Published On: Sat, Feb 7th, 2026
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‘Abandoned’ island off UK coast on sale for price of semi-detached house | UK | Travel

An abandoned island gifted by a former monarch has been put on the market. Ynys Gifftan is an 18-acre island situated in the Dwyryd Estuary close to the Italianate village of Portmeirion in Gwynedd. It was bestowed upon Lord Harlech’s ancestors in the early 1700s by Queen Anne, hence its name ‘Anne’s Gift Island’. It’s believed to still form part of the Glyn Estate, which belongs to the seventh Baron Harlech.

A Victorian farmhouse stands on the eastern shore of the tidal island. The property was occupied until the 1970s but has since been deserted and now requires extensive renovation. Ynys Gifftan can be reached by wading across the Dwyryd Estuary during low tide.

A “unique opportunity” has now emerged to purchase the entire island on the outskirts of Eryri National Park. Its asking price is comparable to that of an average new-build semi-detached property.

Ynys Gifftan spans approximately 17.74 acres, providing an extensive and pristine landscape with sweeping panoramic vistas across the coastline and neighbouring mountains. It’s being marketed by Carter Jonas through private treaty.

The agent stated: “The property occupies a unique and tranquil position within the Afon Dwyryd estuary, close to the village of Talsarnau. The island is situated approximately 4 miles from the historic coastal town of Harlech.

“With its combination of heritage and natural beauty it presents an exciting proposition for buyers looking to purchase in a truly special part of Wales.”

They further elaborated: “The traditional stone farmhouse occupies a picturesque position on the eastern shore of the island, enjoying open views across the estuary towards the village of Talsarnau.

“The property is in need of comprehensive renovation throughout, and, subject to securing any necessary planning consents, presents an exciting and rare opportunity for a purchaser to restore and enhance a characterful dwelling in an exceptional setting.

“Adjacent to the farmhouse is a traditional stone outbuilding, offering useful additional storage or potential for ancillary use, subject to the necessary consents.”

Regarding the landscape, they commented: “The land extends to approximately 17.74 acres, comprising a mix of rocky grassland and permanent pasture. The land has become overgrown in places and would benefit from grazing and general land management to restore it to its full potential and productivity. Remnants of field boundaries are evident, although these would require repair and reinstatement.”

The property is listed with a guide price of £350,000.