Historic 23-acre Lake Marion island listed for $12 million after 150 years

Bannon Island, a secluded 23.32-acre tract on Lake Marion near Haines City, Florida, is being offered for $12 million, marking the first public listing in about 150 years. The island, reachable only by watercraft, helicopter or seaplane, sits midway between Orlando and Tampa and is represented by Lisa Kleine of Red Bird Realty, who notes the rarity of interior saltwater islands in the state. Irish carpenter Patrick Bannon arrived in the 1880s, received the land from local Native Americans, and built an octagonal two-story home that survived numerous storms, including Hurricane Charley in 2004.

His grandson, Patrick O’Leary, oversaw a recent expansion that connects the historic structure to a 5,034-square-foot modern wing via a glass walkway, featuring floor-to-ceiling windows, an orangery, and a custom chandelier. Additional structures include a 2,698-square-foot duplex called the “Dog Trot” and cultivated groves of Valencia oranges, grapefruit and guava. The island’s size, privacy and proximity to two major cities make it suitable for a private retreat, conservation project or event venue.