A secluded Scottish island boasting ancient Viking ruins and breathtaking natural beauty can be yours for less than the cost of the average flat. Spanning 294 acres across multiple islands in the Outer Hebrides, this idyllic retreat comes with the remains of two houses and one incomplete property.
Costing just £170,000, it gives the buyer the chance to create their own island paradise. The island’s asking price is £20,000 less than the average price of a Scottish flat, which currently stands at around £191,300 according to Zoopla, with the average property selling for approximately £223,000.
While this island escape offers an untouched environment, teeming with wild scenery, natural beauty, and excellent fishing opportunities, it’s not without its drawbacks. The land’s poor grazing conditions may deter those looking to establish a farm.
However, history buffs will be drawn to the archaeological site of an ancient ruin, reminiscent of a Viking longhouse, although its exact age remains a mystery, reports the Daily Record.
The Rightmove listing states: “The croft has no residential property, though there are three ruined/unfinished houses. These include an archaeological site of an ancient ruin which is in the style of a Viking longhouse, although it has never been established if it dates as far back as the Viking occupation.
“There is also remains of a sheiling [a shelter for those looking after the land] from the 18th century and the remains of a family residence used between 1930 and 1952. There was also a one-and-a-half storey house under construction up until 1952, but not completed as the island has been uninhabited since that date.”
The property is marketed as an owner-occupied croft, which, according to estate agency Bell Ingram, falls under unique Scottish legislation. They explained: “The land is made up of various small islands and small lochs.
“This is similar in effect to the Freehold and Leasehold of a block of flats. The crofting tenant has bought the land, whilst retaining the tenancy.”
With crofting regulations still governing the island’s tenancy, any new owner must comply with rules stipulated by the Crofting Commission. This requires owner-occupiers to live no further than 32km from their croft and obliges them to properly maintain the land.
In recent news, another secluded Scottish island hit the market. Eilean Mor, spanning 30 acres, could be yours for £325,000.
Only reachable via boat or at low tide through a causeway, this island sits within the confines of the Sunart Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and Sunart Special Area of Conservation (SAC). Bell Ingram, who are also handling this sale, tout Eilean Mor as an escape brimming with new prospects and adventures.