Guitar-Shaped Private Greek Island That Beatles Wanted to Buy

Location: Ethereal Island, Eretria, Euboea, Greece Price: €9 million (US$10 million)

This guitar-shaped private island in Greece caught the eye of the Beatles in 1967, when the four British musicians were yachting around the Mediterranean searching for a private piece of paradise where they might live together.

"This was a very strong candidate, but the negotiations never worked out," listing agent Savvas Savvaidis said.

Ethereal Island, which was known as Trinity Island when the Beatles were looking, "stands out because it is quite small and flat," Mr. Savvaidis said. "The typical Greek island is rocky and uninhabitable—this one is flat, with vegetation."

There is also a large concrete dock that is suitable for both boats and helicopters, he said.

"The distance to Athens International Airport is 10 minutes flat by helicopter," Mr. Savvaidis said. "That makes it an ideal weekend retreat."

"It’s really a magical place—not too big, not too small," he said. "You feel like you’re on a substantial piece of real estate."

Roads and pathways connect the nine existing structures on the island, which include a small chapel, a boat house and a Venetian tower. There is a plentiful supply of water, which comes from an underwater pipe to a privately owned well.

The island was landscaped by a previous owner, Mr. Savvaidis said, with olive trees, a promenade and outdoor seating areas.

Alas, the main house, which dates to the 1960s, is not in good shape and needs to be redone, he said, estimating the cost at about €1 million. On the plus side, the island is quite private and away from it all.

"You can hear the sea and you get breezes in the morning and the afternoon, but it’s never too windy," Mr. Savvaidis said.

The island has "one of the most spectacular sunsets, coming down from the Athenian Peninsula," he said. "There are also spectacular sunrises on the other side."

"It can be a weekend escape or stay as long as you want," he added.

Ref: Property Report