Black’s Island, the private getaway of the richest pirate ever to sail the seven seas, has come to market for a king’s ransom. Black Sam Bellamy (1689-1717) would be proud of the $50 million price tag for his old haunt, a seven-acre island located in St. Joseph’s Bay off the Florida coast.

Black Swan of Islands

Accessible by boat, seaplane, or helicopter, Black’s Island includes a four-story clubhouse and 26 waterfront bungalows spread out along 3,700 feet of sandy shoreline. Guests welcome sunrises and sunsets from atop the clubhouse. Bungalows range in size from 1,225- to 1,425-square-feet. The 20-slip dock accommodates boats up to 40 feet. All amenities are connected by an elevated 1,200-foot cedar boardwalk, which was renovated by the current owner of Black’s Island, Atlanta-based developer Scott Seymour.

“It’s the black swan of islands,” says Jon Kohler, who shares the listing with Erica Kohler and Lori Weldon at Jon Kohler & Associates. “Few people are aware that something like this even exists.”

The individual bungalows are listed for sale for $1.5 to $1.6 million. Or a single buyer could acquire the entire property. Kohler envisions the possibility of developing the island into a $100 million asset. “You have everything here for the visual appetite,” he says.

The palm tree-studded terrain has become a sought-after locale for film projects and photo shoots. Peacock, guinea, wild turkey, and seabirds roam the shoreline. The bay water entices anglers of all skill levels. To encounter more wildlife and flora, guests hop a boat to nearby St. Vincent Island, a 12,000-acre wildlife refuge.

Impossible to Replicate

Part of what makes Black’s Island such a rarity is that the bungalows are situated just 10 feet from the water. Given current code restrictions, this is impossible to replicate given existing code restrictions. Water is provided via a 600-foot well. Underground power lines run to the mainland. The island has its own sewer system.

“One of the best parts about the island is that everything associated with it is easy,” says Weldon, who specializes in island properties and touts Black Island’s exceptional beauty. Want to rent out your new island home when not in use? A management company is already in place. Turnkey options for fully furnished bungalows remove even more hassle as does the concierge service. Boat storage, dry dock, and wet slip storage are all available in St. Joe.

“You feel like you’re in the Caribbean, but you’re in a place you’ll never be able to recreate,” Weldon says. “Black Island is that rare.”