Maybe not everyone actively dreams of owning a private island.
But who would pass up the chance to claim one as their own—especially an affordable private island?
I’ve been interested in private islands for a while now. Recently, I covered a few big-name islands that have gone on the market over the last year, including Pym Island in Vancouver and Black’s Island in Florida.
The former is a high-lux and jaw-dropping forested island that will set you back a humble $5.5 million ($7.5 in Canadian dollars). The latter is the former citadel of a rich Caribbean pirate, which costs a heart-stopping $50 million.
But this next story isn’t quite like the others.
First, it’s not located in the ocean or a bay—but on the famous Thames River in England.
Second, it’s actually affordable, costing less than most college educations in the United States.
Third, there’s no sordid tie to murder to piracy. (That may or may not be a plus?)
Welcome to Temple Weir, a thimble-sized island on the Thames River between the villages of Marlow and Henley in England’s Buckinghamshire.
Temple Weir: Hermitage of the Thames
Marlow and Henley are riverside towns with histories that stretch back to the 11th century. Today, both are more known for lying on or near the Thames River (or the River Thames, whichever you prefer), which makes them popular with water enthusiasts.
Many people living on the river between these towns own boats so they can enjoy the great outdoors and the Thames. There are even a few islands nearby that are used for private residences and marinas.
But Temple Weir Island stands on its own.
There’s not much to this tiny island, and that’s what makes it so magical.
Temple Weir stretches around 2,000 square feet. It’s covered in healthy trees and shrubs—with no electrical hookup, water connection, drainage system, or any formal infrastructure.
Since the last owners bought Temple Weir in 2010, its served as a mooring spot for boats. But could that change?
Mooring on the Thames for a dainty £75,000
The sale of Temple Weir Island is being headed by agent Richard Maby of Savills.
According to Maby, the sale will likely go to a buyer who wants to use the island for a similar purpose as its previous owners. But it’s not out of the question for a more elaborate construction project to take shape.
As mentioned above, many end up in towns like Marlow and Henley to be close to the river. The area is renowned for its picturesque living—there’s even a lifestyle magazine published locally.
Marlow, in particular, is known for its high-class houses that abut the water, many of which include docks. It’s also worth noting that this portion of the Thames is one of the most beautiful, covered in lush greenery and old growth.
Though there’s the potential for establishing infrastructure on Temple Weir, the planning would need to be limited to be approved by the necessary agencies. It would incur hefty costs given the island’s remote location in the center of the river, which is highly protected.
The future of Temple Weir
So, what does this mean for Temple Weir?
Will the island sell for £75,000 to a buyer who simply wants to use the island for docking and access to a tiny, private forest now and then? It’s not totally out of the question—nor is it financially irresponsible.
While Temple Weir will probably go for a lot more than that £75,000 asking price (around $94,000 USD), it’s not an unwise choice for boating enthusiasts.
Paying to moor for a year in this area can cost between $5,000 and $10,000 for a very basic setup, making Temple Weir look more attractive for long-term residents.