A tiny island off the south coast has emerged on the rental market for those looking to escape the rat race in a secluded location.
Round Island, which is in the middle of Poole Harbour in Dorset, close to glitzy Sandbanks, and covers just 15 acres, is available to rent for a whopping £15,000 a month.
The lucky tenants will have the use of three cottages on the island as well the services of two caretakers who live in a separate property and ferry tenants to the mainland on request.
Tenants on Round Island in Poole Harbour will have the use of three cottages on the island as well the services of two resident caretakers who ferry tenants to the mainland on request
It is likely the tenancy will go to a wealthy person with a large family who can make use of the trio of cottages that sleep between six and eight people
Room with a view: The property is in prime location for sunset watching in Poole Harbour, making it the ideal bolthole for those looking for a secluded spot that’s still within easy reach of shops and restaurants
The nearest shops, restaurants and amenities are a 15-minute motorboat ride away in Poole.
The island comes with a jetty that can accommodate vessels up to 40ft in length, a private sandy beach, a boat shed, a water tower and summer house that is used as an observation room.
The island is also a wildlife haven and has its own colony of peacocks.
Round Island has been owned by the Palmer family – who run a local building firm – since 1968 with the cottages rented out as holiday lets.
But the family are using the island less and less and are hoping to find more permanent tenants.
The property has been used as a holiday home in the past, but the owners are now looking for more long-term tenants
The pared-back bright and airy interiors are a blank canvas that tenants will add their own personal touches to and make the property feel like home
They have placed the island on the market with estate agents Albury and Hall who will be interviewing and vetting serious candidates.
It is likely the tenancy will go to a wealthy person with a large family who can make use of the trio of cottages that sleep between six and eight people.
Simon McIntyre, of Albury and Hall, said: ‘The owners want to find someone who will use this more often than just as a holiday home.
The nearest shops, restaurants and amenities are a 15-minute motorboat ride away in Poole and the exclusive resort of Sandbanks, dubbed ‘Britain’s Palm Beach’ due to its popularity with the rich and famous
The island just off the shore of the Arne Peninsula in the southwest of Poole Harbour is a wildlife haven
‘They are not getting any younger and aren’t getting over there as much as they have done in the past.
‘The island is around 15 acres and the nearest mainland is at the Arne Nature Reserve which is quite remote in itself.
‘But for shopping, restaurants and all amenities it is a short mile trip to Poole which takes about 15 minutes.
‘There is an interview and referencing process for the lead tenant and we’d expect this to appeal to a big family.’
The island lies within the Dorset Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, which was established to conserve and enhance the natural beauty of the western area of the harbour
Televisions and DVD players are provided in the lounge areas for cosy evenings in watching films
The cottages enjoy fully equipped kitchens with electric cooker, fridge freezer, microwave, washing machine and dishwasher
Tenants will have the use of three guest cottages on Round Island, Curlew, Sandpiper and Pier which are located close to the pier and beach
The Island is approximately 15 acres in size with a path that winds through rhododendrons and woodland
The three properties the come with the tenancy are Curlew Cottage, Sandpiper Cottage and Pier Cottage.
At the opposite end of the isle is a main house which is owned and used by the Palmer family.
Round Island is one of nine islands in Poole Harbour, the second biggest natural harbour in the world after Sydney.
The peaceful surroundings inspired Sir Thomas Beecham, a visitor to the island, to pen his biography of the English composer Frederick Delius
The island comes with a jetty that can accommodate vessels up to 40ft in length, a private sandy beach, a boat shed, a water tower and summer house that is used as an observation room
The property comes with a small sandy beach with shallow water making it safe for children
The island is also a wildlife haven and has its own colony of peacocks – one of which can be seen in this image strutting through the front garden
Round Island is one of nine islands in Poole Harbour, the second biggest natural harbour in the world after Sydney
Brownsea Island, where Lord Baden Powell started the Scout movement, is the largest. Long Island and Green Island are also privately owned with properties on them.
Round Island has a long and interesting past. It formed part of the Rempstone and Wareham Estate from 1886 until 1935 when it was sold to the Hon Kathleen Laurence, Daughter of Lord Illiffe.
From 1940 it was requisitioned by the Royal Navy and combined as a training ground with HMS Turtle, a Royal Marines base at nearby Hamworthy.
The island helped the Marines train for the D-Day invasion.