[title]
As a tourist destination, Scotland is having something of a moment in the sun – metaphorically speaking, of course. After years of neglect in favour of tourist-ridden beaches on the Med, more than ever are opting to explore Scotland’s glorious coastlines, majestic landscapes and general rugged charm.
And if you’ve been thinking of upping sticks and move north of Hadrian’s Wall, we might now have just the thing. A dramatic cluster of islands off Scotland’s west coast is up for sale. The centrepiece is the 453-acre Sanda island, though a couple more are thrown in for good measure: 32-acre Sheep Island and four-acre Glunimore Island. An excellent three-for-one deal.
Now, if you’re thinking: well, that’d make a terrific lair. You’d be correct. The private paradise comes with all the amenities an aspiring Bond villain could desire. There are seven fully-furnished properties powered by generators where 23 of your closest friends/enemies can enjoy underfloor heating. Besides spectacular sea views, Sanda has its own lighthouse, mediaeval chapel ruins and, of course, an all-important helipad.
Completing the picture is a herd of sheep, the perfect Highland army to intimidate your enemies – and mow your lawn. Tom Stewart-Moore from Knight Frank, the estate agent which listed the property, provided this glowing description:
‘The sheep look after themselves, they’re the island lawn mower and require little management. They are included as part of the sale.’
Bird-lovers will be happy to know the island is also a favourite among puffin colonies. Here are a few pics of the place.
Sanda is near the Mull of Kintyre, in the council area of Argyll and Bute. As you would expect, this is the kind of place you go to escape civilisation. But never fear – should you need to nip out for some groceries, or fancy a visit to Scotland’s oldest cinema, both can be found in nearby Campeltown, a mere 13 miles north by boat. Or you could head 20 miles west to Ballycastle in Northern Island.
The next owner will join the ranks of a suitably swanky list of former Sanda occupants, including Jack Bruce of the ’60s rock supergroup Cream. Previous residents Dick and Meg Gannon opened their own pub on the island, the Byron Darnton Tavern, which will also go to the lucky buyer. Though it closed in 2010 after Swiss businessman Michi Meier bought Sanda, there is no stopping you from helming the venue’s comeback to the Highland pub scene.
Take note, the agency expects offers to start from £2.5 million. But for that you do get three entire islands – it’s quite frugal, really.
You can find out more about the island (and submit an offer) on its Rightmove listing here.
Craving more properties to covet? Take a look at these two floating forts off the English coast.
Or perhaps you’d rather live in this former Rolling Stones concert venue?
Also for sale: a mansion with a Poundland Museum - Marx would definitely have something to say…
Stay in the loop: sign up to our free Time Out UK newsletter for the latest UK news and the best stuff happening across the country.