Price to live near Captain Jack: $85m

The Life: A Caribbean island is up for sale near one owned by Johnny Depp. But anyone who wants to count Captain Jack Sparrow as a neighbour will need deep pockets.

A cottage on Exuma Cays. Handout

A private island in the Bahamas has come on the market - close to one owned by "the" Pirate of the Caribbean.

Q&A: Johnny Depp's island life

How much did Johnny Depp pay for his island? The Hollywood star allegedly bought Little Hall's Pond Cay for a snip (compared to the one for sale nearby) at $3.6M back in 2004.

What is it like? The 45-acre island features a "handful of cottages," according to celebrity magazine Hello! It has six beaches, which are variously named after his partner, children and friend, the late Hunter S Thompson. Gonzo beach, which was named in honour of a style of journalism Mr Thompson invented where reporters involve themselves in their own stories, has glass tables featuring etches of his face.

Should the new owner of the property currently up for sale expect a welcome visit from Mr Depp? - It is unlikely. Mr Depp told the Daily Mirror that the island represents simplicity. "Unfortunately, when you're wandering around Hollywood or New York, anonymity and simplicity don't exist. So you seek out these places where you can find it, and that's pretty much what I've done," he added.

But living near Johnny Depp, the Hollywood actor who played Captain Jack Sparrow in the film franchise, does not come cheap.

The island, or cay as it is also known, costs US$85 million (Dh312m).

It boasts a luxurious plantation-style residence called the Manor House, which offers uninterrupted views of the crystal-clear waters of the Caribbean. But that is not all. The hefty price includes four guest accommodations - Beach Cottage, Harbourmaster House and the twin guest houses Buttonwood and Seagrape. Together the five homes have 11 bedrooms and 11 bathrooms and can accommodate 22 people.

If the buyer or guests become bored lying about on the beach, they can work out in the state-of-the-art fitness centre or grab a bite in the club-style dining and entertainment building.

And because any owner of a private island would never be expected to prepare his or her own food or do laundry, there is more than enough room to house employees.

The staff village - which comprises quarters for chef and butler, an engineer's cottage, a pilot's lounge, domestic staff quarters and bunkhouse - sleeps 29 in total.

In addition, the island has a working lighthouse.

Many cays have to import electricity and water. But this one has a freshwater treatment plant, plus power and fuel systems. In addition, there are telephone and data systems, service vehicles, a workshop and warehouse.

The deep dock allows plenty of room to berth a large luxury yacht, and there is also space for smaller vessels or a seaplane. The island also has a heliport.

It is in the Exuma Cays, a district in the Bahamas made up of more than 360 islands.

Loyalists fleeing the American Revolutionary War settled in Exuma in about 1783 and established a cotton plantation economy, evidence of which remains today in the architecture of properties such as Manor House.

Top 5: Priciest private islands for sale in the Caribbean

1 Caye Chapel, 265 acres, $75 million

2 Northern Two Cayes, 1030 acres, $20 million

3 Petit Nevis, 71 acres, $15 million

4 Manta Caye, 12 acres, $5.5 million

5 Serene Caye, 45 acres, $2.5million

Source: caribbeanislandbrokers.com

The Quote: Ironically, it took a pirate film for me to be able to achieve my dream and buy an island. - Johnny Depp, the Hollywood film actor