It’s not often you get the opportunity to buy your own island and a tax haven to boot - and we're not talking about the Skerries off the West beach at Lossiemouth. This week however one came on to the market. Knight Frank is advertising the sale of Herm Island, just off Guernsey.
70 miles from the south coast of England. It’s a mile-and-a-half long and half-a-mile wide and its 40-year lease is up for sale for £15m. Tempted? Although you’re not simply buying an island retreat: it’s a thriving business concern. Self-catering cottages, a campsite, a three-star hotel, restaurants, a tavern, log cabins and shops: oh, there’s work for you and your staff of 80 to do.
Millions have been spent installing electricity, a water supply and a sewerage system, as well as a network of roads and paths. The island also boasts gardens, woodlands and large areas of restored farmland. Guest accommodation includes more than 20 self-catering cottages, an 80-pitch campsite, eco-friendly log cabins and the harbour-side 40-room White House hotel (above). The Mermaid Tavern is the island’s only pub, so don’t get yourself barred. There’s also a 50-seat restaurant.
You may struggle to raise £15m, but a visit is feasible. All arrivals are via Guernsey, which is a short flight or ferry ride from the UK and France. It’s not far to go for an island that looks more exotic than it has any right to seeing as it’s stuck in the English Channel. But as the Major once put it: "If I was asked to design the perfect island, and place it anywhere in the world, Herm would be the island and this is where I would put it."
Can anyone lend me a few £'s...?
Jackson.
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