East Sister Rock Island, a private island located near the coast of Marathon in the Florida Keys, has just hit the real estate market with a price of 16 million dollars.
Its sellers describe it as an increasingly rare opportunity in the area, as it is a property with fully self-sufficient infrastructure.
The information was shared by Profile Miami, a page specializing in luxury real estate. They emphasize that East Sister Rock Island has “direct access to deep waters, independent infrastructure, and the possibility of reaching it by helicopter or by boat.”
The property covers approximately 6.5 acres in total, of which 5.8 correspond to the surrounding seabed.
The main residence has three bedrooms, two bathrooms, and over 5,000 square feet of living space, in addition to a 12-foot-wide terrace that wraps around the entire structure with water views.
Guests do not need to stay at home. The island has a separate guest house that complements the residential offerings.
Among its facilities, a private helipad and a deep-water dock of 100 feet (approximately 30.5 meters) stand out, capable of accommodating several vessels. The island also features a beachfront pool and spa, tropical gardens, and outdoor entertainment areas designed for activities such as fishing, diving, kayaking, and sailing.
The energy system is completely independent. It has solar panels, wind generation, battery storage, and a backup generator. It also includes a desalination system, a freshwater tank, and Starlink wifi connectivity.
These systems ensure self-sufficiency for living on the island. The sale offer also includes a property on the mainland at 99 E Ocean Drive in Marathon, complete with its own private dock.
The story of the island and its home
East Sister Rock Island has a history that dates back to the 1970s, when Dr. Klaus Meckeler, a gastroenterologist from New Jersey, purchased it for $25,000.
There was practically nothing there. First, he leveled the ground and then built the reinforced concrete house on 75 pillars drilled into the coral rock. He transformed this island into a family retreat.
In 1995, the Williford family acquired it for $750,000 and transformed it into a self-sufficient retreat powered by solar and wind energy. Since 2010, it has also operated as a luxury vacation rental.
This is not the first time the property has sought a buyer. The listing history of East Sister Rock Island shows prices of $8.5 million in 2016, $11.7 million in 2021, and $16.5 million in July 2023, with none of those attempts resulting in a sale.
Some people may think that 16 million dollars is an excessive amount, but in 2024, another private island in the Florida Keys went on the market for 95 million dollars, although it has 26 acres of land.
The current price of 16 million represents double what was asked for East Sister Rock Island a decade ago. The price increase coincides with the strong growth that the luxury real estate market in South Florida has experienced in recent years.
The main disadvantages for potential buyers would be climate change and the hurricane season. Considering these factors: Would you buy this private island in the Florida Keys?
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