“Ever dreamt of living like an Egyptian pharaoh? On Pharaoh’s Island you almost can. This island in the River Thames offers a slice of ancient Egypt in Surrey.
Pharaoh’s Island is a unique residential community. It’s located upstream of Shepperton Lock. This island is only accessible by boat. It stretches 280 meters in length and 60 meters at its widest.
Let’s delve into the history of Pharaoh’s Island. The Treasury gifted it to Admiral Nelson after his victory at the Battle of the Nile in 1798. Nelson used it as a fishing retreat. It was previously known as Dog Ait until the late 19th century.
The transformation into an Egyptian-themed island began in 1903. Sir Cyril Atkinson, a Tory MP and High Court Judge, built the first house. He named it Sphinx. This was due to his fascination with Egyptology.
Today Pharaoh’s Island hosts 23 homes. Most properties boast Egyptian-inspired names. Kantara, Memphis, Nyanzh, and Thebes are just a few. Nile, Nakhti, Isis, and Philae add to the theme. You’ll also find Sphinx, Sunset Cottage, and Luxor. Each house has its own mooring.
The island saw a tragic event in January 2011. A small boat capsized while carrying people from the island. Sadly two lives were lost. They were Dr. Rex Walford OBE and record producer Keith Lowde.
Pharaoh’s Island has appeared in media. Director John Boorman used the island as a setting for his films Hope and Glory and Queen and Country. Actor Ian Hendry and his wife Janet Munro also resided here.
Living on Pharaoh’s Island offers tranquility. The river level above the lock varies little. It ranges from 0.08 meters to 0.99 meters. This contrasts sharply with the variation below the lock. There, the depth ranges between 2.67 meters and 4.95 meters.
The most expensive property sold on Pharaoh’s Island was Sphinx. It fetched £1.318 million in 2013. Other properties like Memphis and Pharoah’s Cottage have also been sold.
Imagine living in a home named Pyramid or Osiris. Pharaoh’s Island provides a unique blend of British riverside living and Egyptian mystique. The island provides a unique living experience. It combines history, culture, and tranquility. It is a special place on the River Thames. As we leave Pharaoh’s Island, remember its story. It is a story of naval victories and Egyptian dreams.”