Top Private Islands for Sale
By Anya Cooklin-Lofting
Do you ever find yourself longing, not for absolute silence, but for quietude punctuated only by the churn of sand under yawning wavelets, the fissle of leaves touseled by a warm breeze? And what about solitude? Not the reluctant entrapment of a metropolitan flat under lockdown, but the liberating aloneness that fills your lungs and deposits time and energy at your feet in an unexpected oblation? Thought I wasn’t the only one.
For some, a second home in a sleepy seaside village or atop a remote, rocky outcrop in a Bond-villain-style compound doesn’t provide the necessary distance from the ‘real world’ to induce complete and undisturbed restfulness. Luckily, there exists a plethora of paradisiacal options for these peace-pursuers, solitude-seekers and horizon-hunters. The private island is a marker of luxury living, and it’s easy to see why. From X to Z, there are islands, archipelagos and atolls to suit all sensibilities. Here are a few stand-out options on the market today.
Little Whale Cay
What and where?
Set in The Berry Islands in the heart of the Bahamas, Little Whale Cay is a 40-acre, self-sustained private island flanked by the deepest blue lagoons, sprawling coral reefs and unending seascapes. The island is accessible by plane from Florida or Nassau and features a 2,000 ft landing strip.
The hook…
The island is a wonder of surprises which include a church built from native coral stone, a private lake with flamingos, a sea-view infinity pool, a yoga deck and tennis courts. Its waters are also perfect for snorkelling and sailing.
Who?
Sotheby’s International Realty, $35,000,000.
Crown Pigeon Island
What and where?
Crown Pigeon Island lies just off the shore of the North Eleuthera, the Bahamas, and is set between idyllic white sand flats to the west and the crystal-clear waters of Harbour Island harbour to the east. Its 11 acres offers wildlife-friendly, lush flora including native hardwoods and coastal vegetation, as well as three natural beaches.
The hook…
The island’s four-acre harbour is a sea turtle sanctuary, so lucky visitors have the opportunity to observe some of the most exquisite, exotic wildlife from the privacy of their own gardens.
Who?
Sotheby’s International, $44,495,000.
Hoffman’s Cay
What and where?
Pristine in its natural, untouched glory, Hoffman’s Cay is a 350-acre island set in The Berry Islands, 50 miles northeast of Nassau. Accessed via deep water channels, the island is a short distance from Great Harbour Cay and New Providence.
The hook…
Hoffman’s Cay has its very own blue hole, a mesmerising depth of deep, royal blue water to explore.
Who?
Christie’s International Real Estate, $18,000,000.
Viscontea Island
What and where?
Steeped in history and laden with interesting architectural details, this island is around half an acre of Italian land, afloat in the waters of the River Adda. Viscontea Island is located in Lecco where a branch of Lake Como flows into the river and comprises part of the ancient structure of the Azzone Visconti bridge when the materials were deposited into the water, forming the landmass itself. The island is a mere 50-minute drive from Milan Malpensa and Milan Linate, and just 30 minutes from Bergamo airport.
The hook…
Some researchers have suggested that Leonardo Da Vinci may have been involved in the construction of the bridge and thus the island as early as 1500.
Who?
222 Kensal Rd,
London,
W10 5BN
T: +44207 138 3556
