One of the most unique properties I ever owned was on Tangier Island, Virginia. Nestled on the northeastern side of Chesapeake Bay, Tangier Island is accessible only by ferry, boat, or plane, making it a secluded and special place.
In 2010, Odell Barnes reached out to me with an intriguing offer. He painted a vivid picture of Tangier’s charm, describing how artists and authors sought refuge there for solitude and inspiration. Intrigued, I purchased the house, despite its need for extensive repairs. The price was low due to the down market, making it an opportune investment.
Initially, I attempted to list the property, but off-season challenges made it difficult. Real estate agents were reluctant to take a ferry or a plane to show a modestly priced home.
Wanting to experience the island first-hand, I decided to visit, taking the only ferry that ran year-round from the northern side of the Chesapeake Bay.
The ferry ride was quiet. I only exchanged words with a couple of passengers, but when they spoke among themselves, I struggled to understand them. The locals have preserved a unique dialect, an evolution of 16th-century King James English. I found it captivating; I could have listened to them for hours.
During the journey, I struck up a conversation with a young woman returning home from college. She mentioned that some of her relatives had never left the island, a concept both fascinating and rare in today’s world.
Upon arrival, I was met by a man with a golf cart, my transport to the bed and breakfast where I was staying. The couple running the establishment weren’t native islanders, yet they were warmly accepted by the locals.
Their hospitality was exceptional, and breakfast was unforgettable.
Behind the building stood a gazebo, the only spot where I could get a decent cell signal. Situated by a canal teeming with ducks, it was a peaceful retreat.
The next morning, I walked to a local restaurant that doubled as a gift shop. When I inquired about renting a bicycle, the woman at the counter pointed me to a nearby bike shop, though she warned that the owners were off the island. She suggested I check if an unlocked bike was available, and if so, I could pay her to rent it. Unfortunately, all the bikes were securely chained.
As I made my way back to the bed and breakfast, an older gentleman in a golf cart pulled up beside me. Sensing I needed assistance, he asked if he could help. I mentioned my search for a rental bike, and he grinned, saying his daughter and son-in- law owned the shop. He knew where they kept an extra bike and offered to rent it to me at a discount.
When I asked about a deposit, he chuckled. “Where would you take it? If you leave it on the street, someone will bring it back.” That was the essence of Tangier: tight-knit, honest, and self-sufficient.
During my stay, I only saw one car propped up on blocks. Residents primarily relied on bicycles and golf carts.
Over the next few days, I immersed myself in the island’s rhythm, forming connections with some of the locals.
The house I had purchased, though in need of work, had solid bones. My next-door neighbor shared their history and intriguing tidbits about the island.
One story, in particular, stood out. I noticed several mobile homes and asked how they were transported to the island. My neighbor explained that they arrived by tugboat and were offloaded onto the canal behind the houses.
Curious, I asked how they moved them to the front of the lots, roughly 100 to 150 feet away. His response astonished me: “We get the whole town out about 100 people and push it by hand. You have to stick together on an island like this.” That sense of community deeply impressed me.
During my time there, I met a young woman named Candice. She initially agreed to mow the lawn for me, but over time, she grew interested in the property. Eventually, she made an offer, and we completed the sale.
As I boarded the ferry home after three unforgettable days, the captain greeted me, “How do you like your house? Does it need a lot of work?” I was surprised how he even knew I had bought a home. But that’s Tangier for you, news travels fast in a place like this.
A few other details about the island stuck with me. The water tower prominently features a cross. The island boasts a beautiful beach, and its primary industry revolves around soft-shell crabs.
A sign at the docks caught my eye and made me chuckle: “If it were easy, they’d call it catching [fishing].”
Owning a home on Tangier Island was one of my most memorable experiences. It reinforced a simple truth: any property can sell if you find the right buyer. Tangier is a truly unique place, where homes are limited, and the supply, like the island itself, remains ever resilient.
This is a favorite story that took me to an enchanting place, and I learned the value of slowing down and living a simpler life. I hope to go back to Tangier again one day. The people there are very community-minded and loyal to each other, and once they get to know strangers, they are very cordial.
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