Listed with Bretagne Sotheby’s International Realty for €9,500,000, this extraordinary property invites you to imagine owning a private island off the coast of Brittany, France, complete with a Neo-Gothic castle that has stood as a beacon of artistry and innovation for over a century.

Nestled in the heart of the Pink Granite Coast, the island and its château were brought to life in 1895 by Bruno Abdank-Abakanowicz, a Lithuanian-Polish mathematician, engineer, and inventor. Abdank-Abakanowicz was a pioneering mind of his time, credited with innovations like the telephone ringer and the development of the Lyon tram system. In 1881, he moved to France and, driven by his love for his young daughter Zofia, sought a tranquil retreat to share with her.

Drawn to the picturesque beauty of the Pink Granite Coast, Abdank-Abakanowicz purchased a small, serene island near Trégastel. Here, he built Costaérès (from the Breton "kozh-sec'herezh", which means old drying house), a Neo-Gothic castle that would become a fairytale haven for Zofia and a vibrant meeting place for some of the most brilliant minds of the era. The castle, with its intricate design and breathtaking views, was a reflection of his devotion to his "little princess."

Costaérès quickly became a cultural landmark, hosting luminaries such as Nobel Prize-winning author Henryk Sienkiewicz, who penned much of his masterpiece Quo Vadis? within its walls. The castle also welcomed renowned artists and intellectuals, establishing Costaérès as a hub of innovation and cultural exchange, rivaling similar retreats of the Belle Époque.

The castle’s construction, completed in 1898, showcased the Neo-Gothic style’s characteristic grandeur. With its knights' hall, banquet rooms, and sweeping terraces, Costaérès offered a regal yet inviting atmosphere for its visitors. The surrounding island’s lush vegetation, featuring over 200 species of trees, shrubs, and flowers, added to the enchantment of the property.

The château’s story is not without its share of challenges. After Abdank-Abakanowicz’s passing in 1900, his daughter Zofia inherited the property. During the Roaring Twenties, she expanded the castle and hosted Parisian elites, turning Costaérès into a beacon of glamour. However, World War II brought devastation; Zofia was deported to Auschwitz, where she tragically perished, and the castle suffered significant damage under Nazi occupation.

After the war, Zofia’s daughter, Danuta, found the castle in ruins. Overwhelmed by the painful memories, she sold the property. It wasn’t until 1980 that the château underwent a comprehensive renovation, restoring its former splendor while modernizing it for contemporary living.

The castle, fully restored in 1980, spans 300 square meters across four levels and a basement. With five bedrooms, three bathrooms, and opulent features like a hammam, heated pool with massage jets, and recreation room, Costaérès blends timeless elegance with modern luxury. Its expansive garden, dotted with exotic flora, provides a peaceful sanctuary, while two private beaches offer secluded access to the crystal-clear waters of Brittany.

The island’s accessibility is another highlight. Connected to the mainland via water, electricity, and telephone, it can be reached by boat or even by 4x4 during low tide. Two piers facilitate transportation, making the dream of island living both idyllic and practical.

As one of the most emblematic estates on the Pink Granite Coast, this private island offers prospective buyers not only a piece of architectural and cultural history but also the chance to live in a setting that feels like a living postcard. This property offers not just a home, but a chance to become the steward of a legacy—a place where history, culture, and natural beauty converge. If you’ve ever dreamed of living on a private island, Costaérès is waiting to write its next chapter with you.

All photos are courtesy of the listing agency, Bretagne Sotheby’s International Realty.