Ever dreamed of owning an island? That may sound like an out-of-reach concept or something only for the top 1%, however, this property newly for sale in Scotland is fairly affordable. Available for the first time in 85 years, Torsa Island spans 270 acres and is seeking just £1.5 million, roughly $1.9 million.
While visions of turquoise waters and palm trees may come to mind when you think of private islands, this is a moodier, cozier example perfect for romantic getaways or active family holidays. Loosely translating in Norse to “Thor’s Island,” Torsa Island sits amidst Scotland’s Slate Islands and consists of Torsa, Torsa Beag, and Eilean na h-Eaglaise and its foreshore, which was just recently reclaimed from the Crown in 2009. But, that’s not where its historical intrigue ends.
Like something out of Outlander, Casteal nan Con (the Dogs’ Castle) still stands on the island today. It’s sheathed in stories going all the way back to the Middle Ages. That’s when Clan Campbell occupied it, using it as a watch tower. Later, the MacDougalls of Rarey held it until it fell into Clan MacLean’s hands. Sometime after 1699, all of the Slate Islands were absorbed into the Netherlorn Estates of the Breadalbane family, a branch of Clan Campbell.
Whether you’re majorly into history or not, the island’s past does make for captivating dinner party conversation. Currently, the island operates as a “successful holiday let and farm business,” according to the listing with Savills. A buyer can keep that up, making a nice bit of passive income, or bring their own vision for its use to life.
The main residence, Torsa Farmhouse, holds a quaint three bedrooms and could use some modern updating. There are also traditional stone farm buildings nearby. For a buyer thinking big—compound big—these could be re-developed for residential purposes with proper planning consent.
Once given some design TLC, who wouldn’t want to come here for secluded holidays of sailing, fishing, and hiking grassland and woodland? Just think, for less than some New York City apartments, you could own this entire island for a lifetime.
