Ask Onix
Tidal island with historic farmhouse goes on sale in Gwynedd
A 17-acre tidal island near Portmeirion in north Wales has been listed for sale at £350,000, offering buyers a unique coastal property with a Victorian stone farmhouse in need of renovation.
Location and access
Ynys Gifftan, translating to Anne's Gift Island, sits in the Dwyryd Estuary. The island is accessible by boat at high tide or on foot during low tide, requiring a short walk across tidal sands. The Royal Geographical Society warns visitors to check tide times, as the island is only reachable by foot for up to three hours around low tide.
Two river channels separate the island from the mainland, and the guide advises turning back if the water is too deep to cross safely.
Property details and history
The island includes a Victorian stone farmhouse, last inhabited in the 1970s, now requiring extensive renovation. Historically used for grazing sheep, the land has become overgrown in places but offers panoramic views of the coastline and Eryri National Park.
The island was gifted to Lord Harlech's ancestors by Queen Anne in the 1700s. Former residents reportedly waded to and from the mainland without shoes during the 20th century.
Agent insights and buyer interest
Elis Jones, a surveyor at Carter Jonas in Bangor, said the agency had never sold an island before and described the property as "certainly different." The agents have warned potential viewers to exercise caution due to the access route, terrain, and tidal conditions.
"It is a truly unique opportunity for a buyer who appreciates its exceptional location and potential. We expect interest from those looking for an exciting lifestyle project or a secluded haven in one of Wales' most beautiful coastal landscapes."
Hugh O'Donnell, Carter Jonas
Practical considerations
The island's guide price of £350,000 is slightly above the UK average house price of £300,000. The Rightmove listing highlights the island's "unspoilt landscape" and the need for land management to restore its productivity.
Accompanied viewings will be organised, with agents advising visitors to remain vigilant due to the risks posed by the tidal environment.
