The two islands – off Stromness, Orkney – are being sold off in an extraordinary deal which will make the new owner the ruler of their own private archipelago.
The 4.9 acres island of Inner Holm houses a six bed bungalow – the ideal isolated getaway, which can only be reached on foot at low tide.
But as part of the deal the new owner will also inherit the uninhabited 7.6 acre island of Outer Holm – which enjoys stunning views of Orkney and the North Sea.
The islands, which together span an area of around nine football fields, are on sale for offers over £300,000 – less than half of the price of an average London home.
The property on the inner island is not attached to mains electricity and is powered entirely by wind turbine.
Most of the time both islands can only be reached by boat – which lands on Inner Holm’s private jetty.
But there is a slim margin of time each day when they can be reached via a causeway at low tide.
The six bed bungalow sits on a sprawling lawn, which runs down to the private coastline.
The house itself also boasts two further bedrooms in an adjoining annex, as well as a large conservatory which looks out towards Stromness, the island of Hoy and Scapa Flow.
In spite of its remote location, the house is fitted out with all mod-cons, including polished wooden floors and a brick fireplace.
The island also has a private flagpole, currently flying the flag of Orkney.
And there is also potential for the next owner to rake in some cash from their private islands – as they are regularly let to local farmers for summer grazing.
The Inner Holm of Stromness was recorded as having a total population of one at the 2011 census, whilst the outer Holm has been uninhabited since records began.
A spokesman for Lows, the company selling the property said: “This is a really unique property, never mind for Orkney, but the UK as a whole.
“It is a retreat close to mainland Orkney, and the islands themselves form part of the harbour of Stromness.”
“There is no mains electricity but there is a 6 kilowatt wind turbine which powers the property.”
The property is currently owned by Mrs. Nan Traill-Thomson, who inherited the house from her parents.
The house on Inner Holm was built by sea Captain Henry Linklater – who died on the island in 1896.
In the 18th century, there was a windmill on Outer Holm, the now uninhabited island, which was used by a miller to supply the people of Orkney with flour.
During the herring fishing, gutting and barrelling were carried out on the same island, which prevented those living in the town of Stromness having to endure the odour that these processes produce.
The property on Inner Holm has also been rented out as a holiday let for prices of up to £750 per week.
The wildlife that can be seen both on and from the islands are frequently cited as spectacular by locals.
Common and grey seals have been pictured resting on the islands by those living on the mainland.
Curlews, lapwings and herons have also been seen on the islands’ shores.
Mrs. Traill-Thomson has affectionately named one of the herons, who lives on the island all year round, ‘Henry’.
The islands came to public attention in 1995 when they featured in an episode of celebrity chef Gary Rhodes’ BBC programme, More Rhodes Around Britain.
In the programme, Rhodes travels to Inner Holm on a lifeboat, where he prepares ox-cheek stew with caramelised shallots and clapshot, a local favourite made from Orcadian swede and potato puree, at the island’s solitary property.
