Isola di Mal Ventre is probably the only private island available for sale in the Mediterranean and lies just a few miles off the north east coast of Sardinia. Barely 130 miles from the fashionable resort of Porto Cervo where even the most modest of villa’s could set you back over €10 million, the island is uninhabited with only the remains of a shepherd’s dwelling visible.

The 200 acre island is around 2 kilometres long at its longest point and rises around 18 metres above sea level. Isola di Mal Ventre has been inhabited on and off since Roman times with a watering well and buildings foundations still evident. These could be incorporated in the design of a modern villa and it may be possible to construct a jetti from which trips to the mainland could be made in just under   minutes by boat.

The west coast of the island is quite exposed to the Mistral and is rugged as a result whereas the south east coast has beautiful sandy beaches with crystal blue waters and numerous coves composing spheres of pure quartz. The island itself is mainly granite covered in low vegetation with a wide variety of flora and fauna.

Situated within a marine protected area, the island has not been the subject of any planning application since its current owners took it on in 1972. A local architect suggests a low rise eco style villa could be constructed around the remains of former buildings and water could be drawn from the existing well. This would dramatically increase the island’s value and create one of the most unique properties in the Mediterranean, with potential revenue from holiday makers looking for sanctuary or simply something a little different. Direct flights to Sardinia are regularly available from London and other major European cities.

Mediterranean loving yacht owners looking for an exciting project can find the island on www.debutesq.com where it is listed at €1.5 million.