A Slice of History: St. Helena Island for Sale
Posted on: October 6, 2025, 12:44h
Last updated on: October 6, 2025, 12:44h
Nestled between Annapolis and Baltimore, St. Helena Island—a historic and private island in Maryland—is on the market. Specifically, a portion of it, which features an intriguing brick mansion with a captivating backstory, invites prospective buyers to explore its rich heritage.
The Island Oasis
St. Helena Island rests on the picturesque Severn River, making it easily accessible while still providing a sense of seclusion. The estate, represented by Brad Kappel at TTR Sotheby’s International Realty, encompasses a significant 6.5 acres and boasts the main brick residence, which offers over 7,100 square feet of luxurious space. With five bedrooms and 5.5 bathrooms, it combines spacious living with opulent details, including imported Belgian marble and exquisite mahogany accents.
Offered at just under $3 million, this “magnificent private island sanctuary” presents over 1,600 linear feet of protected deep-water frontage on Round Bay. Whether you’re lounging on the expansive grounds or enjoying views from the mansion, this property promises a tranquil retreat.
A Mansion with a Story
The main residence was originally constructed in the late 1920s by the influential Baltimore attorney Paul Burnett. Notably, it once served as the Burnett Hospital for Crippled Children until 1942, marking a noble chapter in its life. However, the mansion’s narrative took a darker turn following Burnett’s passing.
Illegal Casino: The Mansion’s Controversial Past
After Burnett’s death, the mansion was sold to Eugene Raney, a man whose fortune primarily came from bowling alleys and beer distribution. Alongside restaurateur John Emory, Raney transformed the mansion into a lavish island club, a favored haunt for DC’s elite, including members of Congress. However, the glamour was short-lived. In the late 1940s, the duo introduced slot machines to their club, leading to a raid by law enforcement in 1951. The aftermath saw Raney and Emory convicted for running an illegal gambling operation, putting an abrupt end to the mansion’s extravagant nightlife.
It’s worth noting that Maryland wouldn’t legalize slot machines until 2008, followed by table games in 2012, long after St. Helena’s heyday.
The Island’s Evolution
Following the tumultuous years of the illegal casino, Raney sold the island in the late 1950s to Maryland Appellate Judge Stedman Prescott Jr. After Prescott’s passing in February 1989, the island transitioned once more, becoming a wedding and event company’s property that eventually subdivided the land into two parcels. Today, the two sections of St. Helena Island remain privately owned, though the northern part was sold in 2019 for $2.6 million.
Living on St. Helena Island Today
Prospective buyers should note that the annual property taxes for the St. Helena Island listing amount to around $22,000. The island is devoid of traditional roads, but it features trails and a golf cart-accessible pathway, making navigation through this serene space more accessible.
Among its various structures, a converted water tower now serves as an office, offering 360-degree views of the surrounding beauty. Unlike many other private islands in the Chesapeake region, St. Helena Island is connected to the electrical grid through underwater tubing, ensuring modern conveniences in a historic setting.
Bidding and Future Prospects
Kappel has announced that “starting bids” for the island will be accepted until October 21, 2025, with the final auction concluding by October 30. Interested buyers must submit offers without a financing contingency and provide proof of funds when scheduling a showing.
Since 1999, St. Helena Island has been free from commercial activities, adhering to an ordinance set by the Severn River Association that prohibits such uses. This restriction ensures that the island remains a peaceful retreat, preserving its uniqueness for those who value history as much as a beautiful landscape.
In the burgeoning real estate market, St. Helena Island stands as a unique opportunity, inviting buyers to not only invest in property but also own a piece of Maryland’s storied past.