A Rare Island for Sale in Wales
A 17-acre private island off the Welsh coast is now on the market for £350,000, slightly above the UK average house price of £300,000. Ynys Gifftan, a tidal island in the Dwyryd Estuary near Portmeirion in Gwynedd, offers a unique opportunity for buyers seeking a private retreat.
Victorian Farmhouse in Need of Renovation
The island includes a Victorian stone farmhouse that was occupied until the 1970s. The property now needs extensive renovation. According to Carter Jonas estate agents, the island has attracted “a lot of interest” due to its unique setting.
Historical Significance
Ynys Gifftan, meaning “Anne’s Gift Island,” was gifted to Lord Harlech’s ancestors by Queen Anne in the 1700s. It has a rich history, and archives show that residents once removed their shoes to wade across the estuary to the mainland.
Access: Tide-Dependent
Visitors must check tide times before attempting to reach the island. During high tide, access is only possible by boat. At low tide, a five-minute walk across tidal sands connects the island to the mainland. There are two river channels in the estuary, which can be dangerous if too deep, so caution is advised.
Scenic Views and Land Potential
The island sits in an unspoiled landscape with panoramic views across the coastline and the mountains of Eryri National Park. Rightmove notes that the land is overgrown in places and would benefit from grazing or land management to restore its full potential.
Unique Selling Point
Surveyor Elis Jones stated, “I don’t think we have ever sold an island before.” The estate highlights that Ynys Gifftan is unlike any other property, offering complete privacy and a connection with nature.
