This incredible home has hosted some A-grade celebrities
The Man vs. Wild star bought St Tudwal’s Island West off the coast of north Wales at 25 for $US120,000 ($A180,000) alongside wife Shara after spotting an advertisement in the back of a magazine.
While the move divided followers over whether buying a private island was relatable, Grylls said the rugged outpost was derelict when they took the keys.
“The island had a 200-year-old lighthouse and two lightkeeper’s cottages, but were derelict with no power, no water, no roof, and rats,” he said in an interview with the Sunday Times in 2021.
“I remember my first bath sitting in 3 inches of water pumped from the old tanks we’d cleaned out.
“There was rubble everywhere and rain coming through, but it was a great moment.”
Grylls said the unconventional purchase came after the pair baulked at the cost of a London flat, which was priced at about $288,000 in 2001. Picture: Bear Grylls/Instagram
Located 8km offshore and surrounded by sea cliffs, seals and dolphins, the island has remained off-grid for more than two decades.
The couple converted the two dilapidated cottages into a single four-bedroom home with 60cm-thick limestone walls designed to withstand savage Atlantic gales.
“When those gales come in, you can still feel it almost shake,” Grylls said. “Sea spray reaches the windows despite the 45m elevation.”
Accessing the retreat proved an ordeal in itself, requiring the family to negotiate the open sea in an 9m rigid inflatable ex-lifeboat powered by twin 300-horsepower engines.
There’s now a four-bedroom home and a lighthouse. Picture: Bear Grylls/Instagram
More from News
Inside Pamela Anderson’s secluded estate funded by $15m sale
01:07
Inside Pamela Anderson’s secluded estate funded by $15m sale
5 hours ago
Inside bitter estate battles over stars’ property fortunes
05:59
Inside bitter estate battles over stars’ property fortunes
10 hours ago
Located 8km offshore and surrounded by sea cliffs, seals and dolphins, the island has remained off-grid for more than two decades. Picture: Bear Grylls/Instagram
It took 10 years to secure planning permission for a slipway, which was completed only a few years ago.
“It has been life-changing for us,” Grylls said. “Previously we had to keep a boat on a mooring, row ashore, and walk a mile up the beach with all the shopping.”
While the couple host guests, visitors are warned they must be prepared to get stranded if the weather turns.
The British survivalist recently made headlines for his connection to comedian Russell Brand.
The entertainer was recently found guilty of rape and three counts of sexual assault.
Grylls took part in Brand’s baptism in the River Thames earlier this year following joint filming across the Hebrides Islands.
The TV personality posted on X that “judgment is for the courts and God” and that justice had been served.