A small town’s worth of bungalows lists on a private ‘pirate’ island in Florida
An assemblage of beach houses have simultaneously, but separately, hit the market on a private island — one with a pirate past.
Nearly half of the 26 bungalows on Florida’s Black’s Island — a 7-acre oasis named for former inhabitant and 18th-century pirate “Black Sam” Bellamy — are now available for new owners.
The 11 total bungalows range in price from $1.5 million (for the 1,225-square-foot, two-bedroom, two-bathroom, one-story units) to $1.6 million (for the 1,425-square-foot, three-bedroom, three-bathroom, two-story units). They are located on a semi-tropical split of land in the Saint Joseph Bay, which is about a two-hour drive from Tallahassee.
The island is only accessible via boat, seaplane or helicopter.
“We strongly recommend bringing your own vessel to make the most of your visit,” the island’s website recommends, adding, “Our dock accommodates large boats up to 50 feet.”
The properties are connected via a 1,200-foot cedar boardwalk. Both home layouts feature a laundry room, a living room, a dining room and a private balcony with waterfront views — as well as access to a communal area with a four-story clubhouse, a cabana and a sundeck-equipped pool.
Owners also get access to a concierge service, for assistance with island arrival and pre-stocking bungalows with food and drinks.
Jon Kohler & Associates hold the listings.
“Most people want to own a home on Black’s Island because of the security, privacy and exclusivity,” Jon Kohler told The Post, adding that properties there are mainly the second homes of city-dwelling families, significantly ones with a taste for “great fishing and adventure activities.”
Among other high-profile locals, the island counts 1995 World Series star and Atlanta Braves player Ryan Klesko as a resident, as well as “Black Sam,” who called it home around 1717.
“At that time he was commodore of three vessels, they were taking them to New England and they encountered a bad storm,” Black’s Island shuttle captain Lee DiPolo told NBC affiliate WJHG in 2018.
The ships were all lost at sea, with only one subsequently recovered.
“He was a very successful pirate so he definitely had a lot of loot, it could be around in these shifting sands,” DiPolo added.
