Stairs up to apartment entrance. Entrance to Hallway. Lounge with sofa, armchairs, TV and patio doors to balcony. Kitchen diner with electric cooker and hob, fridge freezer, microwave, dishwasher, washing machine, toaster, kettle and dining table to seat 4 people. Bedroom 1 with double bed. Bedroom 2 with bunk bed and TV. Family shower room with shower cubicle, basin and WC.
Osea is a private island located in the Blackwater Estuary just across the water from Maldon. The island offers a truly unforgettable getaway; from the tidal causeway approach when arriving at the island, to the numerous activities, facilities and beauty spots that await guests once on the island. Guests staying in the property have access to the island’s private beach, outdoor swimming pool, cinema room, games room, and four fantastic event spaces including a seasonal island pub, The Puffin.
The Observatory is a charming apartment located within ‘The Village’ area on the island and comes with cosy lounge and well equipped kitchen diner. The balcony off the lounge provides simply stunning views across the island. Two stylish bedrooms and well appointed bathroom ensure a memorable and comfortable stay for guests.
A simply remarkable place to enjoy a stay, whether it be a special celebration or family holiday.
Please note that The Observatory can be booked on any day of the week for a minimum of 2 nights. Please check the calendar for the latest availability.
On rare occasions availability may differ from that displayed on the calendar. Please await final booking confirmation prior to making other arrangements such as travel. Should booked dates not be available a full refund will be issued. Alternatively please contact us on 01548 202020 or thc@toadhallcottages.co.uk to discuss.
Outside
Private balcony with chairs and great views out over the Island towards the estuary.
Osea Island has the following communal facilities:
· Outdoor swimming pool (May until September) · The Shack with cinema room, games room with pool table and table football is available for communal use during daytime hours (This can be available for private evening event hire at extra cost – please enquire for further details) · Well stocked sports equipment shed including rounders, croquet, swing ball, golf clubs, cricket set, footballs and volleyballs · Free bicycles for guests to use · 4.5 miles of coastline to walk or cycle · Sea swimming and private beach · The Puffin pub (seasonal opening times) · The Bomb Factory (For events only. Additional costs apply – please enquire for further details) · The Power House (For events only. Additional costs apply – please enquire for further details)
Additional paid-for activities are also available such as boating, fishing, clay pigeon shooting and water sports.
The local area
Enchanting, mysterious, eclectic, exclusive, wild, rustic, unique – there are so many words to describe Osea Island, yet the only way to truly understand the island’s magic is to experience it first hand. This secret, private island is anchored in the Blackwater Estuary in Essex, just a 90-minute dash from London yet offering complete escapism.
The adventure starts before you arrive on the island; forget check-in times, the tide dictates your approach to Osea. At low water, an ancient, seaweed-lined causeway built by the Romans winds its way from the mainland near Maldon, meaning the island is blissfully disconnected almost all day. At high water, a water taxi can ferry you across, while it's not uncommon for famous faces to arrive by helicopter.
Musicians, models and creatives love it here, but holidays on Osea Island are equally mesmerising for families – young and old, groups of friends and nature lovers. There’s 4.5 miles of coastline to explore, with shingle beaches, salt marshes, meadows and orchards. The shores are a Site of Special Scientific Interest, with the only traffic the local wildlife. Rabbits, foxes and pheasants hide between oaks, sycamores and chestnuts, and the tidal plains are teeming with rare waterfowl, while at night, the stars act as streetlights and the call of all five of the country’s native owls can be heard.
Osea Island’s accommodation is equally extraordinary. Inland you’ll find ‘the village’, with a cluster of clapboard cottages and an Edwardian mansion housing six apartments. Heading to the waterfront, there are two beach cottages, a large coastal villa and a grand turreted manor house. Inside, Osea’s holiday homes are cosy, well equipped and each have their own quirk. Expect four poster beds, roll top baths, open fires, leather chesterfields, vintage artwork and reclaimed original features.
Whether planning a quiet winter escape, a family summer break or a big group get-together for a special occasion, there’s so much to do during your stay on Osea. All guests are welcome to use the outdoor pool and the games and cinema room stacked with classic films. There are bikes with off-road tyres dotted all over the island that you can pick up and go to explore wild corners and private beaches, and level lawns for games of croquet. But nothing beats the simple pleasures – sea swimming in the Maldon-salt waters, sandcastle building, stone skimming and crabbing, picking blackberries and conkers come autumn.
Osea also houses a number of eclectic venues; enjoy a pint in the island’s tiny seasonal pub, The Puffin, dating back over 300 years with cosy corners, beamed ceilings and inglenook fireplace. The much-loved ‘Shack’ hosts the games room and cinema room, while ‘The Power House’ and ‘Bomb Factory’ (an old WWII torpedo store) provide versatile spaces for parties and events – from dance floors and wedding venues to yoga studios. There’s even a private recording studio on the island.
Offering a world of adventure, seclusion and solace, and outstanding natural beauty, Osea is island living at its best, all within close proximity to London. Whether you’re planning a simple yet far from ordinary holiday with family and friends, or would like to book the entire island for exclusive hire, prepare to be bewitched by Osea Island.
Parking
Parking at the property. Ample parking on the Island.
This property is not suitable for electric vehicle charging.
Additional information
Included: Bed linen and towels (please bring your own beach/pool towels). Electricity and gas central heating. Wi-Fi.
Telephone: Telephone provided. Mobile signal good. Wi-Fi.
Pets: Sorry, no dogs allowed in the apartments at Osea island.
EV charging: There are no EV charging facilities on site.
Short breaks: All short break options available from a minimum of two nights.
Please note: On rare occasions availability may differ from that displayed on the calendar. Please await final booking confirmation prior to making other arrangements such as travel. Should booked dates not be available a full refund will be issued. Alternatively please contact us on 01548 202020 or thc@toadhallcottages.co.uk to discuss.
