A 5-acre island near the Chesapeake Bay is on the market for $2.1 million. The origin story is murky, and the owner believes it was once a bordello.

Maria NoyenOct 30, 2022, 17:34 IST

The history surrounding Tippity Wichity island is shrouded in mystery.Townsend Visuals

A 5-acre private island in a sheltered cove off of the Chesapeake Bay is on sale for $2.1 million.
Owners Gail and John Harmon believe it was once used as a bordello and illegal distillery.

Tippity Wichity, a private island in a sheltered cove near the Chesapeake Bay, is on the market for $2.1 million.

The island is near the Chesapeake Bay.Google Maps, Townsend Visuals

But there's more to the island than meets the eye, Gail said. She believes it was once run as a "house of ill repute."

Tippity Wichity Island is a five-acre landmass in the Chesapeake River.Townsend Visuals

Local lore suggests the island's unique name hints at its storied past.

A view from the island at sunset.Townsend Visuals

What's more, Gail said she has reason to believe Tippity Wichity was home to an illegal distillery during prohibition.

US federal agents pouring illegal alcohol out in 1921, in the midst of the prohibition era.Buyenlarge/Getty Images

Potentially murky history aside, Gail and John fell in love with the island. They ended up buying it as a timeshare for $125,000.

The island comes with a three-bedroom cottage.Townsend Visuals

The island came with a fully-furnished house, which Gail said they cleared out when they made renovations.

The cottage was shared by the Harmons and another couple for 30 years.Townsend Visuals

DeSantis said the Harmons remodeled the property into a modest but charming summer home.

The cottage has three bedrooms.Townsend Visuals

While the Harmons never lived on the island full-time, DeSantis said new owners could make it a year-round residence.

The cottage has three bedrooms.Townsend Visuals

It wouldn't be the first time it's been someone's primary home, according to Gail.

The kitchen.Townsend Visuals

Large windows in the great room offer sweeping views of the surrounding waters.

The great room.Townsend Visuals

One of Gail's favorite places to cozy up on the island is the enclosed gazebo because it offers spectacular sunset views.

The gazebo at twilight.Townsend Visuals

Gail and John also built a pool on the island, where she said they hosted many friends over the decades.

The property comes with a pool.Townsend Visuals

While you may think living on an island may be lonely, Gail said her experience has been the opposite.

There is a lot of opportunity for water sports.Townsend Visuals

If interested parties are nature lovers, Gail says the ecosystem of Tippity Wichity is rich with wildlife and beauty.

The island is heavily wooded.Townsend Visuals

As both Gail and John are nearing 80, she said age played a factor in their decision to sell the island.

Gail and John plan to buy a property close by on the mainland.Townsend Visuals

Her one hope is that Tippity Wichity is bought by people who don't isolate themselves from the local community.

The view of sunset on the island.Townsend Visuals

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