A highly secluded traditional home on the Isle of Soay has been put up for sale, offering a rare opportunity for remote living in one of Britain’s most isolated locations. The property is located in the Inner Hebrides on an island where animals outnumber human residents.
Property Details and Condition
Listed for £975,000, the traditional two-bedroom, one-bathroom residence comes with 1,546 acres of croft land. However, the home has been abandoned for years and is currently uninhabitable, requiring significant refurbishment.
The house is situated on the shore of Camus nan Gall, the island’s main bay, which provides sheltered anchorage for boats. The surrounding landscape features woodland, hill lochs, and the dramatic Black Cuillin mountains.
Logistics and Accessibility
Access to the island is limited to a 30-minute chartered boat ride from the neighboring Isle of Skye. The Isle of Skye serves as the primary hub for the property, hosting the nearest shops, towns, and schools, as well as transport routes to Inverness.
The island’s human population is extremely minor, with the 2022 census recording only three residents. This decline follows a 1953 evacuation to the Isle of Mull, triggered by unreliable ferry services and harsh Hebridean winter weather.
Nature and Heritage
The Isle of Soay is described as a paradise for wildlife lovers, home to native red deer and Soay sheep. It was previously the residence of Scottish author and naturalist Gavin Maxwell.
In the 1940s, Maxwell established a basking shark fishery on the island. He was as well the author of The Ring of Bright Water, a story about otters on the West Coast of Scotland that was adapted into a film in the 1960s.
Future Potential
Euan MacCrimmon of estate agents Strutt and Parker describes the residence as a “project” and an opportunity for those interested in farming or rewilding. The property also offers various sporting opportunities, including hiking, hunting, sailing, and fishing.
A new owner who is an avid sailor could potentially locate the location ideal, as owning a boat may provide the freedom to visit civilization on the neighboring island as needed. The property may attract buyers seeking a self-sufficient lifestyle with minimal neighbors.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the asking price for the Isle of Soay property?
The property is currently listed for £975,000.
How do you get to the Isle of Soay?
The island is only accessible via a 30-minute chartered boat ride from the Isle of Skye.
Why was most of the island’s population evacuated in 1953?
Most residents were evacuated to the Isle of Mull because harsh Hebridean winter weather made ferry services unreliable.
Would you be willing to refurbish an abandoned home if it meant living in total seclusion?
