St Osyth Priory in Essex: 73 architecturally sympathetic new homes to be built alongside medieval site of listed buildings

There is more to the Essex Sunshine Coast than candyfloss, kiss-me-quick hats and caravan parks.

The pretty village of St Osyth, five miles west of Clacton, has a medieval priory with 22 listed buildings in the grounds and several scheduled Ancient Monuments.

The estate sits against the River Colne Estuary Site of Special Scientific Interest, a wetlands nature reserve with hundreds of bird and wildlife species.

Untouched for centuries, the old priory now has new neighbours within its gated walls.

Under way is a development of 73 architecturally sympathetic new homes built with soft-red Flemish-bond brickwork, timber weatherboarding and clay roof tiles.

Homes at St Osyth Priory range from apartments to four-bedroom detached houses, at prices from £200,000 to £750,000. Call City & Country on 01255 388226.

It’s a fascinating and picturesque location. St Osyth claims to be Britain’s driest place, with the least rainfall — one reason, perhaps, for the nearby nudist beach.

A coastal Martello Tower from the Napoleonic Wars has been turned into an aviation museum.

The commute to Liverpool Street station takes just over an hour.