An expansive private island in North Carolina’s coastal region is currently on the market for $5.8 million. Spanning 8,700 acres, Roper Island is situated between the Alligator River and Pamlico Sound, offering a unique haven for outdoor enthusiasts. Often referred to as the “Amazon rainforest of the Eastern Seaboard,” the island boasts a rich mix of swamp, pocosin, and dense coastal forest.
Roper Island, located within Hyde County, is accessible only by boat, making it a truly remote getaway. This area is approximately one and a half times larger than Ocracoke Island and is home to an abundance of wildlife, including black bears, wild hogs, ducks, and turkeys. The island’s isolation means there are no roads, development, or amenities, providing a secluded environment ideal for hunting and recreation.
Significant Features and Market Context
According to Aaron Sutton, managing broker at National Land Realty, Roper Island is one of the largest contiguous tracts of land actively listed for sale in North Carolina. “It’s a cool property for an adventurous person,” he stated. The property features 3.5 miles of developable waterfront and an accompanying 53-acre tract on the mainland that has electrical access, which could be suitable for building a private lodge or marina.
Despite these features, large-scale development on the island poses significant challenges due to its remoteness and wetlands. A conservation easement also restricts development on the main portion of the island. “It’s a recreational property. Basically, the only thing you can do is hunt it,” Sutton explained. He noted that hunting bears in Hyde County can yield substantial financial returns, with hunters paying upwards of $30,000 for a bear.
The sellers, known as Roper Island Wildlife Refuge LLC, initially acquired approximately 8,200 acres of the island in November 2022 for $1.4 million, according to property records. The LLC is managed by Hugh Giffords, Patrick Scott Van Pelt, and William Henry Van Pelt, all based in Houston, Texas. They purchased the land to establish a remote property and later combined it with an adjacent privately owned 500-acre waterfront strip.
With early interest evident, Sutton anticipates the property will sell within the next six to twelve months.
Hyde County, while relatively small in population, spans an impressive 1,459 square miles, making it one of the largest counties in North Carolina. The real estate market reflects this contrast, with active listings ranging from rural lots priced at $18,000 to multimillion-dollar coastal holdings like Roper Island. As of October, the median sale price for single-family homes in the county was $304,000, a decrease of 11.8% year over year, according to Realtor.com. This range highlights the diversity of opportunities available in the region, catering to both budget-conscious buyers and those seeking luxury properties.
