A mysterious theories have emerged around a small building believed to be one of the world’s loneliest houses.
Photos emerged of a tiny white house on the island of Elliðaey, a remote island south of Iceland. Being the only building on the deserted island, it has attracted several myths.
According to one rumour, the house was built by a billionaire who planned to move to the remote island in the event of a zombie apocalypse.
Other people suggested a religious hermit may be living there.
Another popular theory – which was later debunked – said that the Icelandic government had gifted the island to singer Bjork.
Some even claimed the house did not exist but it had been photo-shopped before the pictures were published online.
Elliðaey, part of the Vestmannaeyjar archipelago, is now completely deserted but it was inhabited about 300 years ago.
Five families who lived there relied on fishing, hunting puffins and raising cattle.
But by the 1930s, the last residents left the island which has been deserted since.
The reality surrounding the mysterious house on the island is far less exciting than the theories around it.
It was built by the Elliðaey Hunting Association as a base to hunt puffins which feast on the abundant supply of fish in the waters below.
The house serves as a hunting base for the group to support their activities on the island.
Being on the remote island, the property does not have electricity, running water and indoor plumbing.
However, it has a sauna which is fed by a natural rainwater collection system.
The island is also listed as a nature reserve and protected area.
Tour companies offer day trips to Elliðaey for tourists who want to explore its natural environment.
