Joan Templeman, the longtime partner and wife of Sir Richard Branson, passed away on 25 November 2025, leaving behind a quiet but powerful legacy. Known for her grace, privacy and steady presence beside one of the world’s most recognisable entrepreneurs, Joan also played a key role in shaping the Branson family’s lifestyle—especially their real estate footprint.
While she rarely appeared in public or spoke to the media, the homes and retreats associated with her life offer a glimpse into her world: serene, family-oriented and deeply tied to place and memory.
The Crown Jewel: Necker Island
No discussion of Joan Templeman’s real estate portfolio is complete without Necker Island, the 74-acre British Virgin Islands gem that became synonymous with the Bransons. Acquired in 1978 for a modest £180,000 (about $3.5 million today), this uninhabited atoll transformed into a $100 million+ eco-resort under Joan’s watchful eye. Branson has often credited her with the purchase, recounting in his writings how, two years after they met, he whisked her away in a helicopter for a “grand gesture of affection.” Gazing down at the turquoise waters, Joan reportedly said, “Before we knew it, Joan and I were high in the sky, looking down over our future home.”
Necker Island wasn’t just an investment; it was a canvas for Joan’s vision. The couple rebuilt the original structures after a devastating 2017 hurricane, investing over $10 million in sustainable features like solar panels, wind turbines, and organic gardens. Today, the island rents for up to $130,000 per night, hosting A-listers like Barack Obama and the Kardashians while generating steady revenue through events and conservation initiatives. Joan’s touch is evident in the family-oriented design: Balinese-style villas, infinity pools overlooking the sea, and private beaches where she raised her children and hosted grandkids.
This property exemplifies Joan’s real estate philosophy—sustainability meets extravagance. As Branson reflected on her 70th birthday, Necker was “our escape, our playground, and the heartbeat of our family life.” In the wake of her passing, the island stands as a poignant tribute, a real estate icon born from love.
London Roots: Holland Park Mansion
Back in the UK, Joan Templeman’s portfolio anchored in London, where the couple’s primary residence, a Grade II-listed mansion in Holland Park, served as their bustling urban base. Purchased in the 1980s for around £1.5 million (now valued at over £50 million), this seven-bedroom Georgian townhouse on a quiet, tree-lined street offered the privacy Joan craved amid Branson’s jet-setting life.
The property, often called “The Manor” in Branson lore, blends historic charm with modern upgrades. Joan oversaw renovations that included a state-of-the-art kitchen for her famous dinner parties, a library filled with first-edition books, and lush gardens where she tended rare orchids—a nod to her Scottish heritage. It’s here that the Bransons weathered business storms, from Virgin Atlantic’s launch to personal milestones like their 1989 wedding (though held on Necker, the planning unfolded in London).
Global Footprints: From Swiss Chalets to Australian Retreats
Joan Templeman’s portfolio extended far beyond Britain and the Caribbean, reflecting the couple’s adventurous spirit. In the Swiss Alps, they owned a chalet in Verbier, snapped up in the 1990s for skiing escapes and family holidays. Valued at £5-7 million, this alpine lodge featured panoramic Matterhorn views, a private spa, and helipad access—perfect for Branson’s thrill-seeking side, but Joan’s serene influence kept it cozy with fireplaces and home-cooked Scottish meals.
Further afield, the Bransons invested in an Australian outback property near Uluru in the early 2000s, a 10,000-acre cattle station repurposed as an eco-lodge. Joan, with her eye for untapped potential, championed the shift toward sustainable tourism, adding glamping tents and Indigenous art collaborations. Estimated at $20 million, this asset diversified the portfolio into experiential real estate, yielding returns through high-end rentals.
