Own a Pristine 97-Acre Island in New York for $700K: Campbell Island Awaits

For less than $700,000, you can buy Campbell Island, a 97-acre plot on the Hudson River near Albany, New York. This island is undeveloped and being sold by owner Jeanne Casatelli. The price is lower than many other private islands across the country, which range from $395,000 to $75 million.

Campbell Island features beautiful landscapes, including flowers, woods, plateaus, and a cove. It also has more than a mile of riverfront and an approved dock permit. However, accessing the island is challenging due to live railroad tracks that connect it to the mainland. The property is next to a nature preserve, which limits development opportunities.

Casatelli’s family has owned the island since 1960, when her father bought it for under $25,000 for his concrete business. After his passing, the island has remained largely untouched, maintaining its natural beauty.

How does the asking price of Campbell Island compare to other private islands available for sale?

Interview with Jeanne Casatelli: The Sale of Campbell Island

Interviewer: Thank you for joining us today, Jeanne. For our readers unfamiliar with Campbell Island, can you tell us a bit about its history and what makes it special?

Jeanne Casatelli: Thank you for having me. My family purchased Campbell Island in 1960 for under $25,000. It was intended for my father’s concrete business, but over the years it transformed into a tranquil retreat. The island spans 97 acres and boasts stunning landscapes, from beautiful flowers and woods to plateaus and a peaceful cove. One of its highlights is the more than a mile of riverfront access.

Interviewer: You mentioned that the island has remained largely untouched. What factors have contributed to its preservation?

Jeanne Casatelli: After my father passed, the island stayed in the family but wasn’t developed. We wanted to maintain its natural charm. Additionally, it’s situated next to a nature preserve, which limits the development options available. We believe this has helped keep the island’s beauty intact.

Interviewer: Accessing the island seems like a challenge. Can you elaborate on that?

Jeanne Casatelli: Yes, access can be tricky due to live railroad tracks that connect the island to the mainland. Visitors primarily arrive by water, foot, or bike. Though this presents some challenges, it also adds to the island’s charm and secluded nature.

Interviewer: You’ve had the island on the market for some time now. What kind of buyer are you hoping to find?

Jeanne Casatelli: I’m looking for someone who appreciates the island’s beauty and values its natural features. A buyer who is willing to embrace the access challenges and can envision it as a serene escape rather than a commercial venture. I hope they will prioritize keeping it clean and beautiful for everyone, adhering to a “carry in, carry out” policy.

Interviewer: Many people seem to love the island when they visit. Why do you think it remains relatively unknown outside certain circles?

Jeanne Casatelli: I believe its hidden gem status is partly due to its unique access challenges and secluded location. While passionate visitors often rave about it, it hasn’t gained the marketing exposure of other properties. I hope sharing its story can spark interest and help it find the right new owner.

Interviewer: With a price tag of under $700,000, how does Campbell Island compare to other private islands on the market?

Jeanne Casatelli: It’s significantly less than many private islands, which can cost anywhere from $395,000 to $75 million. I think the price reflects the island’s current access challenges while offering breathtaking views and a natural setting that many dream of. It presents a unique opportunity for the right buyer willing to invest in its potential.

Interviewer: Thank you, Jeanne, for sharing the story of Campbell Island with us. We hope potential buyers get to appreciate its charm and beauty soon!

Jeanne Casatelli: Thank you! I truly hope to find someone who loves the island as much as my family has over the decades.

She hopes to find a buyer who values the island and is willing to deal with its access issues. Casatelli wants the island to keep its natural features while allowing visitors to arrive by water, foot, or bike.

She has looked for a buyer since the early 1990s, after inheriting part of the island. Many people who visit express their love for its beauty, yet the island remains little known outside small circles. Casatelli encourages visitors to keep the island clean with a “carry in, carry out” policy.