The unique 380-acre Osea Island, known for its tidal causeway, historical military use, addiction rehabilitation centre, and high-profile music studio, is now up for sale with bids exceeding the £25 million guide price. This distinctive estate offers a rare blend of historical significance and modern cultural appeal.
Osea Island, a distinctive 380-acre estate located in the Blackwater Estuary approximately 40 miles east of central London, has been placed on the market with a guide price of £25 million. Known for its tidal causeway that isolates it from the Essex mainland at high tide, the island boasts a rich and varied history alongside a range of contemporary cultural associations.
Historically, Osea Island served as a secret torpedo boat base during the First World War and was one of England’s earliest centres for addiction rehabilitation. In the early 1900s, it functioned as a treatment facility for alcohol and opiate addiction, a use it briefly resumed in the late 2000s when it operated as the Causeway Retreat. This rehabilitation clinic, reportedly attended by singer Amy Winehouse, was closed by health regulators in 2010.
In more recent years, Osea Island has gained renown in the arts and entertainment sectors. Under the ownership of music producer Nigel Frieda, noted for his work with the Sugababes, it has housed a recording studio that has attracted prominent artists such as Rihanna, Stormzy, and Charli XCX. The studio, which reportedly commanded fees of £20,000 per day as of 2019, was where Stormzy recorded his 2022 album “This Is What I Mean,” describing the experience as “a very surreal, spiritual experience.”
The island has also functioned as a venue for significant personal milestones, including the reported wedding of singer Olly Murs to bodybuilder Amelia Tank in 2023. Presently, the estate includes 38 residential properties and is listed by the Fine and Country estate agency. Simon Pelling, a representative of the agency, told the BBC, “We already have several bids on it and some of them are in excess of the guide price.” He added, “We see it going to operators who will use it in a similar way to how it is used now – as a venue, an event space or high-end letting facility.”
Osea Island’s unique landscape and atmospheric qualities have inspired numerous works in film, television, and literature. It has been used as a filming location for both the 1989 television adaptation and the 2012 film of “The Woman in Black.” More recently, it featured in the HBO series “The Third Day,” starring Jude Law, and served as the setting for the New York Times bestseller “The Club.”
The listing for Osea Island marks the opportunity for a new owner to acquire a property steeped in historical significance and contemporary cultural vitality, continuing its legacy as a creative hub and exclusive retreat.
Source: Noah Wire Services
- https://www.oseaisland.co.uk/history/ – This page details the extensive history of Osea Island, confirming its location in the Blackwater Estuary, the tidal causeway, and its use as a secret torpedo boat base during the First World War, corroborating the island’s historical significance and wartime role.
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Osea_Island – The Wikipedia article confirms that Osea Island was a Coastal Motor Torpedo Boat base during WWI with 2,000 sailors billeted there, supporting the claim about its secret military use.
- https://www.explore.com/1785533/idyllic-island-escape-outside-london-hidden-celebrity-hot-spot-osea/ – This article covers the early 1900s use of Osea Island as a temperance retreat and addiction rehabilitation center, noting its long history as a treatment facility and celebrity clients such as Amy Winehouse, linked to the Causeway Retreat’s closure in 2010.
- https://www.countrylife.co.uk/out-and-about/osea-island-essex-a-secret-so-well-kept-that-even-the-locals-have-barely-heard-of-it-221610 – This source highlights the island’s cultural significance in recent years under Nigel Frieda’s ownership, including its recording studio hosting major artists such as Rihanna and Stormzy, supported by mention of the studio fees and Stormzy’s album recorded there.
- https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-essex-64827490 – This BBC article confirms that Osea Island is currently on the market with a guide price of £25 million, includes 38 residences, and mentions the estate agent Simon Pelling discussing bids above the asking price and potential future uses of the island.
Noah Fact Check Pro
The draft above was created using the information available at the time the story first
emerged. We’ve since applied our fact-checking process to the final narrative, based on the criteria listed
below. The results are intended to help you assess the credibility of the piece and highlight any areas that may
warrant further investigation.
Freshness check
Score:
8
Notes:
The narrative mentions recent events and figures, such as Stormzy recording his album in 2022 and Olly Murs’ wedding in 2023. However, it could be improved by including more current updates.
Quotes check
Score:
5
Notes:
There is a quote from Simon Pelling, but the narrative does not provide a direct link to the source. Stormzy’s quote about the island being ‘a very surreal, spiritual experience’ lacks a clear original source.
Source reliability
Score:
9
Notes:
The narrative originates from The Independent, which is a well-established and reputable publication. There are additional references to BBC statements, which further enhance credibility.
Plausability check
Score:
8
Notes:
The claims about Osea Island’s cultural significance and use as a recording studio align with historical and contemporary reports. However, verification of specific events like Olly Murs’ wedding is needed to fully confirm plausibility.
Overall assessment
Verdict (FAIL, OPEN, PASS): PASS
Confidence (LOW, MEDIUM, HIGH): HIGH
Summary:
High confidence due to the narrative’s credibility from a reputable source and plausibility of claims. While the freshness could be improved and some quotes lack original sources, overall the narrative is reliable.
