Nestling in the tranquil waters of a magical island on the Thames, Edith Piaf’s ‘Love Boat’, the Flamant Rose, has a stylish, though gentle dignity, masking a stunningly opulent and charismatic interior…

Nestling in the tranquil waters of a magical island on the Thames, Edith Piaf’s ‘Love Boat’, the Flamant Rose, has a stylish, though gentle dignity, masking a stunningly opulent and charismatic interior…

The Flamant Rose is moored on D’Oyly Carte Island, an enchanting private island steeped in luxury and prestige, and was once the private haven of the owner of the renowned Savoy Hotel. The island was an exclusive retreat for the owner’s elite circle of friends, which included the likes of the D’Oyly Carte opera and other illustrious individuals.

The heart of the island is the owner’s grand manor house, complete with a ballroom that witnessed countless opulent gatherings and dances. The manor has been meticulously renovated to its original splendor, preserving the historical essence.

This idyllic yacht has an open concept design with a stylish, gentle dignity, but who would realize that inside it is so stunning, opulent and charismatic?

The spacious sixty-foot salon on the main deck with its golden walls and large windows provides unparalleled views. It is perfect for lounging in with a glass of champagne or enjoying a cocktail with friends or business contacts. The extremely large portholes in the salon create a light and visually stunning atmosphere. The gold cocktail bar and interior provide a distinctly stylish environment and can comfortably accommodate 25 people on its luxurious soft leather seats. The roomy exterior decks can comfortably seat twenty guests on the rear and eight on the front.

“I was covering the Cannes Film Festival in the early 80’s with my late husband John Austin, editor of the “Hollywood Reporter”, when I was asked to bring my friend, Robin Leach, well known for hosting ‘The Lives of the Rich and Famous’, to a party at an incredible yacht promoting the festival.

At that time, at one hundred feet it was the biggest yacht at the festival. It was such a glamorous event that my wish then was that someday I, too, could have a huge yacht. It took quite some years before my wish came true. My current husband James Pool, a historian and successful author, bought me the Flamant Rose – a hundred-foot yacht still known as ‘Edith Piaf’s Love Boat.”

Valerie Austin – Film maker and author who travelled the world as an international celebrated hypnotherapist.

The large study and fitted galley area leading to the expansive master bedroom/boudoir creates an unsurpassed romantic environment reminiscent of Edith Piaf’s style.

One of the main features of the forty-foot long stateroom is the golden full-size bath designed to luxuriate in while contemplating a romantic evening.

The master bedroom suite is luxuriously decorated with a glamorous combination of silks and satins, brass detail, and deep pile carpet, while the walls and ceiling are lined with cream leatherette.

Edith Piaf, the “little sparrow”, was a French international singer known for her legendary song “Le Vie En Rose”. Anyone familiar with Edith Piaf knows of her extravagances and flair for the dramatic.

The magnificent Flamant Rose could be found in the inland rivers moored wherever Piaf was performing. It is the legendary love boat used during her affair with the love of her life, French boxing champion Marcel Cerdan, who was tragically killed in a plane crash in 1949. She never recovered from Marcel’s death and the Flamant Rose is part of her delightfully happy times.