Offering seclusion and natural beauty in equal measure, Osea Island in Essex delivers the best of island living — all just 40 miles from London

Listed for £25m, Osea Island is part of the Blackwater Estuary and is connected to the Essex mainland by a tidal causeway, meaning that the property can only be accessed by plane or boat at high tide.

The private island has a fascinating history: it was used as a secret naval base during WW1 and was occupied by the British Army during WW2. More recently, it’s been used as a television and film location, and housed a high-profile rehab centre (Amy Winehouse was treated there in 2008).

Now a popular celeb-haunt, the island is currently owned by music producer Nigel Frieda—who produced music for The Rolling Stones and founded pop-band Sugababes—and is not publicly accessible. However, there are 38 residential properties on the island, and a professional recording studio that’s been rented by musicians including Stormzy, Rihanna and Charli XCX.

A grand Edwardian manor house is the jewel of the complex, which offers 90 bedrooms in total.
Georgie Veale and Will Matthews from Knight Frank are listing agents on the island property. As well as the residences, you’ll find a number of event spaces, as well as commercial buildings, a pub and fields designated for festivals and glamping.

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