In 1583, a guy named Francis was made governor of a small island off the Devon coast after becoming the first Englishman and second person ever to circumnavigate the globe. Almost 450 years later, that same island has gone up for sale.
Drake’s Island (named after Sir Francis Drake) was last sold in 2019 for £6 million and is up for grabs again as a freehold. There’s no fixed price for this sale but thanks to major renovation it’s now thought to be worth around £25 million.
Once fortified to defend England against the French and Spanish, the six-acre island has panoramic views of the sea and neighbouring Plymouth, 18th century canons, Tudor barracks and a rumoured underground tunnel network leading to a private beach. The sale also includes approved plans for a 43-bed luxury hotel.
Carter Jonas, the estate agents in charge of the property, describe it as a ‘unique development opportunity’ with ‘many potential alternative uses’ and suggests that it could be converted into a stunning wedding venue. The previous owner opened up the island for tours, events and film shoots and had ambitions to open two hotels, a museum, a wellness facility and a heritage centre.
Of course, you don’t get an historic island and really old buildings without a few ghost inhabitants. Morgan Phillips, the previous owner, claims that it’s home to 15 ghosts of British military men. But apparently they’re nothing to be scared of. Phillips told The Independent: ‘They are here to protect us. That’s what they did when they were alive and that’s what they’re still doing!’
Think you’ve got what it takes to be in charge of Drake’s Island? You’ll have to contact the agents directly at this email address.
Now on the market
On the look out for other weird and wonderful properties to invest in? You can buy an old Glasgow subway carriage for just £5,000 or move into the most haunted house in Wales. And if you want to stay somewhere cool without the long-term commitment, book yourself a couple nights at George Micheal’s luxurious pool house.
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