If you want an escape from the hustle and bustle of modern life, but aren’t some sort of billionaire, you might be interested to learn that there’s an island paradise for sale not far off the average cost of a US home.
It’s got all of the trappings of a private island, apart from the Richard Branson price-tag.
The island is called Iguana Island – so don’t go if you’re afraid of lizards, presumably – and it lies off the coast of Nicaragua.
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The island is currently on the market for $475,000 (£391,000) and you do get a fair bit for that.
There’s a house on the island, which is a relief, and it has three bedrooms, two bathrooms, a living room, dining room, and bar area.
Not bad at all, especially at that price.
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Fox News reports that the median cost of a home in the USA during the second quarter of 2022 was $440,300, according to the Federal Reserve Bank of St Louis.
To be honest, that’s still not cheap, but it is affordable for people who are outside the super-rich, which is what we’re getting at here.
For a three bedroom, two bathroom house with a bar that isn’t on a private island but is in – let’s say – California, you’d pay significantly more.
As well as the house, on the island you get a 28-foot observation tower, as well as a dock and boardwalks around the island.
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According to the seller – Private Islands Inc. – there is also scope to expand, with a swimming pool or – if you like – a helipad.
For nature lovers, the island is home to lush green vegetation including palm trees and banana trees, as well as being a hotspot for migrating butterflies.
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A true tropical paradise in that regard, at least.
Oh, and it’s got cellphone and internet coverage as well, which is essential.
So, why is this island so cheap?
According to the listing on Private Islands: “Due to a death in the family, the current owner has Iguana Island on the market at a reduced rate and all reasonable offers will be taken into consideration.”
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The listing explains: “The sound of the Caribbean Sea lapping against the shoreline provides the daily soundtrack on Iguana Island, a volcanic island 12 miles off the coast of Bluefields, Nicaragua.
“Clear blue-green water dominates sight lines in all directions, and the region’s spectacular sunrises and sunsets make the views all the more dramatic at daybreak and nightfall.
“This five-acre retreat, cloaked in coconut palms and banana trees for maximum privacy, combines a turnkey, freehold property with a very affordable price tag – something rarely found in a tropical setting this close to the United States.”
It continues: “There is ample room to add a swimming pool, but a refreshing dip is as simple as wading into the sea on the calm west side of the island near the dock.
“This part of Nicaragua earns raves for its fishing, and anglers can cast off the dock for snapper, mackerel and barracuda, venture offshore for tuna, billfish and wahoo or delve into the virgin jungle rivers of the mainland to pursue trophy-size tarpon and snook.
“Abundant tropical fish on the surrounding reefs will appeal to snorkeling and scuba enthusiasts.
“With its well-maintained infrastructure and small monthly maintenance fees, Iguana Island easily could be reimagined into a retreat for an organization or transformed into a source of rental income with more competitive rates than other island areas of Nicaragua.
“It could also provide a safe, idyllic place to retire – on a much smaller budget than you’d find on comparable tropical islands.”
Well, if you’ve got that kind of money lying around, and want to get away from the rat race, you could DEFINITELY do worse.
Topics: World News, Travel