Sleeps 8 | 3 bedrooms + sofa bed | Private island | Outdoor pool | Private beach | Cinema room

Overview of Chapel House Two

Chapel House Two is a characterful holiday cottage on Osea Island, an extraordinary private island in the Blackwater Estuary near Maldon in Essex. Sleeping eight guests across three bedrooms and an additional mezzanine sleeping area, the property combines traditional cottage accommodation with a distinctive island setting, private beaches and an impressive collection of shared leisure facilities.

Osea Island is unlike a conventional coastal holiday destination. Access is controlled by the tide, with a historic causeway linking the island to the mainland when water levels permit. During high tide, arranged water transport provides another way to reach the island. This unusual arrival is part of the experience, giving guests a memorable introduction to the peaceful surroundings.

Chapel House Two forms one half of a pair of linked holiday properties in the island's village. It can be booked independently for eight guests or together with Chapel House One, subject to availability, to accommodate a group of sixteen.

The cottage has comfortable living accommodation arranged across two floors. On the ground floor, a separate lounge provides an inviting place to relax, with sofas, a television and a fireplace creating a welcoming atmosphere. A separate dining room gives everyone somewhere to gather for family meals, games and evenings together.

The kitchen is equipped for self-catering holidays, with an electric cooker and hob, fridge freezer, microwave, dishwasher and washing machine.

Three bedrooms provide the main sleeping accommodation. Two have double beds, while the third is a twin room with two single beds. A mezzanine area on the first floor has a sofa bed providing the additional sleeping places needed for a group of eight.

The cottage also has two bathrooms, including a ground-floor family bathroom with a traditional roll-top bath and a separate first-floor shower room.

Outside, Chapel House One and Two share a furnished garden and decked area. Outdoor tables, chairs, a barbecue and fire pit create a pleasant setting for meals and relaxed evenings.

Beyond the cottage, guests can enjoy the extraordinary surroundings of Osea Island. Approximately 4.5 miles of coastline encircle the island, with shingle beaches, saltmarshes, meadows and woodland providing opportunities for walking, cycling and wildlife watching.

The island's leisure facilities are a major attraction. During the warmer months, guests can swim in the shared outdoor pool, while The Shack provides communal cinema and games facilities. Bicycles and sports equipment are also available, including equipment for cricket, croquet, rounders and football.

The seasonal Puffin pub adds another distinctive feature, providing a traditional island setting for drinks and socialising when open.

For families and friends looking for large holiday accommodation in Essex with a private island setting, swimming pool, games facilities and access to beautiful coastal scenery, Chapel House Two offers a memorable holiday experience.

Chapel House Two at a Glance

Who is Chapel House Two Best For?

Chapel House Two is particularly appealing to families looking for a holiday with plenty of activities and the freedom to explore beautiful natural surroundings.

The island's beaches, swimming pool, bicycles and games facilities provide a range of activities without needing to travel to the mainland. Children can enjoy outdoor games, exploring the coastline and discovering the island's wildlife.

Groups of friends will appreciate the unusual island setting, particularly for birthdays, special occasions and relaxed gatherings. The shared outdoor area provides somewhere to enjoy meals and evenings together, while the cinema and games room offer additional entertainment.

The cottage can accommodate two families, with two double bedrooms for parents, a twin room for children and a mezzanine sofa bed providing further sleeping space.

Guests should consider the mezzanine arrangement when allocating rooms, as it offers a different level of privacy from a conventional fourth bedroom.

For larger gatherings, Chapel House Two can be booked alongside Chapel House One to create accommodation for sixteen guests, subject to availability.

The island is especially attractive for guests who enjoy nature, photography, walking and cycling. The tidal access arrangements are an important part of planning a stay, particularly for guests intending to make regular trips to the mainland.

Why is Chapel House Two a Great Large Holiday Home?

• Unique private island setting: Stay on Osea Island in the Blackwater Estuary, surrounded by saltmarshes, coastal scenery and wildlife.
• Accommodation for eight: Three bedrooms and a mezzanine sofa bed provide flexible sleeping arrangements for families and friends.
• Seasonal outdoor swimming pool: Guests have access to a shared outdoor pool, normally open from May to September.
• Private beaches and coastal walks: Explore approximately 4.5 miles of coastline, with opportunities for swimming, walking and wildlife watching.
• Cinema and games room: The Shack offers communal cinema facilities, a pool table and table football.
• Shared garden with fire pit: Enjoy outdoor dining, barbecues and evenings around the fire pit.
• Cycling and outdoor games: Guest bicycles and communal sports equipment make it easy to explore and enjoy the island.
• Book alongside Chapel House One: The neighbouring cottage can be reserved for larger gatherings of up to sixteen guests, subject to availability.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many people does Chapel House Two sleep?

