Calling all Christie lovers! If you’ve ever envisaged yourself as the hero of one of the world’s most beloved writer’s books, you’ll be excited to learn that the island which inspired Agatha Christie’s celebrated novel And Then There Were None and featured in the Hercule Poirot classic Evil Under the Sun has just come on the market. It’s not hard to make believe you’re in a murder mystery on this remote private island, which features a breathtaking Art Deco hotel, mermaid pool, helipad and Christie’s own cliffside beach house. Let’s take a look around…
Located just off the southern coast of Devon, UK, Burgh Island has long been a popular seaside retreat. The 21-acre island is situated within 250 metres of the mainland and is accessible by water tractor during high tide and via a sand strip when the tide is out. However, during the Second World War, the hotel was converted into a recovery centre for wounded RAF soldiers until its upper two storeys were destroyed by a bombing strike and, despite repairs, the once-bustling hotel suffered a post-war decline.
However, in 2018, the Grade-II listed building underwent some much-needed refurbishments and is now every bit as glamorous as it would have been when it initially opened its doors in 1929. Complete with a ballroom, restaurant, bar lounge, billiards room, pub, tennis court, spa and 25 ensuite bedrooms, the hotel remains in operation today and is fully equipped with all the luxurious amenities necessary for a relaxing coastal retreat.
Not only was the island Christie's second home, boasting a beach house in her name, but the glamorous resort boasts an impressive roster of previous guests, including the Duke of Windsor and Wallace Simpson and the Beatles, according to the listing agency, Knight Frank. It is also believed that Winston Churchill and President Eisenhower rendezvoused at the hotel before D-Day. We must say, it’s not difficult to imagine any of these prominent figures reclining in this glamorous bar lounge, enjoying a quiet cocktail and the 360-degree views of the surrounding ocean and Devonshire coastline.
The island and hotel have also featured prominently in a number of films and TV programmes, including, most notably, the 1965 film Catch Us If You Can and the 2002 adaptation of the Hercule Poirot classic, Evil Under the Sun, the original novel of which is also believed to have been inspired by Burgh Island. If that isn’t enough lore to whet your appetite, the island’s pub, known as The Pilchard Inn, was once a 14th-century hideout for smugglers and pirates, and is believed to be haunted.
The island and hotel were sold in 2001 for £2 million ($2.5m) but were revalued at £8.7 million ($10.8m) after the renovations were completed in 2018. The property was next sold that same year for an undisclosed sum to its current owners, Burgh Island Limited, who are seeking a whopping £15 million ($18.7m) for the illustrious island. With planning permissions already in place for a substantial expansion of the hotel and The Pilchard Inn, we can’t wait to see what’s in store for this piece of literary and cinematic history!
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Proving that you don't always need bags of cash in order to snap up something amazing, this sprawling private island off the coast of West Cork, Ireland, is spacious, affordable and benefits from incredible vistas.
Marketed with Vladi Private Islands for a mere €750,000, that's around £650,900 ($808.9k), Middle Calf Island is situated between West Calf and East Calf Islands and measures 64 acres. In the past, six families lived a self-sufficient life here and a school was built in 1835. In 1841, the population of the island was 39, but the last family left it abandoned in 1937. Today, only the ruins of dwellings, outbuildings and ancient stone walls remain.
Currently, Middle Calf doesn’t have a pier, but there are a few beautiful beaches that provide excellent spots for installing one. Plus, you could easily take a dip in the ocean thanks to the island's numerous sheltered coves and bays.
At the moment, the land is being used for grazing by 25 Kerry Bog Ponies. It was also previously grazed by sheep. Outline planning permission is already in place, for the reconstruction of a ruined dwelling and in the past, the outbuildings have been granted consent to be turned into ancillary structures. So, the possibilities are endless.
With a private dock and landing strip, the island is accessed via both air and water, sitting between the provinces of beautiful Buenos Aires and Bahía Blanca. Countess Ena Wenckheim constructed the main house on the eastern side of the island in 1981, complete with eight bedrooms.
