For £350,000, a private island formerly belonging to the Royal Family is up for sale, but there are some important considerations to keep in mind.
Ynys Gifftan, located off the coast of Portmeirion in north Wales, was once owned by Queen Anne in the 1700s before being passed down to the descendants of a local landowner. The lucky purchaser will have 17.74 acres at their disposal, including an untouched Victorian farmhouse that has been uninhabited for almost six decades.
However, the property requires significant work as it lacks mains electricity and may necessitate a new water system. Situated on a tidal island within Snowdonia National Park, access is restricted to a three-hour window on foot during low tide.
Hugh O’Donnell, the estate agent managing the sale in conjunction with Carter Jonas, highlighted the island’s uniqueness and challenges, stating that numerous interested parties have inquired about its suitability.
Access to the island is limited to a three-hour window during low tide, necessitating the need for a boat to prevent isolation. According to the Discovering Britain guide, the island is entirely cut off and unreachable at high tide.
Listed on Rightmove, the location is described as a vast, untouched landscape offering uninterrupted panoramic views of the Welsh coastline. The listing suggests that the land, now overgrown in places, could benefit from grazing and general land management to restore its full potential and productivity.
Potential buyers are advised to exercise caution during inspections and to remain alert for their safety. The eastern shore of the island features a stone-built former farmhouse included in the property’s price, though it requires renovation after being deserted for over two centuries. Another nearby structure holds potential for conversion. Ynys Gifftan is close to the villages of Talsarnau, Harlech, and Portmeirion within Snowdonia National Park.
Across the water lies St David’s Golf Club, previously ranked as the second best in a list of the top 50 courses in Britain. The asking price of £350,000 slightly exceeds the UK average house price of £300,000.
Queen Anne bestowed the island upon the ancestors of Lord Harlech, with its name, Ynys Gifftan, translating to Anne’s Gift Island. Anne reigned as Queen of Great Britain and Ireland from 1702 until her passing in 1714.
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