Chapel House Two sleeps eight guests. There are three bedrooms, comprising two doubles and a twin, plus a sofa bed in the first-floor mezzanine area.

How do guests get to Osea Island?

Access depends on the tide. Vehicles can use the causeway from the mainland when tidal conditions permit, while arranged water transport can provide access during high water. Guests must follow the island's arrival instructions and tide timetable.

Does Chapel House Two have access to a swimming pool?

Yes. Guests can use Osea Island's shared outdoor swimming pool, which normally operates from May until September.

Are the cinema and games room included?

Yes. The Shack has a communal cinema room and games area with a pool table and table football. These facilities are available during daytime hours, with private evening hire sometimes offered for an additional charge.

Is Chapel House Two dog-friendly?

Yes. Up to two dogs are welcome, with a charge of £30 per dog per week.

Can Chapel House Two be booked with Chapel House One?

Yes. The two linked cottages can be booked together, subject to availability, providing accommodation for up to sixteen guests across both properties.

Bedrooms & Bathrooms at Chapel House Two

Chapel House Two sleeps eight guests across three bedrooms and an additional mezzanine sofa bed.

The accommodation includes two ground-floor bedrooms and a further double bedroom on the first floor. The mezzanine provides sleeping space for another two guests.

There are two bathrooms, with a traditional family bathroom on the ground floor and a separate shower room upstairs.

Group Accommodation Layout

Bedroom 1: Ground-Floor Double Bedroom

Bedroom 1 is situated on the ground floor and contains a double bed.

Its position close to the main living accommodation makes it a convenient choice for parents, grandparents or another couple sharing the cottage.

The ground-floor family bathroom is available nearby, providing bathing facilities without the need to use the staircase.

The bedroom forms part of the cottage's traditional layout, alongside the separate lounge, dining room and kitchen.

Bedroom 2: First-Floor Double Bedroom

The second bedroom occupies the first floor and contains a double bed.

This provides another comfortable sleeping arrangement for a couple, parents or adult family members.

A separate shower room is located on the same floor, serving the bedroom and mezzanine sleeping area.

Its upper-floor position offers some separation from the ground-floor bedrooms.

Bedroom 3: Ground-Floor Twin Bedroom

The third bedroom is situated on the ground floor and contains two single beds.

It is particularly suitable for children, teenagers or adult friends who prefer separate sleeping arrangements.

The ground-floor family bathroom is nearby, making it convenient for a family occupying the two bedrooms on this level.

Mezzanine Sleeping Area

The mezzanine provides the additional sleeping accommodation that allows Chapel House Two to accommodate eight guests.

Located on the first floor, this area contains a sofa bed sleeping two people.

It is particularly useful for children, teenagers or other guests who are comfortable sleeping in an open mezzanine space.

Unlike the three main bedrooms, the mezzanine is not a fully separate bedroom, so groups should consider privacy and the sofa-bed arrangement when allocating sleeping accommodation.

The first-floor shower room is available nearby.

How Does the Layout Work for a Group of 8?

Chapel House Two works particularly well for two families sharing a holiday.

One family can use the ground-floor double and twin bedrooms, while the second double bedroom and mezzanine sofa bed provide sleeping accommodation on the first floor.

For groups of friends, the two double bedrooms can accommodate couples, with the twin room and sofa bed providing four further sleeping places.

The mezzanine arrangement is worth considering for adult groups, as it offers less privacy than an enclosed bedroom.

The lounge and separate dining room give everyone somewhere to gather, while the shared garden provides additional space during warmer weather.

For groups that need more separate bedrooms, booking Chapel House One alongside Chapel House Two may be an attractive option.

Bathroom Layout

Chapel House Two has two bathrooms.

The ground-floor family bathroom contains a traditional roll-top bath with a handheld shower attachment, washbasin and WC.

The first-floor shower room has a shower cubicle, washbasin and WC.

This provides one bath, two bathing or showering options and two toilets for guests.

The separate shower room is particularly convenient for those sleeping in the first-floor double bedroom and mezzanine.

Facilities & Information at Chapel House Two

Chapel House Two combines characterful cottage accommodation with an unusually wide choice of shared leisure facilities around Osea Island.

