UK's lesser-known island is A-list hotspot with pretty views and quiet hideaways
A UK island few have heard of outside of the rich and famous sits just an hour from London and can be hired out in its entirety.
The 'hidden' Osea Island is adored by celebrities. Even though it is so near to the Capital, many people have never heard of this scenic spot, despite it being just 10 miles from the heart of Chelmsford in Essex. The island, nestled on the Blackwater Estuary, offers a range of places to stay and loads of open green spaces to discover.
Whether you fancy a cosy cottage, a lovely flat, or even a grand manor house, Osea Island has something for everyone. The island, just a mile east of Northey Island, can only be reached by a tidal causeway that appears during low tides. This means you could be stuck there at certain times of the day, reports the Express.
But don't fret, a river taxi can zip you back to the mainland if you book it ahead of time. Locals adore the peace and quiet of the island, which is a perfect getaway from the hustle and bustle of life on the mainland. It's home to over 3,000 mature trees and lots of wildlife, making it a world away from the capital.
Multi coloured beach huts stand above the water in the River Blackwater estuary (Getty Images)You'll hear all sorts of animal sounds on the island, and on clear nights, the stars light up the sky. The loudest noise is usually the waves crashing against the shore. Sometimes, if you crane your ear in the right direction, you may hear the early cuts of famous pop songs as Osea has two well-used studios.
Staycations boom for half term as Brits look to swerve strikes hitting holidays
Stars like Rihanna, Charli XCX, The Weeknd, Jessie J, and Tinie Tempah have all made music there. The island is also a popular spot for big events and has been in TV shows and movies.
Owned for the past two decades by music producer Nigel Frieda, Osea has been run as a party venue and unlikely holiday destination since 2012. It has also served as a filming location for the likes of The Woman in Black and HBO’s The Third Day, starring Jude Law.
"I've had the privilege to work here for the past two days and what a fascinating place it surely is. A private island with a road that disappears under the water at high tide. It was brilliant for us as we were stranded on the island, so we decided to investigate and what a wonderful place it is. I can imagine coming and staying in various accommodation. It's a really beautiful island and would be a dog walker's dream. It's isolated and green," one anonymous fan of the island recently wrote online.
The island is a mysterious place (EssexLive)If you want to stay over, the Manor House is amazing and fits up to 20 people. The Village has lots of little houses where you can meet other people but still have your own space. You can cook for yourself in most places, but there are a few spots to grab a bite or a drink. The Puffin is the local pub, the Bomb Factory used to be a place where they kept torpedoes and now serves special food, and there's also The Shack Cafe.
Long ago, the island was a base for torpedoes in the First World War. In the Second World War, sections of the British Army were stationed here.
The entire island is available to rent out on Coolstays from £35,000 a night. That price may vary considerably. Inquiries should be made through the island's website. To reach there from London, take a 50 minute train from Liverpool Street to Chelmsford, followed by a pre-booked taxi to the island.
Check out by signing up to our free weekly newsletter.
Read more similar news:
Comments:
comments powered by Disqus
