Historic Welsh Island with Derelict Farmhouse Listed for £350,000
A secluded tidal island in Wales, originally bestowed by a monarch over three centuries ago, has been placed on the market with a guide price comparable to that of a modern semi-detached house. Ynys Gifftan, an 18-acre landmass within the Dwyryd Estuary, presents a rare and unique purchasing opportunity for those seeking a heritage project in a spectacular natural setting.
A Royal Gift with a Picturesque Past
The island's history is deeply intertwined with British royalty. In the early 1700s, Queen Anne presented Ynys Gifftan—whose name translates to 'Anne's Gift Island'—to the ancestors of Lord Harlech. It is believed the island remains part of the Glyn Estate, which is associated with the seventh Baron Harlech today. This historical provenance adds a layer of aristocratic charm to the property.
Located near the famous Italianate village of Portmeirion in Gwynedd, North Wales, the island sits within the boundaries of the Eryri National Park, formerly known as Snowdonia. Its position offers sweeping, uninterrupted views across the estuary coastline and towards the surrounding mountain ranges, creating a truly tranquil and scenic environment.
The Property: A Restoration Project Awaits
At the heart of the island, on its eastern shore, stands a Victorian-era farmhouse constructed from traditional stone. This dwelling was occupied until the 1970s but has since been abandoned and now requires extensive, comprehensive renovation throughout. The estate agent, Carter Jonas, describes it as a "characterful dwelling in an exceptional setting" but notes that any restoration would be subject to securing the necessary planning consents.
Adjacent to the main farmhouse is a traditional stone outbuilding, which could provide useful additional storage or potentially be converted for ancillary use, again subject to the required consents. Access to Ynys Gifftan is an adventure in itself; it involves wading across the Dwyryd Estuary when the tide is out, emphasising its secluded nature.
The Land: Overgrown Pasture with Potential
The island encompasses approximately 17.74 acres of land, featuring a mix of rocky grassland and permanent pasture. Over the years, sections have become overgrown and would benefit significantly from grazing and general land management to restore its full potential and productivity. Remnants of old field boundaries are still evident across the landscape, though these structures would require repair and reinstatement.
Carter Jonas, handling the sale via private treaty, highlighted the property's "unique and tranquil position" within the Afon Dwyryd estuary, close to the village of Talsarnau and approximately four miles from the historic coastal town of Harlech. They stated the combination of heritage and natural beauty presents "an exciting proposition for buyers looking to purchase in a truly special part of Wales."
With a guide price set at £350,000, this 18-acre island offers a slice of Welsh history and wilderness for less than the cost of many conventional residential properties, presenting a compelling, albeit challenging, investment for the right purchaser.
