Discover an exclusive private island just one hour from London

 

Craving some fresh air and a break from the hustle and bustle of the city? Escape to Osea Island, a beautiful hidden gem just an hour’s drive outside London. The island boasts a fascinating history, stunning natural scenery, and accommodation for groups of 1 to over 100 guests. ALTIDO were recently chosen as Osea Island’s exclusive booking partner, so you can rest assured that all of the details are sorted by a professional team of vacation rental experts. Discover this bucolic paradise and luxuriate in the absence of traffic lights, city noise, and worries.

 

Where is the mystical Osea Island?

Nestled in the River Blackwater, the 300-acre Osea Island truly feels like a secluded oasis, even though it’s only 60 miles from London. Water taxi service ferries you directly to the island, and for a few hours per day, during low tide, the island is also accessible via car. The drive from the mainland takes you across a short, scenic causeway which is submerged in the river during high tide, adding to the remote atmosphere. The only structures on the island are for accommodation or activities, so guests bring their own food and supplies when they arrive.

Due to its close proximity to the city, Osea Island has been a desirable getaway spot for millennia. In fact, it was ancient Romans who built the island’s causeway, which dates back over 5000 years. In 1903 the island saw its first modern development when a millionaire who built his fortune in the brewing industry opened a private retreat for recovering London alcoholics. In more recent times, a recording studio and a wedding venue have been built, and the former clinic transformed into an elegant holiday home.

What can you get up to on Osea Island?

Perhaps the beauty of Osea Island lies in the fact that you don’t have to do anything. Embrace the island’s relaxed pace by sleeping late, taking long walks on the beach, and watching the sunset. But Osea is not only a haven of relaxation; the island is ideal for a whole range of activities and outdoor pursuits including fishing, sailing, and shooting. Groups of any kind can plan an agenda full of exciting activities on Osea Island. Families will enjoy go-karting, laser battles, or treasure hunts. Planning a corporate retreat? Make team-building fun with a trebuchet construction challenge or a crime mystery game. Or if a romantic retreat is in the cards, indulge in private spa treatments, a cooking class, or a wine tasting session.

What is the accommodation like?

Choose from Osea Island’s 19 homes, which are well suited for groups of any size, whether you’re planning a solo getaway or a special event for a crowd. The homes lie in two areas on the island: the Village and the Coast. Coastal properties, of course, face the water and offer a high level of privacy. Village homes enjoy picturesque Edwardian architecture and the atmosphere of a quintessential country town. The Village centres around a historic clubhouse with a swimming pool, which today is a hub for activities like biking and fishing and is also available for private functions.

Coastal accommodation ranges from sprawling mansions to charming waterfront cottages. For larger groups, the 10-bedroom Manor House and the 9-bedroom Captain’s House can both accommodate approximately 20 guests. These two historic homes have private swimming pools, laundry facilities, and kitchen and dining spaces suitable for entertaining. Every property is professionally cleaned between bookings, and amenities like linens, towels, and toiletries are on par with what you would expect in a hotel.

In the Village, apartments and cottages are available to let. Every property includes a full kitchen stocked with all the cooking essentials, and since the island is entirely self-catering with no stores or restaurants, guests can prepare home-cooked meals or arrange dinners over the campfire. The homes include a mix of historic decor and modern conveniences while retaining the rustic feeling of the secluded beach surroundings.

Ready to book your exclusive stay?

The ALTIDO team are happy to answer any questions or provide assistance when making reservations. ALTIDO can also arrange to book the entire island for private functions. Book your ideal Osea Island home online or enquire with ALTIDO’s reservations team by email now: reservations.london@stayaltido.com