Guards Club Road, Maidenhead, SL6

A Rare Piece of Thames Heritage – The Boathouse, Guards Club Road, Maidenhead
For the first time in over 40 years, this exceptional and historic riverside property is available for sale. One of the very few remaining boathouses along the River Thames, this unique home offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to own a piece of the river's storied past. Nestled in a tranquil setting with breathtaking views across the Thames and towards the serene Guards Club Island, the property combines period charm, character, and unrivalled location.
Set over two levels, the accommodation is both distinctive and full of character. A feature spiral staircase leads to a study/office area and the bedroom, tucked beneath soaring vaulted ceilings that enhance the sense of space and light throughout. The main living space includes a fitted kitchen and a generous bathroom, with a separate cloakroom conveniently located on the upper floor. Below the living area lies the true heart of this historic home – an impressive 25-foot-long wet dock, offering direct access to the River Thames for boating enthusiasts or those seeking a unique waterside lifestyle.
Externally, the property offers a private driveway with parking for two cars and a small, easy-to-maintain garden, creating a peaceful escape just moments from the vibrant town of Maidenhead. The town centre is within easy reach, offering an excellent range of shops, restaurants, and cafés, along with a railway station providing fast, regular services to London Paddington, Waterloo, Reading, and beyond via both Great Western Railway and the Elizabeth Line.
But what truly sets this property apart is the rich heritage of the original building, part of the historic Brigade of Guards Boat Club, the site was previously central to Thames boating culture in the 19th and 20th centuries. Founded in 1865 by officers of the Brigade of Guards, the club chose Maidenhead for its convenient access to London and its scenic riverside charm. Initially based across the river in Taplow, the club soon expanded onto the Maidenhead bank, constructing a boathouse, ballroom, and even an open-air swimming pool by 1905.
This original boathouse, once accessible by a charming footbridge, stood proudly on Guards Club Island until 1965 when the club relinquished its lease during its centenary year. The site then remained dormant for decades, during which time the once-grand structure fell into disrepair. However, a piece of that legacy lives on-the original spire from the boathouse was salvaged and now crowns a shelter in nearby Guards Club Park, serving as a visible and evocative reminder of the area's fascinating past.
Today, The Boathouse at Guards Club Road not only offers a comfortable and characterful home but also connects its new owners to a rich history stretching back over 150 years. Whether you're seeking a peaceful full-time residence, a weekend escape, or an extraordinary investment in riverside living, The Boathouse on Guards Club Road is truly a one-of-a-kind opportunity.
A viewing is highly recommended to fully appreciate the uniqueness, charm, and riverside serenity this home offers.