For sale: a Scottish island for just £350,000

A SCOTTISH island has been put on the market - for less than the cost of a one-bedroom flat in London.
Holm of Huip, situated in the Orkney Islands, is available for just £350,000. Picture: ContributedHolm of Huip, situated in the Orkney Islands, is available for just £350,000. Picture: Contributed
Holm of Huip, situated in the Orkney Islands, is available for just £350,000. Picture: Contributed

Holm of Huip, situated in the Orkney Islands in northern Scotland, lies just off the coast of Stronsay, a small town directly opposite the 250,000 square metre island.

Spanning across 61,77 acres, the island, which can only be reached by boat or helicopter in good weather conditions, is home only to a herd of seals.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The seals and the ruins of a stone house surrounded by a number of idyllic beaches are all that remains on the island, which is formed from old red sandstone.

But despite its beauty, there’s a catch - the desolate island has no electricity, running water or habitable buildings.

If an interested party was to buy the island, it could become inhabited by people for the first time in more than 100 years.

However there are legal barriers restricting anyone from living there permanently. Only short stays of up to three months in the summer are permitted.

FOLLOW US

-----------------------------------------

-----------------------------------------

SCOTSMAN TABLET AND MOBILE APPS

The island, offered by Vladi Private Islands, is currently on sale for an asking price of around £350,000 – more than £400,000 lower than the average property in central London.

According to the latest Right Move price index, the average price for a property in inner London is £755,655 as of January 2015 – more than two times the asking price of Holm of Huip.

Ex-owner of the island, Pedro Avrez, and director of Vladi Private Islands, said: “The area was thought to be occupied by Vikings and is known to have a number of archeologic sites containing artefacts which are centuries old.

“I used to be the owner of the island, but a German family bought the island from me because they were so interested in its rich history.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“The remains of Viking longboats and cairn have been discovered up and down the island, usually by local fishermen.

“The island has been uninhabited for more than 100 years, with the only remaining building the ruins of an old stone house.

“Due to Scottish property laws, permanent living could be a problem, but the eventual owner would be free to use the island as a home away from home in the summer.”

You can check out more private islands up for sale by visiting vladi.de