A private island in Essex, famously used by Stormzy as a creative hideaway, has hit the market – and it’s already drawing eye-watering offers upwards of £25 million.
Osea Island, nestled in the Blackwater Estuary near Maldon, spans an impressive 380 acres and offers complete seclusion, especially when high tide cuts it off from the mainland. Owned by renowned music producer Nigel Frieda, the island has long been a retreat for artists and A-listers alike.
Stormzy is said to have written one of his most recent albums on the island, making it a modern-day mecca for musical creativity.
But he’s not the only famous face to have walked its shores. Pop sensation Rihanna has previously rented the space, while Essex-born singer Olly Murs chose the venue for an island wedding in 2023.
The listing has sparked intense interest from potential buyers looking to snap up this one-of-a-kind property.
“We already have several bids on it, and some of them are more than the guide price. 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,” confirmed Simon Fielding of Fine and Country.
Osea Island’s charm hasn’t gone unnoticed by the film world either. It was the haunting backdrop for both the 1989 television adaptation and the 2012 film version of The Woman in Black. Its eerie beauty and isolated landscape made it a perfect location for the ghost story.
Mr Pelling, another agent involved in the sale, highlighted one of the island’s biggest assets: “Its proximity to London is a major selling point and it’s beautiful.”
Indeed, while it offers solitude and space, it remains within reach of the capital – a rarity for such exclusive estates.
Osea Island isn’t just a property; it’s a piece of pop culture history. With its connections to Stormzy, Rihanna, Olly Murs and the silver screen, it’s a slice of celebrity Essex wrapped in peace, privacy, and potential.
Whether it becomes a luxury retreat, a creative studio, or a high-end events venue, one thing’s for sure – this island is as iconic as the stars who’ve stepped foot on it.
