The mansion linked to convicted sex offender Rolf Harris failed to sell at auction as bids fell short of expectations. The luxury riverside property in Bray, Berkshire, initially listed for £1.95 million, only received bids up to £1.54 million, significantly below its original market price of £4 million set in April last year.
Auctioneer Andrew Parker commenced bidding at £1.95 million, later lowering the price by £500,000 to attract initial offers. Bids started at £1.4 million, eventually escalating in £10,000 increments. The reserve price was reportedly set at £1.75 million.
Photos of the property revealed its need for renovation and modernization following the death of Harris, the former TV personality. The mansion, inherited by Harris’s daughter Bindi, 61, was described as requiring refurbishment and potentially offering redevelopment opportunities, subject to planning permissions.
The auction listing highlighted the property’s features, including ample parking, lawned gardens, a large carport, flexible accommodation over two floors, an annex, studios, workshop, and a boathouse. The residence, spanning 6440 sqft, offers at least four bedrooms, a 45-foot living/dining room, a 35-foot master bedroom, and multiple balconies with river views.
Local estate agent Brian Warren suggested the mansion, inspired by Harris’s childhood home in Australia, was devalued due to its association with the disgraced celebrity and estimated £1.5 million in rebuilding costs. Harris, once a prominent TV figure, faced a significant decline in his career following his conviction for indecent assaults against minors.
Despite his past success, Harris’s reputation was tarnished by criminal charges in 2013, resulting in a prison sentence in 2014. His property, where he lived with his family for years, remained unsold at auction, reflecting the lingering stigma attached to the estate.