Dean Kamen – North Dumpling Island, Connecticut
Worth: $2.5 MillionDean Kamen built his fortune around the invention of the Segway and founding the non-profit organization FIRST. The engineer bought this two-acre island off of the coast of Connecticut in 1986. He wanted to build a wind turbine on the property, though he was denied by the government. It became a running joke at that point that he was going to secede from the U.S.
Kamen finally got his wish after the island’s electricity was converted to wind and solar combo, and a 10-kW turbine was installed. Obviously, the island always legally remained a part of the country. The inventor jokingly calls it the “Kingdom of North Dumpling,” on occasion. He even made up a constitution, a flag, and a currency – which happens to be the dumpling, of course. Not too many people can afford to buy their own island and declare themselves a Lord, but hey, if you’ve got it, flaunt it!
John Lennon - Dorinish, Clew Bay, Ireland
Worth: $300,000John Lennon first bought Dorinish, a private island in Clew Bay, Ireland, in 1967. He paid 1,700 euros for it (less than $2,000.) The musician and his family, including his first wife, Cynthia, until their divorce. After the split, he and new wife Yoko Ono continued to use the property as a hippie commune. 25 free spirits lived in the island community until 1972, when a fire burned down the supply tent and everyone moved away.
After Lennon passed away, Yoko Ono sold the property for almost 30,000 euros – that’s a pretty impressive profit considering what was initially paid for it! But rather than hanging on to the money, she donated it to a local orphanage. Today, the island is fondly known as “Beatle Island,” and is inhabited mainly by cattle who graze and live freely. Beatle’s fans still pop up to see the place every now and then.
Leonardo DiCaprio - Blackadore Cay, Belize
Worth: $3.6 MillionIn 2005, A-lister Leonardo DiCaprio was vacationing in Belize when he stumbled upon Blackadore Cay during a scuba expedition when he was observing the world’s second-largest coral reef system. And after he saw the island, he started planning, but not before he spent over $1.75 million to own the property. Since the purchase, he’s been working hard to turn it into the ultimate eco-resort, which will be a luxurious yet eco-friendly place to stay for those who can afford the price tag.
If you aren’t familiar with Leo’s work outside of acting, he’s always advocating for wildlife and the environment, so it makes sense he would opt to do something like this. The resort on Blackadore Cay is set to open later this year and will include 36 bungalows and 36 estate villas that “float” over the water, among other amenities. He’s spent nearly $3.5 million on the project, but it will likely be well worth the money.
Shah Rukh Khan – Palm Jumeirah, Dubai
Worth: $2.8 MillionBollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan may not own all of Palm Jumeirah in Dubai, but he does own a $2.8 million luxury home on it. The island is famous for its peculiar shape and is one of many man-made pieces of property in the area. This area of Dubai is known for its spectacular and high-priced tourist attractions, including some of the world’s best hotels and restaurants.
Shah Rukh shares his 6-bedroom villa with his wife, Gauri, and their three children. The family stays in the home over vacations and when “children are back from boarding schools,” according to Gauri’s recent interview with Gulf News. The family spent their 2016 New Year’s Eve watching the fireworks over the water from their lavish villa.
Craig McCaw – James Island, British Columbia
Worth: $75 MillionCraig McCaw bought James Island, off the coast of Vancouver, for $20 million in 1994. The previous owners, a development company, had a marina and 18-hole golf course in the works. After the purchase, he saw the golf course through, designed by Jack Nicklaus, along with a luxurious spa. The island also includes a 5,000 square foot main home, along with several guest cottages, a manager’s residence and a private air strip.
McCaw recently struck a deal with the Discovery Land Corporation, and they are working to develop the residential portion of the island that the original owners were going to complete. The plans are to build around 100 exclusive homes, along with some other amenities for the community members. The new area is being called a “playground for the wealthy and well-connected.”