We Have Found the Most Solitary House in the World
Have you ever fantasized about escaping the hustle and bustle of daily life and moving to a quiet, remote place? That must have been what the people who built this isolated house thought: the most solitary house in the world. The construction was erected in the 1930s on Ellidaey, a small island off the southern coast of Iceland, and its only company is Mother Nature.
This island, measuring 0.4 square kilometers, is one of the 18 that make up the Vestmannaeyjar archipelago, a place designated as a natural reserve and protected area due to its importance as a nesting zone for some native seabird species. Currently, three of the islands are inhabited, but in the case of Ellidaey, the only life found here is a type of northern bird called a puffin.
The house was built by five families who permanently lived on the island and survived by hunting birds and fishing. In this way, the house serves as a hunting cabin, although it has no electricity or running water. Despite its age, the structure is in good condition and features a complex system that collects rainwater for drinking, washing, and even feeding the sauna it houses. Moreover, the only way to access it is by climbing one of its rugged cliffs.
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Who Lives in the House?
There have been many rumors over the years surrounding this solitary house. From being haunted to being inhabited by a religious hermit or a millionaire waiting for an imminent zombie apocalypse. The most widespread rumor is that the Icelandic singer Björk lives there, but that is nothing more than speculation.
The reality is less fanciful, as today the house is only inhabited a few days a year by local puffin hunters belonging to the Ellidaey Hunting Association. Members of this association organize trips to hunt this bird, which, despite being endangered, the Icelandic government allows to be caught.
Similarly, some tour companies offer day trips for those tourists who want to experience isolation and adventure while enjoying the spectacular views offered by Icelandic nature.