The renovated Colonial-style villa boasts its own electricity and water supply, with space for up to 18 guests and convenient air conditioning throughout. The home's spacious interiors feature floor-to-ceiling windows with expansive lake and garden views, while a wine cellar beneath the house includes a stock of Argentinian red wine, which residents can enjoy by the pool.
La Sistina Island was once used for private game hunting, but these days you'll find flamingos, ducks, otters, pheasants and peacocks on the grounds, living in harmony with deer, antelope and hares. Your own personal wildlife preserve, this extraordinary isle is on the market now with Christie's International Real Estate for a reported £1.2 million ($1.5m).
Situated in the heart of New York's 1000 Islands, on a coveted stretch known as Millionaire's Row, this 2.4-acre private island could be all yours for just under £1.5 million ($1.9m). St. Elmo Island is described as a riverfront oasis, with beautiful sunrises and sunsets to enjoy from two separate residences.
Each building comes fully equipped and furnished, with the capacity to sleep around 16 people in total between the two properties. Paved cart paths can be found across the entire island, allowing easy access across the acreage. The mainland is a short boat ride from Elmo Island, where fine dining, luxury retail and even golf rounds await.
Should you have a spare £1.5 million ($1.9m), you can enjoy the island's multiple patios, decks and lookout tower, where you can admire the beautiful coastal views, not to mention plenty of places for indulging in a spot of wild swimming. The 1000 Islands region itself is a historic stretch to relocate to and it's even home to one of the oldest post offices in the US.
One of the island's homes includes this spacious deck, where you can dine alfresco overlooking the tranquil water. St. Elmo Island is part of an area known as Millionaire's Row, which was once a popular “retreat for the elite in the late 19th century”. Today, the islands are a hub for outdoor activities and celebrations, including Pirates Weekend and the Poker Race.
While many see the rugged landscape of Ontario’s Georgian Bay as beautiful yet daunting, due to its harsh climate and rocky geography, well-known architect William Grierson decided to embrace the elements and build a unique summer retreat there for his family. Now his stunning cottage and the Table Rock Islands can be all yours for CAD$2.7 million, which equates to £1.6 million ($2m).
But that’s not all that you’ll receive with the purchase. Alongside the main island, you will also become the new owner of six smaller undeveloped islands – one of which spans one acre. These sheltering rock formations form a protective natural harbour around the southern end of the main island, where you’ll also find a dry dock boathouse.
Architect Grierson’s incredible round house boasts an open-air central courtyard that radiates outward to the property's eight bedrooms and four bathrooms, as well as the 1,600-square-foot great room, complete with a kitchen, living room and dining room. The unique home offers floor-to-ceiling glass windows throughout, framing spectacular 360-degree vistas.
The cottage was featured in the book William Grierson: Selected Works, which showcases the renowned architect's career highlights. You can read about the challenges he faced in constructing the unique solar-powered pad, including the placement of 24 concrete columns, which support the roof and the foundational steel rods, driven deep into the island’s Precambrian rock.
This next isle is rather unique, but not for its architecture or history this time. SuperShe Island was set up by entrepreneur Kristina Roth, who decided to purchase the 8.47-acre island in order to set up a private retreat for women off the coast of Finland. She is now looking for a buyer or investor, with the island currently on the market at £2.3 million ($2.9m).
Described as a sustainable luxury island, the concept retreat is accessed via car and boat, or alternatively a helicopter from Helsinki Airport, and can accommodate 10 guests. Opened in 2018, the 'safe space' was designed to provide a sanctuary within the pine trees and hosts four newly renovated cabins, three mini cabins and a private beach.
Also on SuperShe Island, you'll find Finnish saunas and a spa yurt for relaxing and unwinding after a day convening with nature. Elsewhere, a yoga yurt also awaits complete with exercise equipment, as well as an outdoor kitchen and an antique firepit for cooking up some hearty forest fare in the wilderness.
