Boasting more than 500 acres of rustic gardens orchards, meadows, and salt marsh – and five miles of soft golden sand – you wouldn’t expect this breathtakingly beautiful island to be in the UK
A stunning island with five miles of soft golden sand feels worlds apart from its infamous neighbour. Situated on the idyllic Blackwater Estuary, and surrounded by some 550 acres of rustic gardens, orchards, meadows, and salt marsh – lies the enchanting isle of Osea. With secluded beaches and huge mansions, you’d expect to find a retreat this tranquil in the iconic Hamptons, or on a remote archipelago in the Caribbean.
Instead, Osea Island (formerly known as Osey) is in Essex, and is located less than 40 miles from Clacton-on-Sea, a ‘rundown’ seaside town often ranked one of the worst in the country.
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In the words of Tatler Magazine, it ‘feels more Martha’s Vineyard than East Anglia’. On its official website, Osea Island describes itself as: “An idyllic haven basking serenely on the Blackwater Estuary, yet remarkably, just a little over an hour’s drive from the city!
“It’s a place to switch off from a troubled world and savour moments as you wander along its five miles of private beaches, rarely bumping into another soul.”
Touted as a blank canvas for ‘creating memories that will live on for years to come’, this exclusive island is filled with charming cottages, apartments and grand houses which are all available to book for holidays and family get togethers. You can even hire out the entire island for private events, making it a magnet for celebs.
In fact, it is reported Rihanna, Jude Law, Stormzy, and Daniel Radcliffe have all stayed at the island in the past – whether it be for filming locations, inspiration to write music, or a much-needed escape from reality.
Last year, the island and all of its 38 residential properties, unexpectedly went up for sale – with a guide price of £25 million. However, the listing was later removed from Right Move.
“The island is rich in history with evidence from the Viking, Norman and Roman eras and has connections with the brewing family Charrington (c.1903) and, during WWI, it was a secret naval base named ‘SS Osea’ and also referenced in WWII,” said estate agents Fine & Country. “Today the island offers unique beauty in a natural habitat combined with the recent celebrity and business ventures.”
Luckily, tourists can still stay on Osea Island – but spending the night won’t come cheap. For example, a two-night stay (Wednesday, July 30 – August 1) at the Captain’s House, which features seven double bedrooms, two twin bedrooms, seven bathrooms, and extensive gardens that lead down to the beach, will set you back a whopping £5,980. If you’re a group of 20 friends, this works out at around £300 per person.
There are less grand properties on the island, such as Manor Beach 2. This luxury cottage sleeps up to four people, consisting of two double bedroom suites, a wood-burning stove, a kitchen and a dining area. Staying here on the exact same nights costs £960, which equals £240 per person.
*Prices based on Osea Island’s website at the time of writing.
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