Not far from Plymouth in the southwest of England, a unique property is for sale – Drake’s Island, an area of 2,4 hectares. This picturesque piece of land, located just 10 minutes from the coast, offers not only a private beach, but also a fascinating immersion into the military history of Britain, Mail.ru reports with reference to Sky News.
Morgan Phillips, the current owner of the island and a local businessman, says the first recorded building on the island dates back to 1135, although it was inhabited before that. The island played a key role in defending England from the “Spanish Armada” in the XVI century and has served as an important defensive post for centuries.
The island has preserved numerous evidences of its military past: ancient barracks, artillery batteries with shell pits, underground powder magazines and even XVII century cannons. The name of the island is associated with the famous navigator Sir Francis Drake, who set off from here on a round-the-world voyage in 1577.
However, the most intriguing feature of the island is its unusual “permanent residents” – 15 ghosts of former military personnel who, according to legend, continue to guard the island for centuries.
The price of the island has not been disclosed, but a potential buyer should be aware that the redevelopment costs are estimated at around 25 million pounds sterling. Plans for the island include refurbishing the existing hotel, creating a restaurant and cafe, which could turn the place into a popular venue for weddings and other events.
