LIVE LIFE WELL
LEFT Take your time exploring the five miles of private beaches. BELOW Enjoy the views from Captain’s House
PLAN A TRIP TO:
Osea island
A PRIVATE ISLAND JUST OFF THE ESSEX COAST IS THE PERFECT ESCAPE
FEATURE JO FERNANDEZ-CORUGEDO
W
ith a varied and fascinating history, Osea is an intriguing private island reached by a Roman causeway, which snakes across the muddy estuary from nearby Maldon, providing complete seclusion at high tide. Once a Victorian temperance society for people with alcoholism, in 2000 music producer Nigel Frieda bought the 400-acre estate for £6 million. He brought a new cool to the island as well as A-list guests, from Cara Delevingne to Rihanna, who can arrive in glamorous fashion by helicopter (20 minutes from Battersea) or river taxi. It’s Cosy bedrooms await on the island
featured in several films, from The Third Day to The Woman in Black.
you can take a dip in the heated pool from April to October.
EAST-COAST ELEGANCE
LOCALLY SAUCED
Guests can stay in a range of accommodation, from a grand Edwardian manor house (complete with recording studio) to rustic weatherboard cottages. The Captain’s House is a nine-bedroom, seven-bathroom New England-style beach house. Eclectic interiors also nod to local fishing villages, meaning rustic open beams and wood burning stoves blend with antique four poster beds and roll-top baths. A large conservatory-style dining room features wicker chairs, potted palms and lush patterned wallpaper and the inviting, lightfilled library/living room has lived-in brown leather sofas, book-lined walls and endless views. Outside,
Although the island is mainly self-catering, chefs can be hired at any time of the year. Pop-up restaurant collaborations include Native and the Borough kitchen, famed for foraged ingredients and game, with tasting menus inspired by the surrounding landscape. MARITIME MARVEL
Spend time walking among nature and wildlife – including the resident donkeys – and don’t forget to take a trip to Maldon, a charming historic town whose high street is lined with heritage buildings, independent shops and a glut of restaurants. From £4,000, minimum twonight stay. Osea Island, Maldon CM9 8UH, oseaisland.co.uk
While youÕre there... CAFE BRAZIL
THE MOOT HALL
JUST THE THING
This sunny slice of South America on Maldon’s high street serves delicious, well-presented tapasstyle specialities, from cassava fries to classic bean stews, in a relaxed and welcoming setting.
Book a tour of the former medieval home of Sir Robert D’Arcy, now a wedding venue with a unique 15th-century curved brick staircase, flower bedecked balcony and striking bell tower.
Stock up on presents at this good-looking homeware store selling gifts such as equestrianinspired wine racks, locally made candles and condiment sets for storing Maldon’s famous salt.
• For more inspirational travel ideas visit thecaribou.com COUNTRY HOMES & INTERIORS
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