A unique 17-acre private island off the coast of Wales, complete with a two-bedroom farmhouse and outbuildings, has been listed for sale at £350,000. This price represents approximately half the cost of the average London home, which Rightmove reports stood at £656,694 over the past year.
Island Accessibility and Location
The island, known as Ynys Gifftan, is a tidal island situated in the Dwyryd Estuary near Harlech and Porthmadog, within the heart of Eryri (Snowdonia) National Park. It can only be accessed by foot during low tide or via boat at high water, presenting a distinctive challenge for potential buyers.
Property Condition and Features
The stone farmhouse on the eastern shore, overlooking the estuary towards Talsarnau village, is in a state of considerable dereliction and requires full renovation. It currently lacks mains electricity and running water. A neighbouring stone outbuilding offers additional storage and potential for alternative uses, subject to necessary permissions.
Estate agents Carter Jonas describe Ynys Gifftan as providing access to an expansive and unspoilt landscape with uninterrupted panoramic views across the coastline and surrounding mountains. Hugh O’Donnell from their Bangor office stated, "Ynys Gifftan presents a truly unique opportunity for a buyer who appreciates its exceptional location and potential. We expect interest from those seeking an ambitious lifestyle project in one of Wales’ most beautiful coastal settings, or someone searching for their own secluded haven."
Land and Ecological Aspects
The land spans 17.74 acres, featuring rocky grassland and permanent pasture that rises to 38 metres (125 feet) high, dotted with mature trees. Historically grazed, the island has begun reverting to a more natural state, though traces of old field boundaries remain and would need repair for livestock use.
This property is classified as one of only 43 unbridged tidal islands in Britain that can be reached on foot at low tide, enhancing its rarity. The location is also proximate to the Italianate village of Portmeirion, famously built by Sir Clough Williams-Ellis and used as a key setting in the 1960s TV series The Prisoner.
Environmental Considerations
In recent decades, overgrazing by sheep has been identified as a significant issue in Eryri and other British national parks, leading to ecological degradation such as loss of heather, bilberry, and native woodland regeneration, which reduces biodiversity. This context adds an environmental dimension to the island's management potential.
