Close to leafy Twickenham, a private island sits on the Thames that’s just under nine acres in size, yet packed with history. And now a unique Airbnb gives you the chance to stay on one of London’s best-kept secrets, where many iconic rockstars played some of their earliest gigs.

Eel Pie Island is named for the rather stomach-churning delicacy that its residents used to sell, but what it's really famous for is its musical history which includes some of the biggest names in British rock history who’ve performed here. And now their fans can stay in an Airbnb and enjoy access to this peaceful, arty spot.

The Eel Pie Retreat is set in a converted boathouse on the island and is available to book via Airbnb. This one-bedroom flat, which sleeps up to four guests, is reached via a footbridge, with visitors parking on the mainland as the island does not allow cars.

Inside, the boathouse has been turned into a modern and airy living space, and has a stylish, minimalist décor with colourful accents.Outside, you can see the boats gliding down this serene part of the Thames.

Until the 20th century, Eel Pie Island had a rather more quaint reputation. It was once the starting point for steamer excursions of the Thames, and once hosted a hotel that would host ballroom dancing during the 1920s and 1930s. But in the late-50s the kind of music played in the club changed considerably, bringing in jazz, then R&B and rock bands.

The list of musicians who played at Eel Pie Island Hotel’s dancehall reads like a who’s who of British rock. The Rolling Stones had a five-month residency in 1963, while The Who played in 1968 and 1969. Pink Flloyd also played a gig here in 1967, just before releasing their debut single.

The ballroom was renamed Colonel Barefoot's Rock Garden, but in the early 1970s it faced issues with the fire department leading to it being abandoned. The space was soon taken up by squatters and anarchists, becoming a large hippy commune before the crumbling structure burned down.

At Eel Pie Island Museum, you can learn all about the history of this enclave and its evolution from a historic boatyard to music venue. Twice a year, the Open Studios event also allows the public the chance to explore the private residential parts of the island, wandering the colourful pathways and buying art from the locals.

As the island is so small, you’ll only find private rentals rather than hotels, but just across the bridge there are plenty of hotels in Twickenham just a short walk away. The Travelodge London Twickenham is a budget and basic option close to the station, while the Alexander Pope is a 3-star hotel on the riverbank with a cosy pub serving British classics downstairs.

While visiting Twickenham, you may also want to explore the Strawberry Hill House & Garden, an ornate gothic revival villa with stunning Georgian decor. Marble Hill is another spectacular example of the architecture of the era, which would go on to become the inspiration for many plantation houses in the American colonies.