UK island for sale for the price of a house: 'A truly unique opportunity'. Access depends on the tide
An island with an abandoned Victorian house and more than 300 years of history is for sale in the UK for just £350,000 (around €402,500) – less than many average homes in the country. Estate agents describe it as “a truly unique opportunity”but there is an essential condition for the future owners: access depends on the tide.
Ynys Gifftan Island in the Dwyryd Estuary in North Wales PHOTO: Video Capture
The island is called Ynys Gifftan and is located in the Dwyryd Estuary in North Wales. The mainland can be clearly seen from the island, and on the opposite shore is Portmeirion, a village famous for its Italian-inspired architecture.
Ynys Gifftan is a tidal island, only accessible on foot at low tide, when the 400m or so walk across the sands can be walked in five minutes. At high tide, however, the island becomes completely isolated and can only be accessed by boat. The history of the place is impressive: in the 18th century, the island was given to the ancestors of a local landowner by Queen Anne, and its name translates as “Anna's Gift Island”. In the 20th century, residents crossed the estuary barefoot to reach the mainland, reports the BBC.
What the offer includes and the asking price
Ynys Gifftan is approximately seven hectares and is home to a Victorian stone house, inhabited until the 1970s. Real estate agents point out that the property requires “an extensive renovation”.
The asking price is £350,000, slightly above the average house in the UK, estimated at around £300,000 (€345,000). The sale is being handled by the Carter Jonas agency, and interest in the island is already high: “I don't think I've ever sold an island before”, said Elis Jones, surveyor within the agency. “It's clearly something different and has attracted a lot of interest.”
A rare but challenging opportunity
Estate agents warn that viewings will be supervised and potential buyers should exercise caution. Hazards include the access route, uneven terrain and rapid tidal changes. In the past, the island was also used for sheep grazing, and the vegetation spread uncontrollably in certain areas. The Royal Geographical Society advises visitors to check tide times carefully as there are two river channels between the island and the mainland which can become dangerous if the water level rises.
Hugh O'Donnell, representative of Carter Jonas, says the island is “a truly unique opportunityă” for someone looking for a special real estate project or a secluded retreat. The listings describe the place as a landscape “vast and untouched”with direct views of the coast and mountains of Eryri National Park.
