For some people, owning property may seem far-fetched, but owning land can be within reach; instead of buying a house, you can take it a step further: buy an island! This unspoiled island near Chile could be yours for the same price as a mansion in Los Angeles. There’s a big advantage: you can get to the island without the new mansion tax that was introduced in 2023.
You Can Own an Island: Virgin Island
Virgin Island is an unspoiled piece of land half the size of Hong Kong. This beautiful island is now for sale at $35 million. It is located in the Patagonian Archipelago off Chile’s western coast. Virgin Island is an 11,000-acre island that is more than seven times larger than Manhattan.
The island has over 80 lagoons, three lakes, and 150 miles of untouched coastline. It is a unique chance for someone to build and develop on unspoiled land. The island is only reachable by boat or helicopter, making it a rare find. It provides privacy, seclusion, and stunning natural beauty.
Virgin Island’s Beautiful Features
Virgin Island has a stunning coastline, freshwater sources, and natural beauty. Jeff Buerger from Hall and Hall is the listing agent for Virgin Island. He says that while not everyone likes islands, this one is truly special.
“It is a truly unusual and incredible piece of real estate,” Jeff Beurger said. Its long, untouched coastline, fresh water, and natural beauty make it a rare and unique property compared to the ones we are accustomed to.
Virgin Island: Beauty, Shield and Protection
The Andes Mountains protect the Virgin Island. The Island is located behind the Andes mountain range. It creates a variety of landscapes, including jungles, sandbanks, peatlands, wetlands, and native forests.
The Andes, the longest mountain range on Earth, shield the Virgin Islands from severe weather and act as a natural barrier, helping to regulate the climate.
The Unspoiled Island
Certain things happen to environments where humans live or places where humans are close to. The environment around us has to be conducive enough for us to adapt. Little changes here and there can cause the environment to change, altering the beauty of nature.
However, this island has remained untouched, allowing wildlife to live as it did thousands of years ago. Nearby fjords, islands, seas, and canals protect the Virgin Islands from changes, keeping them in perfect condition.
An Island That Traps Greenhouse Gases
Some naturally occurring gases are very important in our environment. There are also natural structures that help conserve gases.
Peatlands, also known locally as “turba,” are important wetlands with a lot of natural carbon. Virgin Island is mainly covered in turba, which helps create a natural environment for plants to grow. These large wetlands spread across the Island. They help store fresh water and capture greenhouse gases.
Where Is Virgin Island Located?
Virgin Island is located in Chilean Patagonia. Where the Island is located is often referred to as “the end of the world.” This makes the Island more alluring and unique.
Chile is the southernmost country in the world, and Virgin Island is the southernmost part of Chile and the American continent. This remote location helps the Island remain a vital green area, home to untouched wildlife.
What Is Chilean Patagonia?
Chilean Patagonia is a vast area covering 402,000 square miles, shared by Argentina and Chile. It features a unique landscape shaped by the Andes Mountains dropping into the Pacific Ocean, creating stunning archipelagos, channels, and fjords.
Unlike the rugged beaches of Argentinian Patagonia, Chilean Patagonia has a complex network of waterways. This feature offers a unique geographical experience.
About the Patagonian Archipelago
The Patagonian Archipelago stretches over about 11 degrees of latitude along the western coast of Patagonia. It’s a tough and often unwelcoming landscape, especially in the south. Mountains mark the terrain and vary between dense forests, bare rock, and deep bogs. These features create a rugged and diverse environment.
Deep channels divide the land into peninsulas and islands, some of which have yet to be fully mapped. Glaciers also exist in different places, sometimes reaching nearly sea level. This adds to the archipelago’s challenging and ever-changing nature.
The Weather in the Patagonian Archipelago and Its Appeal
The weather in the Patagonian Archipelago is harsh. Constant heavy rains, snow, and sleet often occur throughout the year, along with strong westerly winds.
