Osea Island

• Sleeps: Varies
• Bedrooms: Varies
• Bathrooms: Varies
• Minimum stay: 2 nights

For the opportunity to completely escape busy life, you can’t get much more exclusive than a private island!  Stunning Osea Island, on the Blackwater Estuary, can only be accessed by an ancient causeway, providing complete seclusion at high tide.

With a wide range of self-catering accommodation available, ranging from a manor house to cottages, Osea Island offers a perfect retreat whatever the occasion.  With only the stars as lighting at night, the sounds of water lapping the 4.5 mile coastline and open space to relax in, even the busiest minds will be calmed.  Nature lovers will also be in their element; the island is home to a fantastic range of flora and fauna, including all five species of English owl.

The Manor House (sleeps 20; pet friendly)

The impressive Edwardian Manor House provides luxurious accommodation across three floors, as well as stunning sea views.  Ideal for a large gathering of family and friends, the 10 lavish double bedrooms – seven of which have four-poster beds – have been lovingly decorated to retain the style and elegance of the period, and each of the six bathrooms has a luxurious roll-top bath and shower.

Spend your days exploring the extensive private grounds (stopping for a dip in the original salt-water pool dating back to 1903) before retiring to the Shack for a game or to watch a film.  Two large living rooms provide space for all guests to socialise and relax, while a fully equipped kitchen and two additional breakfast rooms provide all you need for cooking, dining and entertaining.

Captain’s House (sleeps 16-22; pet friendly)

With its classic beach house style and location on the water’s edge, the Captain’s House would not be out of place on a Caribbean island – although the Caribbean can’t offer such magnificent views across the Blackwater Estuary!  Surrounded by extensive gardens, it also offers its own private stairs to the beach.  A covered patio provides stunning sea views, as do the two large living rooms, each beautifully finished with wooden floors and fresh, light décor to evoke the feeling of a paradise retreat.

At a glance

• Private island linked to land by tidal causeway, offering a variety of self-catering accommodation for groups ranging from 2-22 people
• Large Manor House and Captain’s House, smaller beachfront cottages, 9 individual period cottages and six modern apartments in Edwardian building
• Extensive range of onsite amenities, including pool, tennis courts, bicycles, carp lake,  sports field and the Shack with cinema and games room.
• Surrounded by 4.5 miles of coastline and extensive wildlife, ideal for beach walks and nature walks
• Based off the Essex coast in Blackwater Estuary, 1.5hrs from London

Features

• Disability Accessible
• Dog Friendly
• Family Friendly
• Large Groups
• Seaside Breaks
• Swimming Pools

More information

Guests can take their pick from the seven double bedrooms (four with four-poster beds) and two twin rooms, which can both be extended to double rooms.  Seven bathrooms, each with roll-top baths and showers, and the large kitchen and dining room, provide ample space for everyone, as well as all you need for a comfortable stay.

Beach Cottages (I – sleeps 8; accepts 2 pets / II – sleeps 4; pet friendly)

Osea Island’s two charming Manor Beach Cottages were voted Britain’s 4th best beach houses by The Times in 2013, and it’s easy to see why.  Each one has been furnished to an extremely high standard, offering luxury while still retaining rustic charm, and both offer stunning beachfront views.

I Manor Beach Cottage is ideal for bigger groups, while II Manor Beach Cottage offers a larger private garden.

The Cottages (sleep between 2-8; pet friendly)

Further inland lie The Cottages – sixteen individually designed cottages, each varying in size and style, and each possessing their own unique character.  Finished to a high standard, each one has all you need for a cosy, comfortable stay.

With some cottages dating back to the 1600s, all have been lovingly restored to retain original features, such as the inglenook fireplace in The Puffin Pub and the wood panelling in The Limes.  The romantic Sweet Shop is sweet enough for two, while larger groups of up to 16 can take advantage of the new Chapel House.

Courtyard Apartments (sleep 4-14;  some apartments pet friendly)

This Arts and Crafts-style Edwardian building has been modernised inside to create eight bright apartments, which blend stunning original features (such as large windows and high ceilings) with contemporary décor.

Ranging in size from the cosy Cherry Blossom (sleeping 4) to Rosetti House (sleeping 14), each apartment provides every essential for your stay, including a fully equipped kitchen, and living area with a TV and DVD player.

Wherever you choose to stay, all guests can take advantage of an extensive range of services and amenities, including a swimming pool, The Shack with games and cinema, sports field, bicycles and even a carp lake. Of course, with so much natural beauty around, an exploration of the island is essential – don’t forget to hire binoculars for bird spotting!

It’s no surprise that Osea Island’s unique location and rugged landscape have received the attention of the creative industry, and film fans may recognise the island from the Sky Atlantic series; The Third Day and the causeway from the TV and film adaptations of The Woman in Black.  A recording studio on the island has played host to the likes of Stormzy, Jessie J, Tinie Tempah and McFly, and now you too have the opportunity to live like a celebrity in your own private retreat!

Things to note

 Chefs may also be hired in advance. Although the island is mainly self catering, caterers may be hired in advance for larger groups and events. Please note that all properties are pet friendly except for the non-ground floor apartments; Observatory, Atlantic, Crow’s Nest and Penthouse.  Prices start from £225 per night (off peak, The Sweetshop)