The lounge, dining room and kitchen provide comfortable spaces for family holidays, while the shared garden is an inviting setting for spending time outdoors.

The island itself offers opportunities for swimming, cycling, outdoor games and exploring the coastline, making it an important part of the overall holiday experience.

Lounge and Dining Room

The separate lounge is a welcoming room with sofas, a television and fireplace.

It provides a comfortable place for families and friends to relax after spending the day exploring the island.

A staircase leads from the lounge to the first-floor accommodation.

The separate dining room has a dining table for meals together, creating a sociable setting for breakfasts, lunches and evenings at the cottage.

Having distinct lounge and dining areas allows different members of the group to enjoy activities or spend time together.

Kitchen and Self-Catering Facilities

The kitchen has an electric cooker and hob, fridge freezer, microwave and dishwasher.

A kettle and toaster are provided, together with a washing machine for laundry during longer stays.

These facilities allow guests to prepare meals at the cottage and make the most of their time on the island.

As access to the mainland is tide-dependent, planning meals and bringing suitable groceries is particularly important.

Shared Garden, Barbecue and Fire Pit

Chapel House One and Two share an attractive garden and decked area.

Outdoor tables and chairs provide a pleasant setting for meals, while the barbecue offers opportunities for relaxed summer cooking.

A fire pit provides another enjoyable feature for evenings outdoors.

The shared arrangement makes the outdoor space particularly sociable, especially for guests booking both cottages together.

Seasonal Outdoor Swimming Pool

Osea Island has a communal outdoor swimming pool available to guests.

The pool normally operates from May until September, making it particularly appealing for families enjoying spring and summer holidays.

It provides an enjoyable alternative to sea swimming and gives guests another activity during days spent exploring the island.

Cinema and Games Room

The Shack is one of the island's most distinctive communal facilities.

It contains a cinema room where guests can enjoy films, together with a games room offering a pool table and table football.

The facilities are available for communal use during daytime hours.

Private evening hire may be arranged for an additional charge, making the space particularly appealing for special occasions and larger groups.

Cycling and Outdoor Activities

Osea Island offers approximately 4.5 miles of coastline to explore.

Bicycles are available for guests to use, providing an enjoyable way to discover the island's paths, beaches and quieter corners.

A communal sports shed contains equipment for rounders, croquet, swing ball, golf, cricket, football and volleyball.

The island also offers paid activities by arrangement, including boating, fishing, clay pigeon shooting and watersports.

These facilities make Chapel House Two particularly attractive for groups who enjoy active holidays.

Island Beaches and Wildlife

The island's private beaches offer opportunities for exploring the shoreline, sea swimming and enjoying the Blackwater Estuary.

Osea is surrounded by saltmarshes and tidal flats that support a wide variety of coastal wildlife.

Birdwatchers can look out for waders, wildfowl and other estuary birds, while woodland and meadows provide habitats for further wildlife.

The combination of beaches, nature and quiet coastal paths makes the island an appealing destination for guests who enjoy spending time outdoors.

The Puffin and Island Event Spaces

The Puffin is Osea Island's traditional seasonal pub.

It offers a characterful place for drinks and socialising when open.

The island also has several unusual event spaces, including The Bomb Factory and The Power House.

These venues can be hired for private events by arrangement, with additional charges applying.

Parking and Practical Facilities

Parking is available at the cottage, with further spaces around the island.

Gas central heating, electricity, bed linen, towels and WiFi are included.

Guests should bring their own beach and swimming pool towels.

A telephone is provided, while mobile reception is generally good.

The tidal causeway means arrival arrangements are different from a conventional holiday cottage. Guests should confirm the appropriate crossing times and transport arrangements in advance.

Facilities

Category	Facilities
Lounge	Sofas, fireplace and television
Dining Room	Separate dining area with table
Kitchen	Electric cooker and hob
Kitchen Appliances	Fridge freezer, microwave and dishwasher
Small Appliances	Kettle and toaster
Laundry	Washing machine
Bedrooms	2 doubles and 1 twin
Additional Sleeping	Mezzanine sofa bed
Bathrooms	Ground-floor bathroom and first-floor shower room
Shared Garden	Furnished garden and decked area
Outdoor Dining	Tables and chairs
Barbecue	Shared barbecue
Fire Pit	Shared outdoor fire pit
Swimming Pool	Seasonal outdoor communal pool
Cinema	Shared cinema room in The Shack
Games Room	Pool table and table football
Sports Equipment	Rounders, croquet, cricket, football, volleyball and other games
Cycling	Guest bicycles available
Beach	Access to private island beaches
Coastal Walking	Approximately 4.5 miles of island coastline
Fishing	Available as an additional paid activity by arrangement
Watersports	Available by arrangement, additional charges
Pub	The Puffin, seasonal
Heating	Gas central heating
Internet	WiFi
Telephone	Provided
Parking	At the cottage and elsewhere on the island
Pets	Up to 2 dogs welcome

