Six of the best islands to live on

All separated from the mainland, but all with their own individual character

Read why an island could be the right move for you

Mersea, Essex, the most easterly inhabited island in Britain.

Why? Mersea has all the conveniences of a small town, road links to the mainland, plus traditional boat yards, a sail maker's, a summer regatta and an annual oyster festival.

What can I get for my money?
£200,000 Grade II-listed period cottage (above) with two bedrooms, inglenook fireplaces and exposed beams in West Mersea. Beresfords Colchester (01206 764444; www.beresfordsgroup.co.uk).

£500,000 Three-bedroom house in East Mersea with views of the estuary.

£840,000 Edwardian house in West Mersea with four reception rooms, six bedrooms, bespoke kitchen, vegetable garden and a collection of fruit trees.

Alderney, an unspoilt gem in the Channel Islands.
Why? With around 2,300 permanent inhabitants, Alderney is the third largest of the Channel Islands. It has avoided mainstream tourism, yet has fine sandy beaches, a bustling harbour and a mild, sunny climate. Good amenities and regular links to other islands.

What can I get for my money?

£200,000 End-of-terrace cottage in a cobbled street.

£330,000 A two-bedroom townhouse (right), with sash windows, a fireplace and a west-facing landscaped garden with terrace. Mitchell & Partners (01481 823277; www.housesforsale.alderney.com)

£700,000 A Georgian house in St Anne with six bedrooms, study, Belfast sink, exposed beams and a walled garden.

Holy Island, named for its ancient burial chambers and standing stones, four miles off Anglesey.
Why? Despite its location on the edge of Britain, Holy Island feels well connected, thanks to road and rail bridges to Anglesey and the mainland. Holyhead has great amenities, including the only cinema on Anglesey. Outside the town, you can enjoy empty beaches and phenomenal birdlife.

What can I get for my money?

£250,000 Four-bedroom bungalow in Ystrad with mountain and sea views.

£600,000 Grade II-listed house (above) on the Heritage Coast with eight bedrooms, Aga, orchard, outbuildings and two paddocks; six acres. Warriner's Estate Agents (01248 354002; www.warriners.co.uk).
£980,000 Family house in an elevated position in Trearddur Bay with six bedrooms, sun room and boat shed. 

Thriving Skye in the Inner Hebrides, home to the razor-backed Cuillin Mountains.
Why? A large island of diverse scenery and lively communities. From the mountains, craggy cliffs and waterfalls of the north, it's 50 miles to the villages, secluded beaches and lush moorland of the south.

What can I get for my money?

£90,000 A two-bedroom house in need of complete renovation overlooking Staffin Bay; ¼ acre of land.
£300,000 Former schoolhouse (above) on the northern tip of Skye with dramatic sea views, open fireplaces, range cooker, double-height reception area, three bedrooms and outbuildings. Strutt & Parker
(0141 225 3880; www.struttandparker.com).
£470,000 Edwardian house with beautiful views of the loch in Portree, four bedrooms, period features and detached one-bedroom cottage 

The remote Isle of Barra is one of the southernmost islands of the Outer Hebrides.
Why? Measuring eight miles by five, the tiny Isle of Barra won the 2008 Calor Village of the Year award (www.villageoftheyear.org) in recognition of its wide variety of community activities, all driven by its 1,200-strong population. To reach it, land on Britain's only beach runway, or take the five-hour ferry from Oban.

What can I get for my money?
£30,000 1/3-acre building plot (shown below) close to the shore in Vatersay, with planning permission for one house. Anderson Banks (01870 602061; www.andersonbanks.co.uk).
£75,000 A traditional two-bedroom cottage in Ardveenish.
£230,000 A modern four-bedroom house near Castlebay; currently run as a B&B. 

Low-lying Westray, known as The Queen of the Isles, in remote, wind-blown Orkney.
Why? Dramatic cliffs, quiet sandy beaches, a castle and abundant wildlife (including breeding mute swans and grey seals) make Westray, wildly beautiful. Farming and fishing are the main activities, and the island also has its own school, general stores and bakery. In addition, it aims to become the UK's first self-sufficient community, with a biofuel plant in operation and plans for both a wind turbine and methane-gathering plant underway. It's a 40-minute ferry ride from John O'Groats to the main island, then a boat or plane to Westray.

What can I get for my money?

£50,000 One-bedroom stone cottage in need of complete renovation with attached barn; ½ acre of land.

£300,000 Stone-built former manse with sea views; currently run as a six-bedroom hotel with owner's quarters.
£475,000 Two Grade II-listed, restored stone water mills (shown above), converted with an emphasis on sustainability, on the edge of Pierowall village. Separate one-bedroom cottage and large mill pond, with wild trout, in extensive grounds. Call 01857 677482 or visit www.trenabiemillsforsale.co.uk. 

All prices correct at the time of publication

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