Despite the challenging conditions here, real estate agent Jeff Buerger thinks the Island has great potential as a destination. He mentioned to The New York Post that finding an island of this size with lots of coastline, freshwater, natural beauty, privacy, and seclusion is rare and special.
More Than a Piece of Real Estate
Virgin Island isn’t just land for sale. It is seen as an exciting place full of adventure and potential. Buerger sees it as perfect for fishing and sea kayaking, offering a getaway into beautiful, natural surroundings.
He believes that as the world becomes more connected, there will be more opportunities to build and explore luxurious properties. However, Virgin Island is a rare and unique opportunity for those who want to grow in a clean, untouched setting.
The Closest Town to Virgin Island
Virgin Island is about two-and-a-half hours away by speedboat from Puerto Aysén, the nearest town. Puerto Aysén is located in the Aysén del General Carlos Ibáñez del Campo Region of Chile. It is situated around 2 miles upstream from the head of Aisén Fjord in the southernmost part of the country.
Puerto Aysén’s population was approximately 27,644 as of the 2017 census. It sits beside the Aysén River, 9 miles from Puerto Chacabuco port, a major sea entry point. The town is also 40 miles from Coyhaique, the regional capital. Puerto Aysén’s economy is based on fishing and tourism, with Puerto Chacabuco serving both ferry passengers and cargo traffic.
A Pristine Paradise
Anyone can get tired of the daily bustling activity that occurs in the city. Even urban places have a touch of human activities and civilization. The idea of having a place or an environment that has not been touched can be appealing.
This Island is described as a rare and untouched natural haven free from modern development. Potential buyers see it as an exciting and exclusive opportunity to preserve this pristine paradise. They will take on the responsibility that comes with owning such a special piece of Earth.
Another Island: Beer Can Island
There’s another island up for sale. It’s called Beer Can Island. This Island is closer to the US than Tampa Bay. It costs half as much as the pristine one near Chile. It has 9 acres of land and an additional 60 acres underwater.
Four friends originally bought the Island. They needed a spot for their floating bar, Tiki Bay Island, which caused some issues with their neighbors. Now, the Island is on the market for $14.2 million.
An Island for Parties
The Island turned into a popular party spot. It had bathrooms, trash cans, food trucks, and security guards. The friends who owned it kept it clean and sold memberships to fund private buildings and specific camping areas.
However, the party island raised concerns about safety. Hillsborough County said the business being run on the Island broke the rules and raised safety worries.
Making Claims
Due to the safety concerns raised, Hillsborough County wanted to take control of the Island.
The owners, however, argued back. They said the Island was safer now, and they were sure of that because they hired off-duty medical staff and gave out first aid kits. The county couldn’t find the Island because it had no authority over it, as it wasn’t zoned.
Challenges for the New Owner
After arguing with the county, the four friends enjoyed their time on the Island. However, the future owner will face a few challenges. The Island, which was once 23 acres, has shrunk to less than half its size. This shrinkage occurred because of hurricanes.
The new owner will also need to handle issues with the county, which wants to designate the Island as a nature preserve instead of private land.
These Islands Are Cheaper Than a House
It will surprise you to know that you don’t need to be super rich to buy one. There are many islands around the world that are not expensive.
These islands cost less than the average house in the United States. Most of these small islands are found north of the US, along the Canadian coast.
Why Would Anyone Purchase an Island?
We often hear that investing in land is a smart move. Land appreciates over time, and it is one of the best investments. Islands are the same.
Islands can be a smart investment because their value often increases over time. They offer chances to build hotels, resorts, or homes, ensuring a profitable return. Owning an island also provides privacy and a sense of leaving a lasting mark. Overall, buying an island can be a wise investment for various reasons.
Protecting the Environment and Preserving the Earth
There is something called sustainability. Sustainability can be defined as meeting the needs of the present without compromising the needs of future generations. Many people want the earth to be sustainable.
Some people buy islands to protect the natural habitats there. They want to keep wildlife safe from development that has harmed the environment in recent decades.