For sale: 10 idyllic islands to escape to this winter

D'Oyly Carte Island, Weybridge, Surrey
A single-span footbridge provides access to Eyot House, which sits on its own island in the River Thames near Shepperton Lock. Opposite, on the mainland, there is garaging and parking space for numerous cars, but the island, created by Richard d'Oyly Carte is a perfect retreat. The house has 13 bedrooms, six bathrooms and a grand ballroom with doors opening onto the semi-wild gardens, which attract a variety of water birds. telegraph