Dreaming of owning a private island is usually the stuff of billionaire fantasies, but a rare opportunity has emerged off the Welsh coast that could make that dream a reality for a far more modest sum. Ynys Gifftan, a tidal island nestled in the Dwyryd Estuary near Portmeirion in Gwynedd, Wales, has just hit the market for £350,000—a price tag that, remarkably, puts it within reach of buyers who might otherwise be searching for a semi-detached house on the mainland.
But this is no ordinary patch of land. Spanning nearly 18 acres (or 17 acres, as some listings round it), Ynys Gifftan is steeped in history, natural beauty, and a fair bit of adventure. According to BBC News, the island was originally gifted to Lord Harlech's ancestors by Queen Anne in the 1700s, a royal connection that lingers in its name—Ynys Gifftan translates from Welsh as "Anne's Gift Island." The property remains part of the Harlech estate to this day, and its regal provenance adds a distinctive layer of allure for those with an eye for heritage.
Set within the boundaries of Eryri (Snowdonia) National Park, the island’s landscape is a wild tapestry of autumnal bracken, resilient shrubs, and rugged coastline. It’s the kind of place where sweeping, uninterrupted panoramic views across the estuary and toward the mountains are the norm, not the exception. But there’s a catch—actually, several. Access to Ynys Gifftan is entirely dictated by the tides. At high tide, the island is completely cut off from the mainland and can only be reached by boat. When the tide recedes, however, a short walk across tidal sands opens a five-minute, 400-metre route to the island. The Royal Geographical Society’s Discovering Britain guide cautions that this window is brief: “The island is accessible on foot for up to three hours on either side of low tide.”
Even then, would-be visitors and prospective buyers must exercise caution. There are two river channels to cross, and if the water is too deep, the only safe option is to turn back. Carter Jonas, the estate agency managing the sale from their Bangor office, warns that “viewers should take care and caution throughout inspections and to remain vigilant at all times for their own personal safety,” referencing the access route, terrain, and ever-changing tidal conditions. Surveyor Elis Jones, also with Carter Jonas, admitted, “I don’t think we have ever sold an island before.” Despite this novelty, he noted, “There has been a lot of interest. It certainly is different.”
The island’s main structure is a Victorian stone farmhouse on the eastern shore. Once inhabited until the 1970s, it now stands empty and in need of extensive renovation. An adjacent outbuilding offers further potential for conversion, though the lack of mains electricity and uncertainty about the water supply (a pipe was laid in the 1980s, but its current function is unknown) present additional challenges. There is, however, a septic tank on site, suggesting some basic infrastructure remains. As the listing on Rightmove describes, “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.” Sheep once grazed here, and the overgrowth is a reminder of the years the island has spent largely undisturbed.
For those undeterred by the prospect of a challenging renovation project, the rewards could be substantial. Hugh O’Donnell, a partner at Carter Jonas, enthused, “Ynys Gifftan presents a truly unique opportunity for a buyer who appreciates its exceptional location and potential. We expect interest from buyers looking for an exciting lifestyle project in one of Wales's most beautiful coastal landscapes, or someone who is looking for their very own secluded haven.”
The absence of modern conveniences is, for many, part of the island’s appeal. The agency has made it clear that this is not a property for the faint-hearted or those seeking an easy commute. “The estate agency has described the property as suited to those seeking a challenging renovation project or complete seclusion—the tidal conditions render the island inaccessible to visitors twice daily,” reported The Telegraph. For some, that isolation is exactly the point: a place to unplug, unwind, and perhaps even live off the grid, surrounded by nature and history. The panoramic views stretch to the Royal St David’s Golf Club in Harlech, just across the estuary, and the Italianate village of Portmeirion lies nearby—a reminder that, while secluded, Ynys Gifftan is not entirely cut off from civilization.
Interest in the island has been strong, according to Elis Jones. Accompanied viewings are being organized, with estate agents emphasizing the need for appropriate footwear and careful planning around the tides. The Royal Geographical Society’s guide adds another note of caution: “If you reach [the river channels] and they are too deep to cross, for safety, you must turn back.” This advice underscores the island’s unique blend of accessibility and remoteness—a place that is tantalizingly close, yet sometimes just out of reach.
The price point—£350,000—reflects both the island’s unique appeal and the practical challenges it presents. As News18 noted, this is “slightly above the UK’s average house price,” but offers considerably more space and privacy than a typical suburban home. The estate agency has made it clear that Ynys Gifftan is “a truly unique opportunity for a buyer who appreciates its exceptional location and potential,” echoing O’Donnell’s earlier statement.
The story of Ynys Gifftan is, in many ways, a microcosm of Wales itself: rich in history, rugged in landscape, and shaped by the rhythms of nature. Its royal origins, dramatic setting, and the promise of seclusion have captured the imaginations of many. Yet, the island’s future remains unwritten, awaiting a new owner willing to embrace both its potential and its demands.
For those with a sense of adventure—and waterproof boots—Ynys Gifftan could be the ultimate escape. The tides may dictate when you come and go, but the allure of owning a piece of royal history in one of Britain’s most scenic corners is, for some, simply irresistible.