There you are stuck in a stifling car, slap bang in the middle of a huge traffic snarl-up, and you know that it is going to be hours before you get home. Home to what? Perhaps a small apartment, with a view of a neighboring block and all the little human-hamsters that faithfully run their treadmills from home to work and back each day.
Does this picture depress you? Then give flight to your imagination and dream of winning the Lotto, so that you can buy your very own island paradise. No traffic unless you allow a vehicle on the island, no apartment blocks unless you build one, no little human-hamsters – only the family and friends that you invite to your own little Eden. The real question should be – is there an island for sale that you can buy with your Lotto winnings? The answer to this question is a resounding “Yes”.
Let us start in Tahiti, the land of everlasting sun, warm sea, white beaches and cooling breezes. Can you taste the fresh fish and see the hammock strung between palm trees on your very own snow white sands? If this appeals to you then remember the name Motu Matatahi; with £172,000 it can be yours.
If sunny Polynesia is not your cup of tea, well that is no problem – perhaps the coastal waters of Canada would appeal? Clear, blue, cold water hosts fabulous wildlife such as seals, orcas and dolphins cavorting in the waters around your home, and beautiful seabirds are a common sight. Stunning pristine forests cover the ground ready for you to cut down and build that cozy log cabin, so you can while away the long winters in a comfy arm chair with a good book, a bottle of wine, and a warm fire. If this fires your imagination you may want to investigate Charles Island near Mitchell Bay at £144,901, Deer Bay French River Island, Ontario at £125,170, Calf Island, Halifax County at £138,032, or Pearl Island, Killarney on the market for £146,753.
As all these islands are within a couple of hours from civilization – they would not do for the lover of true solitude. For you, we have a stunning little piece of heaven, nearly two acres in size, called Aleutkina Island off the coast of Alaska, priced at £192,132. Stunning views of Alaskan mountain ranges, fertile waters from which you can harvest shrimps, clams and crabs, and enjoyment of unending peace and quiet will be the reward for purchasing this little idyllic spot.
Perchance your secret desires range to scuba diving, snorkelling, fishing and history? If this is the case then the cold waters of the far north will not do for you. No, for you we need to look back near the equator where we find ourselves off the coast of Belize, a nation cuddled next to the Caribbean Sea and one of the world’s best coral reefs, the huge Belize Barrier Reef. The interior is rich with Mayan ruins. Here we can offer you Frigate Caye, Belize for £145,555, your very own pillow in the Caribbean where you can entertain yourself and your friends in warm waters with stunning underwater scenery.
Finally, for those of us that really wish to live far from the rat race and be off the beaten path altogether, we consider this one acre of Tonga for £239,489. The island of Tahifehifa is situated in the Vava’u Group, far to the north of Tonga. You will get completely unspoiled white beaches, soft breezes, and cool palms. You can welcome, not people, but turtles, whales and thousands of migrating sea birds to your little kingdom each year.
Sadly, if your Lotto win does not cover living expenses for your island paradise for years to come, you may have to buy a piece of concrete in England so you can continue earning a living. For the same price as your island utopia you could have a very compact studio flat in Westminster, London instead of an Tongan delight, or a two-bedroom caravan in Surrey or a one-car garage in South Kensington instead of your Alaskan wildlife preserve, or small one-bedroom flat in Walthamstow, northeast London, rather than a Polynesian Eden.
For many of us the dream of an island home is just that – a dream. But should Lady Luck tap us on the shoulder, be assured there are still a few magical places left on our Earth where you can be the ruler of your own little kingdom.