Owning a private island is the ultimate status symbol for billionaires and moneyed celebrities. What better way to flaunt a prodigious bank account and secure a slice of paradise?
Oracle founder Larry Ellison did it when he purchased the Hawaiian island of Lanai for $300 million in 2012. Johnny Depp reportedly owns a private island in the Bahamas, as do Jay-Z and Beyoncé. Country music stars Tim McGraw and Faith Hill owned a 20-acre island in the Bahamas for nearly 20 years before offloading it in 2021 for $35 million.
But the belief that you have to be part of the elite to own a private island is a bit of a misconception. In fact, there are a number of clandestine cays—with houses—currently on the market for $2 million or less.
So, if you’ve ever dreamed of holing up in your own discreet dwelling surrounded by water, now’s your chance. We searched high and low for accessibly private islands that come with a cozy residence—or two. Here’s what we discovered.
1. Honeymoon Is, Hammond, NY
Price: $859,000
2. Ben Is, Harpswell, ME
Price: $1,995,000
Big Ben: This tranquil, 4-acre retreat known as Ben Island is a quick two-minute boat ride from the mainland. Once you arrive at the private dock, a jaunt down a seaside trail takes you to the primary residence: a gorgeously renovated post-and-beam cottage with three bedrooms, a loft, and an open living area.
Modern amenities include a new solar energy system, on-demand hot water, a generator, an energy-efficient propane heater, a conventional septic tank (a rarity for offshore islands), and a private well with a reverse-osmosis water treatment system.
3. 46502 Glen-Mary Farm Rd, Park Hall, MD
Price: $1,995,000
Chesapeake cutie: Nature enthusiasts will fall in love with Tippity Wichity Island—a lush, roughly 5-acre landmass in a sheltered cove of the Chesapeake Bay. A convenient dock with a boat lift allows for easy access to the island. There’s also a small beach, soft launch for kayaks, and a scenic nature trail for outdoor exploration.
Plus, the charming three-bedroom home offers a number of spaces for gathering with family and friends—there’s a screened gazebo porch, spacious kitchen, and a great room with a wood-burning fireplace.
The island sits in the St. Marys River, which is clean and warm enough to swim in during the summer. But for those who aren’t keen on taking a dip in open water, a heated swimming pool awaits right next to the house.
4. N7782 Kettle Moraine Dr, Whitewater, WI
Price: $1,800,000
A real treat: This offering on Rice Lake comes with two houses and a private island. A custom-built primary abode sits on the mainland and features a soaring great room with floor-to-ceiling windows, exposed beams, and a double-sided stone fireplace. Made for entertaining and relaxing, this five-bedroom retreat is outfitted with a chef’s kitchen, screened porch, and generous waterfront deck.
Guests can choose to stay in one of the secondary bedrooms in the main house or (if they’re feeling adventurous) board a boat and settle in at the rustic cabin on the private island. With a single bedroom, bathroom, kitchenette, and loft, the living quarters are undoubtedly quaint. But isn’t that the point?
5. Harnden Is, Orcas Island, WA
Price: $1,075,000
Make it your own: If the Pacific Northwest is more your speed, consider Harnden Island, a 1.9-acre property that sits among Sucia Island Marine State Park and the idyllic San Juan Islands. This private oasis is ideal for anyone seeking a picturesque parcel for recreational use.
A tiny A-frame cabin sits on a grassy clearing atop the isle and provides world-class views of Fossil Bay, the surrounding islands, and the mountains of the Puget Sound.
Enjoy full access to the park’s guest dock, where you can safely moor your boat and explore additional hiking trails or pitch a tent at one of the campsites.
