Scotland's islands offer an escape for thousands of tourists every year, but how would you like to own your own? Well, one stunning and remote Scottish isle has just gone up for sale.
Best of all, it comes with its own magnificent 17th-century mansion, a watchtower, a farmhouse, a cottage and 757 acres of land. The tiny Isle of Vaila can be found in the Shetland area and has been put on the market for offers of over £1.75m.
Separated from mainland Shetland by the Vaila Sound, it's just a short 10-minute boat journey from the island’s private shore base to cross. 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, who are taking care of the sale said 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.
Read more: The charming house on banks of the River Spey for sale in heart of picturesque whisky town
Once home to Viking chiefs, Vaila now houses some striking properties, including a magnificent 17th-century mansion house, known as Vaila Hall, which was once a laird’s house that was developed into a grand summer residence in the late 19th century.
Bought by the current owners in 1993, the house has undergone an "extensive and sympathetic" restoration to provide a well-appointed and comfortable home. Highlights include a baronial great hall with a massive stone fireplace, full-height stained glass windows and a minstrels’ gallery, and a concealed entrance into the functional kitchen.
The house also features a conservatory which enjoys fine views across the croquet lawn towards the 18th-century Mucklaberry watch tower which is also 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 sale also comes with a three bedroom Arts & Crafts farmhouse built in 1894 which has a byre known as The Whale House where the skeleton of a 42 ft whale lies when it was beached on the island in 2000. Finally, there is a pretty two bedroom cottage which sits behind Vaila Hall and works well either for overflow accommodation or as staff quarters.
The current owners have been working the land with an organic farm and has ensured its diversity of flora and fauna has flourished with various breeds of seabirds, including puffins, flock 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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