A well-known landmark on the Magothy River has officially changed hands. Dobbins Island, the 7.2-acre private island located just off the Pasadena shoreline, sold on March 13 for $2,000,000. The property was listed by Brad Kappel of TTR Sotheby’s International Realty.
The island was officially listed for sale on March 31, 2025, with an initial asking price of $2.7 million. Over the course of the year, the listing price was adjusted as the property remained on the market before ultimately selling in 2026.
Set on 7.2 private acres with more than 4,000 feet of shoreline, the island offers sweeping 360-degree views stretching from the Magothy River to the Chesapeake Bay Bridge. Accessible only by boat, the secluded property has long been considered one of the most distinctive waterfront homes in Anne Arundel County.
At the center of the island is a custom-built home completed in 2019, featuring approximately 4,000 square feet of living space with three bedrooms and three bathrooms. The residence includes high ceilings, expansive windows, luxury appliances, and multiple outdoor spaces designed to take full advantage of the panoramic water views. An elevator connects all levels of the home, including a rooftop deck overlooking the river and the Chesapeake Bay.
Outdoor amenities include a deep-water dock capable of accommodating larger boats, a crescent-shaped sandy beach, and wooded trails throughout the island where wildlife such as ospreys, herons, and bald eagles are often spotted. The property also includes mainland access via a private dock and parking area, making transportation to and from the island possible by boat.
Dobbins Island has long been familiar to local boaters. Located on the Magothy River, a popular tidal waterway that flows into the Chesapeake Bay, the island’s sandbar has historically served as a gathering point for summer raft-ups and day trips.
The island also carries a long history. Records trace its past back centuries, with early references dating to Captain John Smith’s exploration of the Chesapeake region in the early 1600s. Over time it became known as Dobbins Island after owner George Dobbins, a prominent figure who purchased the property in the 19th century.
More recently, the island underwent a transformation when the modern residence was built after years of planning and permitting. Despite its luxurious features, the home remained largely unused after completion, as the owner ultimately purchased another island property and decided to sell Dobbins Island.
With its sale now finalized, the island’s new ownership marks the next chapter for one of the Magothy River’s most recognizable landmarks.
