Words: Harry Shukman
The average London property costs £1.2 million, which as we all know comes with barely enough room to swing a cat or set up a pot in which to piss. That same amount of money could purchase somewhere much more exciting, however, if only buyers were willing to look a little further beyond Middlesex. Luckily, what Britain lacks in affordable housing stock it makes up for in private islands that are, surprisingly, on the property market.
There is something magical about the prospect of having an island all to yourself. Perhaps it is the feeling of being master of your own domain, or more likely, the knowledge that nobody unwanted can show up. Maybe, as D.H. Lawrence wrote in his story The Man Who Loved Islands (which is about, er, a man who loves islands) the allure lies in “the whispering sound of the sea, and the sharp cries of the gulls… And best of all, the great silence”.
Barlocco Island, off the western coast of Scotland, on sale for £150,000
They are by no means tropical Caribbean paradises, but islands off the coast of Britain — and mainly Scotland — still boast white sands, clean (for the most part) waters, and that great silence. Consider, for instance, Barlocco Island off the west coast of Scotland near Kirkcudbright. Twenty-five acres of unspoiled nature reserve, a large seabird colony and rare plants, all for £150,000 — which, in London, wouldn’t buy you space enough for your doormat.
Aaron Edgar, handling the island’s sale for Galbraith, says: “There’s still a very romantic sentiment attached to owning your very own Scottish private island, where you can escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life and enjoy some peace and tranquillity in the most beautiful scenery around. The pebble beach is a delight and the perfect base to explore the island, partake in some cold water swimming or to anchor a boat and enjoy a waterside picnic.”
Or Gigalum Island — a 20-acre spread off the Mull of Kintyre (where Paul McCartney lives), right in the middle of single malt country, a short ferry ride away from the mainland. Price is on asking, via the Vladi Private Islands website, but last time it was on sale in 2015 it went for £550,000. There’s a modern house, a modernist octagonal building with four separate wings, set on a silent paradise of white sand beaches, woods, and wildflower meadow.
Set over 182 acres, Inchlonaig Island on Loch Lomond is taking offers over £1 million
Inchlonaig Island, set on Loch Lomond, is currently on sale for around £1 million, and is by far the biggest property available. Set on 182 acres, the island is a designated nature reserve and has a bothy — a Scottish cottage — set in a gorgeous woodland planted during the time of Robert the Bruce.
In need of a new name, but not a refurb, is Spitbank — a 19th century fort off the coast of Portsmouth
Looking to keep any visitors away? This old fort on the south coast near Portsmouth should do the trick. Spitbank — perhaps you can rename it upon purchase — was built in the 1860s when fears of a French invasion prompted the construction of sea forts. It has since been converted into a luxury hotel and event space, with a roof terrace, hot pool, sauna, and luxury suites. There is also a wine tasting room, a lounge, games rooms, and, up on the roof, a sun deck and fire pit. Should the French ever decide to launch their attack, you will have 15-foot-thick granite walls that should withstand most forms of 19th century cannon. Yours for £3 million.
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