Buy your own island for £95,000!

Fancy snapping up a private island with a rich history of Viking and pirate skulduggery? Well, there's one currently on offer for just £95,000...

No man is an island. And I’m pretty sure no woman is either. But still, it seems that a fair few of both sexes are intent on owning their own borderless retreat nowadays. And while you most certainly do still need a hefty wad of cash to snap up your own private island, there are a few bargains to be bagged.

But be warned, island shopping on a budget is not advisable for those with their heart set on a Branson-esque Caribbean getaway. In fact, most high-value havens will probably be far closer to home than you may imagine – both in terms of location, and weather...

Pirate Island

Yes, the latest cut-price island to go on the market is in-fact just off the coast of South Wales. Sully Island may not be suitable for sun-hunters, but if pirates and Vikings are your thing then you could pick up a bargain in this historic windswept islet, currently on sale for £95,000.

According to estate agents Cooke and Arkwright, the 14.5 acre island has spectacular views over the Bristol Channel and East Hills of Devon, as well as a rich history of Viking and pirate skulduggery. The island’s advert boasts that Romans, Vikings, pirates and noblemen have ‘all used the island for their own purposes, foul and fair.’

The island is 400m from the mainland and comes complete with its own wrecked vessel, evidence of a burial mound, highly regarded fishing spots and an abundance of flora and fauna.

And perhaps most exciting of all – the lucky buyer retains the right to commission their very own postage stamp! However if you’re planning on having a browse of the site, you’ll have to get the timing right – a rocky access causeway to the island is only uncovered for around three hours at low tide.

Unfortunately, there is no accommodation on Sully Island. And what’s more, according to the sellers, it’s unlikely that planning permission will ever be granted.

But not to worry, as another island just up the coast is also on the market at the moment. And it has an abundance of accommodation...

King of your castle

At £750,000, taking residence on Thorn Island in the Milford Sound will set you back slightly more than Sully Island, but you do get a Grade II listed Napoleonic fort for your money!

Thorn Island Fort was built in the 1850s to defend against the French, but after a brief spell as a hotel, it fell into disrepair and has been uninhabited for the past decade. The property is currently only accessible by boat; however there is planning permission to link it to the mainland, via a quarter-of-a-mile long cable car!

The lucky buyer will be able to enjoy nine bedrooms, a games room, several outbuildings and even a parade ground and guard-building.

Viewings will take place by arrangement only and are – now here’s what puts me off – subject to weather conditions and the filing of a risk assessment!

Cursed island

If windswept Welsh retreats aren’t your thing (and why would they be?) then you may want to look further afield for a sunnier getaway destination. However, as you can imagine, getting your hands on a tropical island will set you back a fair few million – unless you’re the lucky buyer of Isla Amor that is.

Yes, this Brazilian hideaway is thought to be the cheapest island ever sold after it changed hands for a mere $12,500 – or £7,660 – back in 2009. It’s nestled in an area known as Salvador Bahia (or the Bay of Saints), is around one acre in size and lies 600 metres from the coast of Brazil. It has white sand beaches, palm trees, jungles and – although it is not currently built on – could easily house a small home.

A snip at £7,660! In fact, the previous owner actually lost money on the sale – as the price tag was only enough to cover the legal fees of the transaction.

Why?

Well, because Isla Amor comes with a catch. According to the seller, an American businessman named Jim Marsh, it's cursed.

Mr Marsh initially bought the island as a romantic getaway destination for himself and his new wife. However, after a honeymoon in which the newlywed Mrs Marsh lost her $43,000 wedding ring to the island’s jungle, came down with food poisoning and saw her pet Chihuahua mysteriously drop dead on the beach, the couple began to lose faith in Isla Amor’s romantic charms.

And after the marriage fell apart not long after returning from the island, Mr Marsh decided to ditch the tropical retreat as quick as possible.

Perhaps he’ll try his luck with a private island in Wales next time!

A good deal?

Would you snap up an island for £95,000 if you could?

Let us know using the comment box below.

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