a day ago
Entire Scottish island listed for fraction of luxury Aus home
A rugged island off the west coast of Scotland is up for grabs for the first time in 80 years, offering motivated property hunters a chance to live the life of a King for just a fraction more than the average home in Sydney's Bellevue Hill.
Shuna Island, with its breathtaking landscapes and rich history, is on the market for 11.4 million (£5.5 million) and includes a castle, eight houses, artefacts dating back 9000 years, a sheep farm, and over 1000 acres of untamed Scottish coastline.
A Stone Age burial mound and ancient sacrificial swords provide a window into the island's distant past and could provide the cornerstone for the island's next owner to start their own clan.
Property records show the sale could proof a golden opportunity for Aussie investors who are consistently paying premium for luxury properties on home soil.
Only earlier this month, a stunning two-level penthouse at Barangaroo, NSW, sold for $80m, while an entry level home at Bellevue Hill sets buyers back at least $9m.
An isle steeped in history
In the early 20th century, the island was purchased by George Buckley, a New Zealand-born Antarctic explorer, who used his family's fortune from the Australian gold rush to acquire this unique piece of land.
Buckley commissioned the construction of a grand castle, which would cost up to $63 million in today's money.
Tragically, the architect behind this masterpiece perished on the Titanic, taking plans for further castles with him.
Currently owned by Jim Gully, whose grandmother acquired the island after World War II, Shuna Island has been a cherished family retreat.
'It was such an idyllic place to grow up and have adventures,' Gully told Bloomberg.
'As we grew up, we got involved in the farming and the holiday cottages and that side of things too.'
He now hopes a new owner will breathe fresh life into this enchanting isle.
Despite its remote feel, Shuna Island is conveniently located just a ten-minute boat ride from the mainland, where a quaint lochside village offers essential supplies.
For those who prefer a more dramatic entrance, several helicopter landing sites are available.
The island's eight residential properties range from charming stone cottages to sleek modern timber cabins.
While the castle is currently uninhabitable, the potential for restoration is immense.
The island is also home to healthy populations of red and fallow deer, otters, and seals, with porpoises and dolphins frequently sighted offshore.
The property is listed with Knight Frank and Sotheby's London.
There are no restrictions on foreign property ownership in Scotland.
