MILLERSPORT, Ohio—A secluded island retreat is now available in central Ohio. The property at 12700 Onion Island NE, located on Buckeye Lake, is listed for $1.59 million.
The listing gained attention after being featured on Keller Williams Capital Partners’ Facebook page, ReEquity, and the popular property site Zillow Gone Wild. “Our listing just went VIRAL!” reads the post. “We’re officially featured on Zillow Gone Wild—and yes, it’s as wild as you’d hope. Check it out and see why the internet is losing its mind over this island.”
Realtor Zach Pavol told NBC4 that the property balances the seclusion of island life with the convenience of proximity to Columbus. “The coolest thing about the property is the rarity and exclusivity of owning an island, yet the convenience of being close to Columbus and easily accessible by boat to local marinas,” Pavol said.
Built in 1900, the home has undergone a $500,000 renovation, featuring a fully renovated kitchen, updated bathroom, new flooring, custom lighting, and a flexible layout with four sleeping areas. The updates include new plumbing, electrical systems, water systems, and a backup generator, making the property “completely turnkey,” according to Pavol.
Outdoor living is a highlight of the retreat, which features a covered patio with a TV and built-in bar, a large deck, and a 10-person fire pit. The property is also situated at the water’s edge, offering easy access to boating, fishing, and swimming.
Onion Island is one of 21 islands on Buckeye Lake, according to the Greater Buckeye Lake Historical Society. The island features one dwelling on nearly one acre, while some Buckeye Lake islands host over 200 homes. The surrounding area is managed by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources as a preservation area.
A piece of Onion Island lore suggests that World War I hero and Columbus native Capt. Eddie Rickenbacker spent his honeymoon there. However, Rickenbacker’s diary, available on Auburn University’s website, mentions stops in England, France, Germany, and Italy with his bride Adelaide, but not Onion Island.
The origin of the island’s name remains a mystery. The Buckeye Lake Yacht Club speculates that “maybe onions grow well on it,” but Pavol’s research has yet to uncover the reason behind the island’s unusual moniker.