So. What's It Really Like Living on an Island?

It’s one of the questions we’re asked most often, usually followed by “Do you ever get bored?” and “What happens if you run out of milk?” Life on a private island in Poole Harbour is certainly a little different, but it’s far less castaway and far more carefully organised than people imagine.

First things first: no, the island isn’t abandoned for half the year. Our wonderful caretakers live here all year round, keeping everything shipshape through winter storms and summer sunshine alike. From Easter through to October, when our three self-catering cottages are open, they also become the friendly faces who welcome guests and help island life run smoothly.

Getting here is all part of the adventure. Guests are transported from Lake Yard Marina in Poole aboard our own private boat, that is unless you bring your own boat! She’s a sturdy catamaran with twin outboard engines and plenty of space – enough for guests, suitcases, paddleboards, wetsuits and the inevitable “just in case” extras. When the cottages close for the season, the boat swaps holiday mode for hard hat mode, becoming our workhorse for bringing supplies, equipment and the occasional tradesperson over to the island.

One question that always raises eyebrows is: “Where does your water come from?” We’re lucky enough to have our own artesian well. The water is carefully filtered on site, the plant room is regularly inspected, and water quality is checked by the Local Authority.  It’s a system we’re very proud of – fresh, reliable and entirely independent.

Electricity is slightly less Robinson Crusoe.  We’re connected to mains power via a cable running under the harbour seabed. However, exciting things are afoot: this winter we’re undertaking a substantial solar project that should make our island get-away nearly self-sufficient for electricity. Fewer cables, more sunshine – watch this space!

And yes, even on an island, loo logistics matter. All sewerage is treated on site through our own treatment works, which is fully inspected and certificated. It’s not glamorous, but it’s essential and reassuringly efficient.

So is island life all sunsets and seabirds? Well, yes – but it’s also planning, maintenance and a fair bit of forward thinking. The result is a place where guests can truly switch off, knowing everything behind the scenes is quietly taken care of. And that, we think, is the real luxury of island living.