Maldon: Osea Island up for sale for £25 million

By Chloe Brewster 23rd Apr 2025

The Manor House is Osea Island's most iconic building. (Credit: Oliver Dixon)
The Manor House is Osea Island's most iconic building. (Credit: Oliver Dixon)

An idyllic haven nestled on the edge of the Blackwater Estuary, Osea is a hidden treasure secretly enjoyed by the rich and famous.

Offering over 5 miles of private beaches, quaint villages and acres of rustic gardens, the place is a daydream. 

The island has hosted a string of celebrities, from Kate Moss and Cara Delevingne to Stormzy and Rihanna. Olly Murs even got married there.

Currently owned by record producer Nigel Frieda, brother of hairdresser John Frieda, the island is more than just a holiday destination. Its been touted as the perfect creative haven, with the island offering a fully-equipped writing and producing studio for artists looking to get their imaginative juices flowing.

Up for sale for the measly sum of £25 million, now is the time to make this luxurious island yours.

The estate agent handling the sale of Osea Island near Maldon describes it as "a stunning and historic private island estate, approximately 40 miles from central London with freehold for sale".

It says the island offers "infinite opportunities with 380 acres, 38 residential properties and established hospitality and entertainment businesses" and "combines a unique history, somewhat understated celebrity connections, natural beauty and outstanding accessibility within an exclusive and private location."

The island itself is like a castle, accessible only twice a day by an ancient roman causeway at low tide. 

It is so secluded it was taken over as a top-secret naval base in 1917. Named S.S. Osea, the island was a base for motor torpedo boats, where missions were extremely dangerous and secretive. 

Osea was known to house an upscale drug and alcohol addiction rehabilitation centre, with Amy Whinehouse rumoured to have received treatment there. However, the centre closed down in 2010 due to operating without a license. 

     

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