Historic $12 Million Private Island That Can Only Be Reached by Air or Boat Hits the Market for the First Time in 150 Years

August 9, 2026 - 01:14

A secluded private island off the coast of Maine, known as Bannon Island, has just been listed on the market for the first time in its recorded history. The asking price is $12 million, and the property has never been offered for sale before, making this a truly unique opportunity for buyers seeking total privacy.

The island is named after an Irish carpenter who built the first permanent home there around 150 years ago. Since then, it has remained in the same family, passing down through generations without ever being publicly listed. The current owners have decided it is time to let someone new write the next chapter, but they are not expecting a quick or easy sale.

Access is limited to air or boat, which is part of the appeal. There are no bridges, no roads, and no neighbors in sight. The island covers a substantial area and includes a main residence, guest quarters, and deep-water docking. The natural surroundings are largely untouched, with rocky shoreline, mature trees, and open meadow space.

For the right buyer, this is more than a home. It is a piece of history that has been carefully preserved for over a century. The listing agent notes that the island offers a level of seclusion that is almost impossible to find anywhere else on the East Coast. While the price tag is steep, the rarity of the offering is what truly sets it apart.

Given that the property has stayed in one family for so long, the sale is expected to draw interest from collectors, conservationists, and anyone who values absolute solitude. The owners have not set a strict timeline, but they are open to serious inquiries. With no prior sales to compare it to, the final price will depend on what a buyer is willing to pay for a place that has never been on the open market before.