite striking. The island measures 4.5 acres and is beautifully landscaped and maintained to create a visual feast at every twist and turn. It is apparent that work started on the grounds well over a hundred years ago, as evidenced by the numerous mature trees including copper beech and yew. An alley of horse chestnuts (Chestnut Walk) was planted in the 1930s and a liriodendron, walnut trees, fruit trees and fragrant rose arbours complete the scene together with vast expanses of lawn, a large vegetable garden, a cutting flower garden and greenhouses. Leisure pursuits were clearly in mind when the island was landscaped and improvements have been made over the years. There is a croquet lawn and heated swimming pool with its own pool house, as well as a dry boat house with a winch and slipway.

Situation

Cookham Dean is set south of the river from Marlow and north of Maidenhead. The location provides convenient access to both towns with Marlow having many shops, bars and restaurants. When it comes to dining there is the highly renowned, Michelin two star restaurant, Hand and Flowers, and further options include The Coach and The Ivy Marlow Garden. Cookham is a short drive for day-to-day amenities and a wide range of restaurants including Malik’s, The Spice Merchant, The Bell and Dragon and The White Oak. There is a wide range of schooling at all age ranges including private options.

Additional Information

History:
The Islands came into being in 1890 as a boathouse with a room above, when it was acquired by a member of the Pitt family who
brought together the land for a fishing lodge, the fishery and private island, creating a private residence and pleasure grounds with fishing and boating facilities. Additional building started in the
Victorian era and was completed with guest accommodation during Edwardian times, subsequently divided into two residences .
In more recent years, the cottage, garage and bridge to the islands were built, resulting in today’s utterly delightful waterside haven. Anne of Cleves, one of Henry VIII’s wives is reputed to have lived slightly downstream. At one stage there were eel butts in the fishery. They were harvested and sent to Billingsgate Fish Market in London. The Islands originally owned the riverbed down to Bourne End and awarded a grant to the Upper Thames Sailing Club.
Council Tax Band H