Private Island Paradise: Own Your Dream Retreat near Mull of Kintyre
Experience the charm of a 453-acre private island retreat on the scenic west coast of Scotland. This idyllic sanctuary boasts sandy beaches, abundant puffins, seven charming houses, a cozy pub, a convenient helipad, and a picturesque flock of black-faced sheep. Embrace luxury living on your own private island escape for $3.1 million.
Sign up for CNN Travel's weekly newsletter, Unlocking the World, to stay updated on the latest news in aviation, food and drink, accommodations, and other travel updates.
A private island spanning 453 acres is currently on the market off the west coast of Scotland. This picturesque island boasts sandy beaches, an abundance of puffins, seven houses, a pub, a helipad, and a charming flock of black-faced sheep.
Sanda Island, located between Scotland and Northern Ireland, is situated off the southern tip of the Kintyre Peninsula. It gained popularity through the 1977 song “Mull of Kintyre” by Paul McCartney and Wings.
Throughout its history, Sanda Island has been linked to monks, saints, and kings. It was a destination for visits by Scottish King Robert the Bruce and Norway’s King Hacon. The chapel on the island has ties to Saint Columba and Saint Ninian. While the island has had many owners over time, the most notable is Jack Bruce from the rock band Cream.
Access to the island is possible by boat using stone slipways at both ends or by helicopter. The island is surrounded by lush greenery and rocky cliffs, with seven residential properties scattered along the coast - four at the northern end and three at the southern end, near a charming lighthouse on a rocky outcrop.
The accommodations on the island can accommodate up to 26 guests, making it perfect for hosting small gatherings at the Byron Darnton Tavern. The tavern is named after a shipwreck that occurred in 1946 and was established in 2003 by the previous owners, Dick and Meg Gannon. Initially catering to boat arrivals, the tavern temporarily closed in 2010 when the island was purchased by Swiss businessman Michi Meier.
The island comes with seven residential buildings.
The island comes with seven residential buildings.
Courtesy Knight Frank
A pub of one’s own
The pub, which received significant media attention and operated during the summer months, is being sold by Knight Frank's head of rural agency for Scotland, Tom Stewart-Moore. The new owner can choose to keep the property as a private retreat or explore opportunities for generating income by offering exclusive luxury accommodations. There is also the option to reopen the pub and cater to boaters traveling along the West Coast.
The property still holds an alcohol license, giving the potential owners the option to revive the tavern if desired. Additionally, it has a registered farm code, indicating its previous use as a small farm. A flock of 55 black-faced sheep currently reside on the island, serving as natural lawnmowers that require minimal upkeep. Stewart-Moore confirms that the sheep are included in the sale package.
Bird-watchers can enjoy spotting colonies of puffins, kittiwakes, cormorants, shags, razorbills, and other feathered residents on Sanda, where wildlife and livestock coexist.
Adding to its charm, Sanda is affectionately known as “Spoon Island” in Argyll and Bute due to its resemblance to an upturned spoon. Additionally, it is one of the few Scottish islands that has the unique ability to print its own stamps.
The island stands at a height of 23 meters (75 feet), with its highest point offering views of Northern Ireland's Antrim Hills on a clear day, located approximately 20 miles away across the North Channel. The main access to the island by boat is from Campbelltown in Scotland, which boasts a large marina, several whisky distilleries, and Scotland's oldest cinema.
DRUMNADROCHIT, SCOTLAND - AUGUST 27: Nessie hunters board a boat on Loch Ness for what is being described as the biggest search for the Loch Ness Monster since the early 1970's being held this weekend on August 27, 2023 in Drumnadrochit Scotland. Over Saturday and Sunday, hundreds of Nessie enthusiasts are taking part in the biggest organised hunt for the mysterious creature in 50 years. Most of the volunteer Nessie-hunters are onshore or watching a livestream, while a smaller team has taken to the water with acoustic listening equipment and other devices to aid the search. (Photo by Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images)
Nessie enthusiasts are gathered in Drumnadrochit, Scotland for the biggest search for the Loch Ness Monster since the early 1970s. Hundreds of volunteers are participating in the organized hunt over the weekend, with most watching a livestream or onshore. A smaller team is on the water using acoustic listening equipment and other devices to aid the search.
Related article
There’s probably no monster in Loch Ness. But we did find one of its best-kept secrets
The seller is asking for offers of over £2.5 million ($3.1 million) according to Knight Frank. Additionally, the sale includes two extra islands: Sheep Island, which is 31.72 acres, and the small Glunimore Island, which is 4.41 acres.
Most of the accommodation on the island has been recently refurbished, including the addition of new double glazing. Stewart-Moore mentions that currently, energy is produced on the island by three generators. However, there is an opportunity for the next owners to consider using renewable energy sources to supplement or improve the electricity supply on the island.
According to Stewart-Moore, there has been a high number of viewing requests already. When it comes to the type of people who may be interested in purchasing the island, he explains that potential buyers will generally fall into two categories. They could be wealthy individuals looking to use the island for themselves privately, or they could be individuals interested in commercializing the pub and buildings, expanding the farming operation, and possibly aiming for self-sufficiency.
If this year has you yearning to tend your sheep and go off-grid, start checking the back of the sofa for pennies. The island of Sanda is waiting.
Editor's P/S:
This private island off the coast of Scotland is a true gem. With its pristine beaches, abundant wildlife, and historic charm, it's no wonder that it's on the market for a hefty sum. The island's diverse landscape and rich history make it an ideal destination for nature enthusiasts, birdwatchers, and history buffs alike. The presence of a pub, helipad, and seven houses provides ample opportunities for relaxation, entertainment, and hosting gatherings.
The island's potential for commercialization is also noteworthy. The pub could be reopened to cater to boaters and tourists, while the farm could be expanded to provide additional income. Renewable energy sources could be explored to enhance the island's self-sufficiency. With its unique features and vast potential, Sanda Island presents a rare opportunity for individuals seeking a private retreat, commercial venture, or a combination of both.
