Rock Legend's Former Estate with Private Island Listed for £1.1 Million
The magnificent former residence of Pink Floyd guitarist David Gilmour has entered the property market with an asking price of £1.1 million, offering a unique opportunity to own a piece of rock and roll history. The estate, known as Woodley, is located in Roydon, Essex, and boasts extraordinary features including a private lake and its own island.
A Stunning Property Steeped in Musical Heritage
Woodley served as Gilmour's home during the early 1970s, a period that coincided with Pink Floyd's rising commercial success following the departure of founding member Syd Barrett. The guitarist purchased the property and lived there with his first wife, Ginger Gilmour, until 1980. The five-bedroom mansion sits within expansive park-like grounds spanning 4.66 acres, creating a secluded retreat that maintains its historic charm while requiring some modernization.
The interior layout includes three reception rooms on the ground floor, along with a kitchen and breakfast area, utility room, pantry, and guest cloakroom. The first floor accommodates five bedrooms and a family bathroom, providing ample space for comfortable living. The property's character is evident throughout, with period features that reflect its storied past.
Extraordinary Grounds with Unique Water Features
Beyond the main house, the estate's grounds are primarily grassy areas that lead to a remarkable one-acre lake at the far end of the property. This lake contains a private island, creating a truly exceptional feature rarely found in residential properties. The estate also includes several outbuildings such as garages, stables, and a summer house.
David Bloomfield, director in the residential sales team at Savills in Loughton, highlighted the property's musical connections: "There are several articles documenting David Gilmour's time at Woodley in the early 1970s, with one of the outbuildings believed to have been used as a recording studio."
Prime Location with Excellent Commuter Links
Woodley is situated on the outskirts of Roydon, positioned between the neighboring towns of Harlow and Broadley Common. The location offers convenient access to London while providing a peaceful countryside setting. "It's a very popular part of the world for those who want to move out of London but still need to be close enough for a daily commute," explained Mr. Bloomfield.
The area benefits from:
- Regular rail services into London Liverpool Street via nearby Roydon and Harlow Mill stations
- A selection of well-regarded state and private schools
- Plentiful shopping and leisure facilities in the vicinity
- Access to green spaces including RSPB Rye Meads and Epping Forest
A Legacy Property with Rock and Roll Pedigree
David Gilmour joined Pink Floyd in 1967 and went on to become one of rock music's most influential guitarists. His achievements with the band include induction into both the US Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1996 and the UK Music Hall of Fame in 2005. The Woodley estate represents a tangible connection to this musical legacy.
"Set in wonderful grounds, it offers the ideal opportunity for a buyer to put their own stamp on a fine, historic home with a link to one of the UK's pioneering rock bands," added Mr. Bloomfield. The property's combination of musical history, unique features, and desirable location makes it a standout offering in the current property market.
