D’Oyly Carte Island lies at the end of the Desborough cut as you go upriver towards Shepperton lock. Formerly called Folly Eyot. Richard D’Oyly Carte, hotelier and producer of the Gilbert and Sullivan operas in the Victorian era, bought the parcel of land in the Thames in around 1890 and built and shaped it into a larger island. He then built Eyot House as annexe to the Savoy Hotel, but despite his influence the local authorities refused to grant him a drinks licence for the property. Instead he used it as a country retreat. It was the set-ting for many a gathering of the entertainment world as the famous operas were written and practiced. After his death in 1890 Eyot House remained in the family until the mid 1920’s. Since then it has changed hands several times and has been used in several TV shows. It was in danger a cou-ple of years ago of falling into ruin and the roof needed a lot of work. Thankfully this was done, the interior, including a magnificent ballroom, restored and we can only imagine what a splen-did place it must be. The property boasts 13 bedrooms and there is parking on the mainland for 45 cars. I have always thought it would make the most magnificent hotel. Who knows?! It has been bought privately. It will be good to see the place lived in again.
D’Oyly Carte Island Sold