SuperShe Island is also environmentally friendly, operating with a “zero-trace policy”, running from electricity generated from solar and wind power, as well as incinerating toilets. Now that the retreat is well established, current owner Roth is reportedly open to bringing in “like-minded investors” or is considering the island’s “outright sale for the right buyer as she contemplates future projects”.
Now for something a little more colourful. This private island in Belize comes with a profitable resort brimming with waterfront cabanas, a tiki bar, a restaurant and even a bar built over the water. The isle estate is managed by a full brigade of staff, including a general manager, making it a great opportunity for a hands-off owner. Let’s take a look around…
Now for sale for £2.8 million ($3.5m), the turnkey private island encompasses one acre in the Caribbean Sea, approximately five miles from the largest barrier reef in the Western Hemisphere and 10 miles east of Placencia Village. The current owner installed a stretch of mooring buoys to help with the flow of catamarans that visit the island.
Each of the six brightly coloured cabanas comes complete with a king bed or twin bed and a private bathroom with a shower. Every vacation cabin also has its own private terrace with steps leading straight down into the Caribbean Sea. Idyllic!
Lucky visitors to the balmy Belize resort can take part in snorkelling, kayaking, kiteboarding and scuba diving if they fancy, or simply stretch out on a hammock beneath a palm tree and fall asleep in the shade. A profitable tourism venture, the beautiful island is the ideal business investment.
This luxurious private island isn't just stunning, it's located in one of the most spectacular locations in the world. Barberyn Island lies just offshore from the town of Beruwala, on the southwest coast of Sri Lanka. Up for grabs with price available upon request, this pristine island is a rare opportunity for one lucky buyer to purchase a piece of paradise in the heart of the Indian Ocean.
The island covers 11 acres and according to the listing, building permits can easily be obtained, since the island has already been registered as a resort and spa. Even better, Sri Lanka has generous planning policies, so the new owner can build on 60% of the island. There's also a charming stone lighthouse that could be converted into something special.
A true paradise, Barberyn Island is dotted with coconut palms, rocky pools and idyllic beaches. Of course, the surrounding azure waters provide ample opportunities for water sports and wildlife watching, which wouldn't be a bad way to spend your days.
There's a jetty and breakwater already in place, so the island is extremely easy to access. Plus, the capital of Colombo is just 35 miles away, meaning this island offers the best of both worlds. It also benefits from being in close proximity to India and its booming economy.
Over in New Zealand, you could get your hands on Motuketekete Island. Located in the Hauraki Gulf, less than 15 minutes by helicopter from Auckland's CBD, the island is on the market for the first time since 1907.
Described by the listing agents, Bayleys, as a “once in a generation opportunity”, the 59-acre strip of land enjoys spectacular views from Rangitoto Island to the Tawharanui Peninsula. What’s more, the island is beautifully sheltered from most weather, making it ideal for building your dream home. Plus, just look at that incredible water!
The island boasts coastal ridges and gullies, pockets of native bush and three beaches – two with white sand and one covered in pebbles. What's more, there's already a property on the island, that's move-in ready. It's small but comes with a hot tub and a sun-kissed terrace where you can soak up ocean views.
A quintessential “kiwi bach”, the home has rustic décor that the new owner might wish to update. It’s powered by a generator and has a kitchen and three bedrooms. However, there’s ample room for you to build something new, including a helicopter pad and several more dwellings. This lush patch of paradise is currently listed for NZ$12 million, which equates to £6 million ($7.5m), plus local taxes.
This particular private island in British Columbia has never before seen the property market, having been passed down through the same family for over 60 years. Nestled in Halfmoon Bay, Turnagain Island consists of over 93 acres of pristine forest and coastline that play host to a diverse ecosystem of birds and wildlife.
Residences on the island include a high-end, custom-built main home with four bedrooms, while a smaller guest cottage can be found elsewhere across the acreage, spanning 2,800 square feet of open-plan living space. The land across the isle has been thoughtfully landscaped, with large open fields breaking up the dense forest.
