For Sale: Connecticut Island With A Rumored Pirate Past

6 High Island, Branford, Connecticut

 

Now, here’s a fun little island getaway with an intriguing pedigree.  Located in prestigious Long Island Sound, just off the coast of Connecticut, in a collection of 365 tiny bumps of land known locally as “The Thimble Islands” (although I have no idea why), rests 6 High Island, a charming 4-bedroom, 3-bathroom cottage on it’s own private 8-acre island sanctuary.

 

According to local lore, the Thimble Islands provided the perfect hiding place for the notorious pirate, Captain Kidd. Apparently, in the late 1600’s Captain William Kidd sailed up the east coast of the United States avoiding persecution by the British.  He and his crew were looking for a place to squirrel away their pirate booty consisting of 200 gold bars and an undetermined amount of silver coin (known at the time as “rix dollars”).  Although never located, the lore of buried treasure launched extensive hunts throughout the East Coast including: Nova Scotia’s Oak Island; Suffolk County, Long Island; Charles Island in Milford, Connecticut; and Connecticut’s Thimble Islands.  In the Thimble Islands, Kidd allegedly chose High Island as his hideout as the location contained a pristine natural harbor, (conveniently situated for the concealment of rogue pirate ships), and, carved into the islands rock break wall, a hidden natural lookout hole, making a perfect watch point for spotting any approaching British Navy ships.

 

The cottage itself is a charmingly rustic shingle style 3 season 1,867 sq. ft. structure, built in 1905.  Although not likely designed by Captain Kidd as his own residence (he was hung for his crimes in London England on May 23, 1701) it maintains the appealing unpretentious charm of a bygone era.  Aside from 4 generous and well windowed bedrooms, the home contains what appears to be a recently updated kitchen, a stone fireplaced living room and ample outdoor deck space.

 

Outside, the 8 acre island itself is very private, containing a nice mix of dense forest, open grass areas, expanses of pink granite, & stunning unobstructed views in every direction. There are two docks, sand beaches and the aforementioned protected harbor.

 

I don’t know what it is about an island property – I mean, truthfully, the isolation is very appealing, but the challenges around a water access only property need to be a serious consideration.  Namely, well, getting there each weekend.  Think about it – you’ve had a long hard week and you’re looking forward to escaping to your little piece of paradise on the bay and forgetting all of your troubles.  So, Friday night after work, you pack up the car with your luggage, your groceries, your minor essentials, etc., then drive through bumper-to-bumper Friday night traffic to a common dock, where, as dusk descends, you transfer your luggage and essentials from your car to your boat.  Now as it starts to get dark, you begin, motoring the boat to your island where you dock, then lug said essentials up to your cottage, (your path lit now by the stars), unpack, put away your groceries and start your relaxing weekend.  This is usually where you realize you forgot something like milk which you will need to pick up during one of your many replenishment excursions to the mainland grocery stores, liquor stores, hardware stores, etc.   The mere act of having guests adds yet another level to this logistical nightmare, requiring a well choreographed schedule, pick up points and general taxi services when they clear you out of vodka and need a ride to the mainland to stock up.  Oh, and on Sunday afternoon, you get to do this all over again … in reverse.

 

But, other than these logistical inconveniences, the thought of a private island, separated from noisy (and nosy) neighbours is rather appealing to me and for some reason, I continue to gravitate to these inaccessible properties.

 

A drone video tour of the property can be found here.

 

Asking price for this island treasure is $1,200,00, with bids being requested by July 31, 2023.