Work has begun on rebuilding the former home of convicted paedophile Rolf Harris, which was recently purchased by developers for £1.6 million. The property, located on the River Thames in Bray, Berkshire, had fallen into disrepair over the years it stood empty.
Deborah Developments International Ltd acquired the mansion earlier this month. Following the purchase, workers were observed removing remnants of the disgraced TV star's occupancy and clearing out furniture. The curtains that remained closed during Harris's final years have also been removed.
The property was initially listed for £4 million last year, but the price was subsequently lowered. It later went to auction with a guide price of £1.95 million, but failed to meet its reserve, with bidding stalling at £1.52 million. Deborah Developments International Limited, a company run by Elaine Burke and Peter Titterell, eventually completed the purchase.
Harris, who was convicted in 2014 on 11 counts of indecent assault against four female victims, purchased the riverside home in 1980 with his wife, Alwen Hughes. He died in 2023 at the age of 93. His daughter, Bindi, inherited the property and the majority of his estate. His wife, Alwen, died in 2024 following a stroke.
Neighbours have commented on the property, with one stating that the house, where Harris abused one of his victims, 'should be torn down'. Another former neighbour recalled Harris as a friendly presence in his earlier years, occasionally playing the piano at gatherings and drawing pictures for grandchildren, but acknowledged the notoriety associated with the home.
Harris was arrested in 2013 as part of Operation Yewtree and served nearly three years in prison before his release on license in 2017. He returned to the property and remained out of the public eye until his death. A recent documentary also claimed that the home was searched by police in 2013 and that Harris was viewing indecent images of children there in 2012.