Be an island owner – DnG24

RICHARD Branson has one, as does Mel Gibson, Eddie Murphy and Johnny Depp and now you can join the exclusive club of private island owners.

In a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, Little Ross Island, off the coast of south west Scotland, is up for sale for offers over 325,000.

The 29-acre hideaway is currently owned by St Marys Isle Estate and is located just off Meikle Ross headland on the mainland, with the small rocks of Sugarloaf and Fox Craig the only neighbours. Little Ross is home to a working lighthouse tower, which was designed and built by Alan Stevenson and first lit on 1 January 1843. However, it is not included in the sale and is still owned and managed by the Commissioner for Northern Lighthouses. Since automation in 1961 the lighthouse tower no longer requires fulltime staff with few discreet site visits made by the local harbour master throughout the year. But, the original six-bedroom lighthouse keepers cottage is part of the deal, along with three B-listed ruinous barns, said to have development potential.

The island is only accessible by private boat or helicopter. There are sheltered moorings and a more modern slipway, both accessible at high tide, with a substantial marina in Kirkcudbright for longer term mooring. Estate agent David Corrie is overseeing the sale and said: Back in the 1900s, the island was home to the head lighthouse keeper, underkeeper and their families, extending to 16 people, with a small dairy and piggery to provide subsistence for this family community. With a bit of TLC, the properties on the island could be turned into something truly stunning, with Little Ross Island once again being the perfect island retreat for future generations to enjoy. Private islands rarely come up for sale at an affordable price and particularly one with a habitable house and additional properties. Given the exciting prospect Little Ross Island presents, we expect a lot of interest from all over the UK as well as abroad.

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Be an island owner - DnG24