National property consultancy Carter Jonas has been instructed by receivers Kirker & Co to market Drake’s Island, one of Britain’s most extraordinary private islands, offering an exceptionally rare opportunity to acquire an entire historic island just minutes from the Plymouth mainland.
With offers invited in excess of £2 million, the freehold six-acre island occupies a spectacular position in Plymouth, around 600 metres from the mainland and reachable in under five minutes by private motorboat. The island has also previously welcomed visitors via organised ferry tours from Plymouth.
Rich in history and surrounded by panoramic sea views, the island benefits from planning consent for the redevelopment of a 43-bedroom hotel with visitor facilities and associated infrastructure works. Equally, subject to securing the necessary planning consents, the site could offer an unparalleled opportunity to create one of the UK’s most remarkable private island residences, combining heritage, seclusion and a rare degree of privacy. Building on its rich heritage, there is also potential for complementary leisure, hospitality and cultural uses, including tourism, events and heritage-led experiences.
Named after Sir Francis Drake, the island has played a pivotal role in Britain’s maritime and military history for more than 400 years. The island includes more than 30,000 sq ft of historic buildings, including the Grade II-listed Governor’s House, former barracks, casemates, coastal batteries and an extensive underground tunnel network. The island is also associated with figures including Captain James Cook and Charles Darwin, making it one of the UK’s most historically significant privately owned islands.
Ali Rana, Head of National Investment at Carter Jonas, said: “Drake’s Island is one of the most remarkable development and regeneration opportunities to come to the UK market in recent years. With planning consent already secured for a hotel and a setting shaped by centuries of history, it offers investors an exceptional platform to create a truly landmark destination.
“Opportunities to acquire an entire private island are exceptionally rare, and rarer still one that lies just minutes from the mainland, combines more than 400 years of history with over 30,000 sq ft of historic buildings, and offers the potential to create one of Britain’s most extraordinary private homes. We expect interest from UK and international investors, hoteliers and private buyers alike.”
