A man who won a private island in a Haribo prize draw has put it up for sale, saying the cost of keeping it has become too much. Matthias Ross, 44, is asking £184,000 for the roughly 16-acre island on Black Lake in the Shelburne region of Nova Scotia, Canada. He won the retreat in a lottery organised by the sweet maker in 2005.
A Prize with Ongoing Costs
The prize included a two-bedroom wooden house, a flight to the island, a canoe and fishing gear, with some gummy bears also part of the package. However, after years of holidays there, Ross, from Bavaria in southern Germany, has decided the expense of maintaining it is no longer worthwhile.
He told German newspaper Bild that flights to Canada, onward journeys by car and boat, and maintenance costs had made it too expensive to hold on to. The annual property tax bill is €2,500, roughly £2,000.
Family Help and Changing Plans
His parents helped look after the island and its property for years, but travelling there has become harder as they have grown older. Ross is also said to be keen to explore other parts of the world after spending numerous holidays at the retreat over the past two decades.
For a buyer willing to take on those costs, the island offers a secluded escape with opportunities for fishing, swimming, hiking and evenings around a campfire. It can only be reached by boat. Solar panels provide power, while water is drawn from the lake.
What the Sale Includes
The sale includes a two-bedroom, one-bathroom log cabin, two small boats, a shed, a generator and a small dock. Marshland belonging to the island also offers space to explore.
The property listing describes the setting as: "Escape to your own private island paradise, only 30 minutes from the amenities of Shelburne." It adds: "A quick boat ride from shore will land you at your own island retreat where you can enjoy at least three seasons each year of lakeside living. The adjacent marshland belonging to the island invites you to go on extensive nature explorations, simply unique."
For those drawn to outdoor pursuits, the listing says: "Wilderness enthusiasts will be excited by the many recreation opportunities accessible from the island such as swimming, canoeing, fishing, or hiking (to name a few). Included with the island, and cabin, are two small boats, one shed, one generator, and a small dock."
