Far-flung UK island hideaway up for sale

Updated
The former lighthouse shore station at Unst.
The former lighthouse shore station at Unst.



The ultimate retreat for those wishing to get away from it all has come on the market.

Nearer to the Arctic Circle than to London, this two-bedroom flat forms part of the Grade C listed Muckle Flugga Shore Station on the UK's northernmost inhabited island, Unst.

The former lighthouse shore station is itself on the north coast of the island, making it about as close to the Arctic as it's possible to get in the UK. It's as far north as St Petersburg in Russia or Anchorage in Alaska.

Agents Harper Macleod are looking for offers over £85,000.

The former lighthouse shore station at Unst.
The former lighthouse shore station at Unst.



"The flat, which is on the upper floor of a building housing four flats, enjoys fantastic views in all directions. It would make an ideal holiday home if not used as a permanent home, as is the case at present," they say.

"It is also in a great location for bird watching as it lies next to Hermaness National Nature Reserve, sea kayaking, and also for spotting otters and other marine life in the voe."
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The flat - originally the accommodation for the lighthouse keeper and his family - consists of a living room, a large kitchen/dining room, two bedrooms and a newly-fitted shower room. There is also a basement boiler room/store, a small garden and shed. As you'd hope in such a chilly spot, the flat is double-glazed and has oil-fired central heating.

The kitchen of the former lighthouse shore station at Unst.
The kitchen of the former lighthouse shore station at Unst.



Measuring around 12 miles long by five miles wide, Unst has a population of around 600. It's a remote spot - but the island does get its fair share of tourists, attracted by the wildlife, the landscape and the top-class trout fishing and sea kayaking.

And there's a primary/junior high school on the island, along with a 'superb' leisure centre and swimming pool. There are a couple of local shops, a post office, a garage with shop, fuel and café, along with a hotel and marina.

A regular ferry connects the island to mainland Shetland via Yell. From there, there's an overnight ferry to Aberdeen. Flybe operates direct flights to Sumburgh from Aberdeen, Edinburgh and Glasgow, and islanders currently qualify for discounted ferry and air fares.

Stunning Up Helly Aa Viking Festival Lights Up Shetland
Stunning Up Helly Aa Viking Festival Lights Up Shetland


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