Extraordinary Global Properties

Far from the rush of city living, a secluded private island may be the ultimate location for a getaway home, whether in the Caribbean or the Mediterranean. They offer untouched beaches, secluded coves or lush vegetation. “The pandemic increased the lure of private islands,” says George Damianos, chief executive officer of Bahamas Sotheby’s International Realty in The Bahamas. “It opened up many people’s eyes that they could work from The Bahamas or other locations.”

In North Eleuthera, 11-acre Crown Pigeon Island has 12,000 sq ft of living space with 15 bedrooms across three residences. It also has patios, outdoor kitchens, a swimming pool, and fishing flats. The island offers sandy beaches, a sea turtle sanctuary, a beach club, and a four-acre harbor. “If you are interested in mingling, you can go for dinner on Harbour Island,” Damianos says, which is a short boat ride away and has grocery stores and access to plumbers or electricians.

On a five-acre island not far from Helsinki, Finland, a contemporary three-bedroom home with a guest house and sauna provides a place to relax. Its large terraces offer views of archipelago pines, coastal cliffs and the sea. The interiors enhance the presence of nature, designed with oak, pine and rusted Corten steel. The home features technical solutions for island living: a desalination system, geothermal energy, motorized shades and a jetty for helicopter landings.

In Australia, enjoy scenic views of the Coral Sea and the Great Barrier Reef, and some whale-watching, from the main house on an island three miles off the Queensland coast. One of seven other homes on the island, a penthouse studio with a yoga platform in a rainforest sits atop a hill.

At Turnagain Island in Halfmoon Bay, British Columbia, 93 acres of forest and coastline offer sunrise-to-sunset views of the Pacific. The 3,000 sq ft four-bedroom main house features a living room with a floor-to-ceiling stone fireplace. Seconds away, two docks with boat houses provide easy access to and from the island.

Off the Caribbean island of Curaçao, in Spanish Water Bay, is a 7.3-acre untouched island. It features a 5,188 sq ft gated community, with a landing with room for docking, and development plans and building permits.

Private island homes tend towards casual rather than fancy and stay in families for generations. Damianos says the rule is “keep it simple. You don’t have to worry about dressing in Gucci shoes. Put on your flip-flops and go in and out.”

ELEUTHERA, THE BAHAMAS

Step into your own personal oasis at Crown Pigeon Island, an 11-acre paradise in North Eleuthera. This private island features three stunning beaches, surrounded by clear waters and white sand flats. Whether you’re a water sports enthusiast or love to relax on the beach, this island has all you need to enjoy a serene escape. It is also a haven for fishing enthusiasts, with the famed Bonefish flats nearby. This private island features more than 12,000 sq ft of beautiful homes. The three residences provide a total of 15 sleeping rooms, as well as patios and outdoor kitchens, making the island an ideal destination for family gatherings or a vacation with friends.

$44,495,000
Property ID: VTKJSD
Bahamas Sotheby’s International Realty
Lana Rademaker 242.457.0406
Colleen Carey 242.818.6038

RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL

This spacious property features five bedrooms, all with en-suite bathrooms, that accommodate 10 people. The bedrooms are distributed between two bungalows with two bedrooms each, and a master bedroom with private bathroom. It offers a variety of facilities: a jogging track along the entire length of the island, a cinema room, heated pool, sauna, barbecue and private beach with a spacious balcony over the sea. There’s also access for vessels, with capacity for up to four boats and a helipad.

$4,699,999
Property ID: XBXB4Y
sothebysrealty.com
Bossa Nova Sotheby’s International Realty
+55 11 306 0000

DUNK ISLAND, QUEENSLAND, AUSTRALIA

This extraordinary estate set on a private island five kilometers off the coast provides serenity and stunning views of the Coral Sea and the Great Barrier Reef. The impressive property features a main house, a luxurious studio, and a separate yoga/sundeck, as well as a magnesium plunge pool that looks out to sea.

$3,500,000
Property ID: STQ2R3
sothebysrealty.com.jm
Queensland Sotheby’s International Realty
Michael Vettoretto +61 438 705 745

REMMARHOLMEN, PORKKALA, FINLAND

Sitting in the glistening sun with shade from hunched pines, this architectural masterwork seamlessly blends into Finland’s archipelago surroundings. This modern-style island getaway was built with materials in harmony with the surrounding nature—granite, glass, and various wood materials—all increasing the presence of nature. With a guest house and beach sauna, the terraces offer a space to enjoy the never-ending days of the Finnish summer. Geothermal and water purification systems are also suitable for use during snowy, cold winters. A gas fireplace, motorized sun protection curtains, lighting solutions, and furniture made on site also add to the enjoyment of this relaxing home.

€3,450,000
Property ID: B9LY2B
sothebysrealty.com
Snellman Sotheby’s International Realty
Tea Käyhkö, +358 50 370 1883
tea.kayhko@sothebysrealty.fi

HALFMOON BAY, BRITISH COLUMBIA, CANADA

In the heart of Secret Cove is Turnagain Island and its two homes with more than 93 acres of pristine forest and coastline. Owned and cared for by the same family for more than 60 years, the island supports a diverse ecosystem of forests, birds, and ocean wildlife, and breathtaking views of the Pacific. The main post and beam home features a floor-to-ceiling fireplace and an abundance of windows so you never miss the sunrise and sunset.

The guest cottage preserves the history of the area and includes four bedrooms, three bathrooms, and a large living area that will accommodate families or groups of friends. Thoughtfully landscaped, the grounds feature an open field, two docks, boathouses, and a network of single-track roads to various viewpoints. The abundance of space also gives options for a helipad or floatplane—more ways to get to your own private island.

CA$15,000,000
Property ID: FCN6M6
sothebysrealty.com
Sotheby’s International Realty Canada
Gina Stockwell +1 604 989 8235

SPANISH WATER, CURAÇAO

In the majestic bay of Curaçao lies the unspoiled Spanish Water Island. Surrounded by the most exclusive waterfront gated communities, marinas, and resorts, its 7.3 acres is a prime investment or development. Along with Curaçao’s location outside of the hurricane belt, the private island offers superyacht owners a safe haven, as permits include docking for vessels up to 220 ft. The mainland accompanying lot is a three-minute boat ride away.

Largely undisturbed for centuries, the island has unique vegetation found only at the protected National Park. Isla di Yerba (“Grass Isle”), as it was originally called, is the last island left to develop on Curaçao, making it especially coveted. Project plans are available to buyers.

$8,800,000
Property ID: XK883X
sothebysrealty.com
Curaçao Sotheby’s International Realty
Ray Seijs +599 9515 7797

ERETRIA, GREECE

Ethereal is an untouched paradise a few miles from the mainland, abundant with ancient olive, pistachio, and cypress trees, as well as a variety of fruits. A 50,316 sq m privately owned island surrounded by beaches, impressive views and diverse marine wildlife, it features two traditional Greek homes, a church, and a boathouse. A special island with existing buildings, roads, docks and plentiful history.

Price upon request
Property ID: X9VQFL
sothebysrealty.com
Greece Sotheby’s International Realty
Despina Laou +30 210 968 1070