If you’ve ever dreamed of owning your own private island without hopping on a plane or relocating to the coast, this might be your chance.
Tucked away on Buckeye Lake, just 30 minutes from downtown Columbus, 12700 Onion Island is one of the few privately owned islands in Ohio and currently the only island residential listing on the market.
Thanks to nearly $500,000 in upgrades, this island home feels surprisingly polished, without losing any of its easygoing, tucked-away charm.
The home features a fully renovated kitchen, a modern bath, and four flexible sleeping areas, including a den and rec room. New plumbing, electrical, water systems, and a backup generator ensure you’re covered whether you plan to settle in full-time or use it as a weekend escape.
Outside, the property spans nearly a full acre and includes a spacious covered patio with a built-in bar, an expansive entertaining deck, a 10-person fire pit, and multiple private docks, perfect for boating, fishing, or early morning swims.
And the views? Panoramic.
The property also comes with a bit of history. WWI flying ace Captain Eddie Rickenbacker reportedly honeymooned on Onion Island, giving the home a uniquely storied past to complement its modern upgrades.
Listed at $1.59 million, Onion Island isn’t exactly a starter home.
But for the right buyer, it’s a rare opportunity, not just to own lakefront property, but to experience a kind of peace and privacy that’s getting harder to come by. With more Central Ohioans finding ways to work remotely or spend extended time outside the city, it’s a reminder of how our idea of “home” is continuing to shift.
Whether you’re watching fireworks over the lake on the Fourth of July, casting a line at sunset, or hosting friends for a long summer weekend, it’s the kind of place that invites you to slow down and stay a while.
If you’d like to check out the full listing, you can see it here.
