For the Price of a Manhattan Apartment, You Could Own Your Own Private Island

In New York real estate, $3.5 million typically buys a sleek condo, a doorman building, and maybe a sliver of skyline. But just 45 miles from Midtown, that same price point unlocks something far more rare: a private island.

Two of the only 10 privately owned islands off the coast of Norwalk, Connecticut — Calf Pasture Island and East Betts Island — are now on the market, each offered at $3.5 million. For buyers looking to make an even bolder statement, both islands can be purchased together for $7 million, creating a truly rare dual-island compound in Long Island Sound.

This is not a conceptual dream or a raw piece of land. These are fully realized island properties, each with its own character, history, and existing residences.

Calf Pasture Island, located near Norwalk Harbor, is home to a striking A-frame residence spanning approximately 1,300 square feet. Surrounded by water on all sides, the home offers panoramic views, a sense of total seclusion, and the unmistakable feeling of being somewhere completely removed — while still minutes from the mainland by boat. It’s the kind of place where mornings begin with the sound of waves and end with uninterrupted sunsets over the Sound.

Just nearby, East Betts Island offers its own distinct charm. Featuring a cozy bungalow-style home of roughly 900 square feet, the island feels intimate, private, and deeply connected to the natural landscape. Mature trees, open shoreline, and sweeping water views make it an idyllic retreat — perfect as a standalone escape or as a complementary second island for guests, recreation, or future expansion.

In today’s luxury market, buyers are increasingly prioritizing privacy, space, and meaningful experiences over square footage alone. These islands deliver something that even the most exclusive urban residences cannot: true ownership of your environment. No shared walls. No neighbors upstairs. No traffic — just water, sky, and time.

And yet, despite their sense of remoteness, the islands remain remarkably accessible. Norwalk offers direct train service to New York City, vibrant dining, marinas, and a growing cultural scene. This is a lifestyle that blends coastal New England tranquility with real-world convenience.

Private islands rarely trade hands, particularly in the Northeast, and even more rarely at price points comparable to high-end Manhattan apartments. Whether purchased individually or together, Calf Pasture Island and East Betts Island represent a once-in-a-generation opportunity to own something genuinely irreplaceable.

The islands are listed with Andrew Whiteley and Wendy Ryan.