If you’re tempted by the chance to live at a slower pace among wonderful scenery, living on your very own island must be the ultimate in ‘getting away from it all’.
Sounds like the stuff of daydreams, doesn’t it? But it’s not.
Each year there are a handful of islands that come up for sale in Scotland. Located around the coast from the Inner Hebrides to the waters off the Orkney and Shetland Islands, they vary in size and amenities.
What’s most surprising is they’re not just for millionaires.
In fact, you can become a modern day Robinson Crusoe for less than the price of a four-bedroomed home on the mainland.
Generally the price depends on how far flung the island is – the closer to the Central Belt, the more expensive the land is likely to be.
The other major factor affecting the price is what there currently is in terms of amenities. If the sale includes an existing property this is likely to be more expensive. If there is already fresh water and a power supply, that’s going to make for a higher sale price too.
However, with renewable technology such as wind turbines and solar panels coming down in price, taking on an island is definitely less daunting these days.
In fact, you could live your island dream for as little as £250,000 with a small, unspoilt island in the sheltered Vaila Sound on the west of Shetland.
This is currently up for sale through Vladi Private Islands.
The purchase includes planning consent for a pier, a new cottage, the rebuilding of two derelict cottages, a loch, a windmill and new agricultural buildings. Plenty to keep you busy.
If that all sounds like too much work, Gigalum Island just off Gigha and Kintyre is looking for a new owner and comes with an existing property.
Gigalum House has a central octagonal living space surrounded by three bedrooms and a kitchen. It enjoys amazing views to neighbouring islands and is yours for offers over £450,000 with Rettie Estate Agents.
Finally, if you like the idea of island living but want to be able to nip back and forth to the mainland shops at the drop of a hat, check out the luxury pad on remote Valasay off Lewis.
Tigh Na Sith is a three-bedroom contemporary house that boasts all mod cons, including a spa and indoor pool.
It’s priced at offers over £310,000 with CKD Galbraith and there’s even an option to buy additional land.
Of course, you can also make your own fantasy island almost anywhere with dream properties on s1homes.
Caption: Gig alum House on Gigalum Island, picture courtesy of Rettie Estate Agents