Improvements to Turnagain Island include handy high-speed internet, submarine hydropower, a water reservoir for irrigation and Telus security systems, while the main home also features a backup generator to ensure the island stays connected to power. The entire isle is currently on the market for £8.9 million ($11.1m), or CAD$15 million in the local currency.
Inside the 3,000-square-foot main home, you'll find living spaces awash with luxury features including a chef’s kitchen and a living room with a floor-to-ceiling fireplace and swathes of glazing that provide fabulous views of the surrounding woodlands. In addition to the high-end accommodation, there are also a number of secure storage garages situated across the island, too.
How about an award-winning island next? Unassumingly titled, Little Hawkins Island is set within a prestigious gated island community in Georgia’s Golden Isles, accessed via your own private 110-foot concrete bridge. Ideal for a reclusive billionaire, the Little Hawkins Island project was set up as an eco-friendly island with its own geothermal system.
Surrounded by the idyllic Marshes of Glynn, Little Hawkins Island offers deep-water access and intercoastal river views across its pristine three acres. The private isle was designed as a small village, with four buildings comprising a main residence, two guest cottages and a private clubhouse.
Each building features Spanish Colonial-style architecture, with stone columns and fountains standing alongside custom-designed iron entry doors, gates and railings. The geothermal system, which encompasses a total of 30 wells, generates energy to heat, cool and control the humidity levels inside the four buildings.
Inside the structures, you'll find glorious interiors with handcrafted solid mahogany doors, reclaimed antique pine flooring and handmade Spanish terracotta tiles complemented by Persian and Turkish handwoven rugs. What’s more, Little Hawkins Island is close to Sea Island, which offers award-winning restaurants, a beach club, a spa and three golf courses. Intrigued? It could all be yours for £12.6 million ($15.9m).
If your budget will allow it, then Pumpkin Island in Australia could be your next purchase. Listed with Private Islands Inc. for a whopping AUD$18.5, which equates to £11.1 million ($14m), it doesn't come cheap, but you get what you pay for! Nestled near the Southern Great Barrier Reef in Queensland, this pristine isle has been described by the listing agents as "one of Australia’s best-kept secrets".
Stretching 15 acres, Pumpkin Island is positioned just off the coast of Yeppoon and is home to a modern, eco-friendly resort that was designed for VIP holidaymakers. There's enough accommodation for 34 guests, thanks to the island's five self-contained, oceanfront cottages.
There are also two bungalows with outdoor kitchens and each property comes with its own exterior deck with ocean views. Plus, you and your guests will be able to enjoy immediate access to the sand.
The off-grid retreat is powered by solar and wind, but also comes equipped with rainwater storage, so the new owner can create their own sustainable sanctuary. In fact, in 2018 Pumpkin Island was named Australia’s most sustainable hotel at the World Boutique Hotel Awards and was the first 'beyond carbon neutral' island in the country.
As one of the most incredible private islands we've ever seen, Royal Island in the Bahamas is an absolute show-stopper. Up for grabs for a colossal £36.3 million ($45m), the beautiful billionaire bolthole is ready and waiting for you and all your VIP friends.
The fabulous strip of land spans 430 acres and is situated just off Russell Island in North Eleuthera. The turnkey resort was created in 2007 and is home to jaw-dropping beaches, crystal clear waters, luxurious private villas and a huge natural harbour. It's been in operation ever since, making this listing ideal for someone looking to pick up the reins and run a successful hospitality business.
Royal Island features five separate one-bedroom villas, each with a beautiful wraparound deck. Inside, each property is modern and inviting, with the Caribbean Sea just seconds away.
The island also benefits from a welcome centre, gym, spa, restaurant and bar, as well as a beach club, private catamaran and security facilities. What's more, the oasis lies less than 20 minutes away from North Eleuthera's international airport. So, what are you waiting for?
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