Important Information

Information	Details
Maximum Occupancy	8 guests
Property Type	Cottage within a pair of linked properties
Bedrooms	3
Additional Sleeping	Mezzanine sofa bed
Bathrooms	2
Ground Floor	Lounge, dining room, kitchen, double bedroom, twin bedroom and family bathroom
First Floor	Double bedroom, shower room and mezzanine
Accessibility	Two ground-floor bedrooms and bathroom; specific accessibility requirements should be checked before booking
Island Access	Tide-dependent causeway and arranged water transport
Check-in	Determined by tidal conditions
Check-out	10am
Preferred Changeover	Saturday, with flexible arrival days
Minimum Stay	2 nights
Swimming Pool	Shared outdoor pool, normally May to September
Cinema	Communal daytime access
Games Room	Communal daytime access
Private Evening Hire	May be available at additional cost
Island Beach	Private beach access for guests
Garden	Shared between Chapel House One and Two
Barbecue and Fire Pit	Shared outdoor facilities
Bicycles	Available for guests
Parking	At property, with additional island parking
Dogs	Maximum of 2
Dog Charge	£30 per dog per week
Bed Linen	Included
Towels	Included, excluding beach and pool towels
Gas Central Heating	Included
Electricity	Included
WiFi	Included
Telephone	Provided
Mobile Reception	Generally good
EV Charging	No charging facilities available on the island
Additional Activities	Fishing, watersports and other activities may be arranged at extra cost
Seasonal Pub	The Puffin
Additional Accommodation	Chapel House One, subject to availability
Combined Occupancy	Up to 16 guests across both cottages
Booking Confirmation	Final confirmation required before making dependent travel arrangements
Short Breaks	Available from 2 nights

Location & Things to Do Near Chapel House Two

Chapel House Two is situated on Osea Island, a private island in the Blackwater Estuary near Maldon on the Essex coast. Its secluded position, tidal access and beautiful natural surroundings make it a particularly unusual destination for families and friends looking for a coastal holiday with plenty of opportunities to explore.

One of the most memorable aspects of staying on Osea Island is the journey across the historic tidal causeway. Accessible when the tide permits, the crossing provides remarkable views of the estuary and surrounding saltmarshes. At high water, arranged water transport may be used instead, allowing visitors to appreciate the island from the water.

Once on Osea Island, guests can explore approximately 4.5 miles of coastline. Shingle beaches, saltmarshes, wooded areas and meadows create a varied landscape, while the surrounding tidal flats are particularly attractive for birdwatching.

The Blackwater Estuary is an important habitat for coastal wildlife, supporting waders, wildfowl and other birds throughout the year. Walking and cycling provide excellent opportunities to enjoy the surroundings, while the island's private beaches offer places for sea swimming, beachcombing and relaxing beside the water.

The outdoor swimming pool, cinema and games room provide additional activities, while the seasonal Puffin pub offers a characterful place to spend an evening when open.

For guests who want to explore the mainland, Maldon is one of the area's most interesting destinations. This historic Essex town is known for its maritime heritage, traditional Thames sailing barges and picturesque waterfront at Hythe Quay.

Promenade Park is a popular family attraction, with open green spaces, play facilities and views across the Blackwater Estuary. Maldon also has independent shops, cafés and restaurants, making it an attractive place to spend an afternoon.

The nearby village of Goldhanger has traditional cottages, countryside walks and village pubs, while Heybridge Basin is known for its picturesque canal lock, waterside walks and views towards the estuary.

The surrounding Dengie Peninsula offers further opportunities for exploring peaceful Essex countryside and tidal landscapes.

Visitors planning mainland excursions should always consider the causeway's opening times and crossing arrangements, as the tide determines when the island can be reached by road.

With its private beaches, coastal wildlife, swimming pool, cycling and unusual tidal access, Osea Island provides a memorable setting for a large group holiday in Essex.

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