While couples often move outside of the city centre when their children leave home, or they seek employment elsewhere to settle down, not many will whisk themselves off to a private island.
An opportunity has now arisen for someone to purchase their own private island, complete with a huge six-bedroom 17th century castle. Well away from the hustle and bustle of the city, or indeed any type of settlement, and with the sea for company, it could be the perfect retreat to put your feet up.
As well as the impressive historic castle, this island just off Shetland, comes with a farmhouse, cottage and almost 800 acres of land for endless planning opportunities. As reported by the Record, the tiny Isle of Vaila is now for sale for offers over £1.75million.
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With the price excluding most of the Scottish population, opportunities such as these are incredibly rare, so it could be snapped up rather soon by someone with cash to spare. Although, you'd have to be well-stocked on supplies as it is a ten-minute boat journey from the island's private shore base to Shetland. The tiny island has a coastline of approximately 6.5 miles and overlooks the northern and central part of the Shetland mainland towards Muckle Roe and Lerwick.
Estate agents Savills have the honour of selling this particular property and added to the listing that on a clear day, there are uninterrupted views to the Fair Isle to the south and to the Isle of Foula to the west.
So stunning is the island, that according to Savills, the 20th century English Poet Laureate Sir John Betjeman, said: "I can think of few nicer places in the world," when describing the island.
The current owners purchased the island back in 1993 and have extensively re-purposed the castle at the heart of it, ensuring it be a well-appointed and comfortable home. Some of the standout features of the home include a great hall with a massive stone fireplace, full-height stained glass windows and a minstrels' gallery, and a concealed entrance into a functional kitchen.
As you can imagine, the home offers spectacular views from just about every angle thanks to a conservatory and huge croquet lawns towards the 18-th century Mucklaberry watch tower which is included in the sale.
Luke French of Savills, said: "There are four bedrooms on the first floor, all with wonderful views, and the principal bedroom suite has a secret passage through to the tower bedroom which boasts panoramic views over the sea through its four windows. There are two further bedrooms and a bathroom on the second floor. A study, rich in character, is located in the Bell Tower with fine views over Vaila Sound.
"There is a series of three walled gardens featuring Shetland flora, along with two former kitchen gardens and a tree-filled further walled garden near one of the two island piers."
The current owners have also worked hard to make the land almost like a nature reserve with an organic farm inviting wilflife such as seabirds and puffins to the island. The first farm in Shetland to gain organic status in 1994, the island currently carries 200 pure-bred Shetland ewes (the flock is available in addition).
Luke French added: "At the meeting point of the North Sea and the Atlantic Ocean, this is a wild and beautiful part of the world. The juxtaposition of the dramatic, elemental land and seascape with the exquisite craftsmanship of historic Vaila Hall makes for a quite extraordinary property.
"A rare prize indeed for the next owner but also one which benefits from practical forethought by the sellers with the shore base building providing ease of access and the farming enterprise, farmhouse and cottage creating a variety of opportunities."
You can see the full listing here.
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