Oriri Lock Cottage

A charming and prestigious waterside abode. Built in the 1800s to accommodate three lock-keepers, the house was made famous as the broadcast site of Channel 4’s ‘The Big Breakfast’. Today, this cultural anachronism has been tastefully renovated. Its living spaces are light-filled galleries exhibiting unique furniture, architectural idiosyncrasies, and homely detail. Ten guests are easily accommodated across five bedrooms. Outside, a south facing lawn, roof terrance and swimming pool evoke the feel of a LA villa; yet you never left East London. Currently undergoing renovation, Oriri Lock Cottage will be available for booking in 2026.

Living. Cooking. Dining.

An open plan kitchen and dining room is the heart of the home. Set your culinary potential to maximum thanks to the industry-grade gas stove, wealth of gadgets, and dedicated pantry. A ten-seater solid oak dining table sits beside a mighty brickwork chimney breast. A rustic log burner warms your cockles on good looks alone - and for those more wintery nights, actual logs are a good option too.

A short walk through double-doors takes you to a generous living room. Indulge your musicality at the Halle & Voight mini-grand or nestle with a book in the deepest of sofas. A 65-inch ‘black mirror’ OLED Smart TV is paired with a multi-speaker Sonos system for a truly immersive sports and cinema experience. Floor-to-ceiling windows are dual aspect and offer views over the surrounding lawn, trees and flower beds.

Sleeping Quarters.

To sleep at Lock Cottage is to be blessed by the slumber gods. Its five elegant chambers are cool, quiet, and generously proportioned. Each contains a king or super-king bed topped with our favourite mattress, highly praised for its comfort and support. Beds are dressed in fine linens with tasteful detailing, all responsibly sourced for a truly guilt-free snooze.

Bedroom 1. The master bedroom comprises a super king bed centrally-positioned with superior views over the lawn and garden. Matching storage units are set conveniently at each bedside. The main bathroom is a short walk down the corridor.
Bedroom 2. Next to the master bedroom is the second bedroom, comprising a super king bed, large floor-to-ceiling mirrors, and dual aspect windows. In the centre of the room is an ensuite bathroom with toilet, sink and bath/shower.
Bedroom 3. Situated on the top floor, bedroom three is a quirky L-shaped chamber. The king-size bed sits cosily beneath the eaves. The room’s elevated, eastern position is far away from the hub of the house. On the same floor is a shared bathroom.
Bedroom 4. Positioned centrally on the top floor is the fourth bedroom, again with exquisite garden views. A super king bed, storage unit and desk meet all your practical needs, and still leave floor space for your favourite yoga poses. A shared bathroom is available next door.
Bedroom 5. Accessible via two entrances, bedroom 5 is a large, unique space with eaves on all sides. A super king bed sits centrally and there are windows on three-aspects looking over the garden, canal and pool.

Bathrooms. Five bathrooms are conveniently located over three floors and comprise five showers, four toilets, and two baths.

The Garden.

Lock Cottage is a tale of two gardens. To the north, a tear-shaped swimming pool is a one way ticket to 1970s Hollywood. Enjoy a morning plunge, full-blown inflatables, or a late night (skinny?) dip - it’s all on the table and can be supervised from a cosy roof terrace, which draws the evening sun. In contrast, to the south of the house is an idyllic English garden. Here, the large private lawn is a rare urban luxury. Surrounding waterways and vegetation provide natural seclusion from the outside world. This is a truly special place to spend time. For the evenings, a paved patio is the perfect alfresco dining setting.

Locally.

East London’s Fish Island features a packed setlist of local highlights, all walkable from Lock Cottage. The Olympic Stadium. Victoria Park. Hackney Marshes. A Spaghetti Junction of canals, rivers and footpaths. A zero-waste restaurant. A Michelin Star restaurant. Infinite cafes and bars, including several on the water… And in case you have appetite for more, Central London is 30 mins away by car or public transport.

Sustainably.

Lock Cottage runs on renewable energy supplied from the grid. Its garden is managed with sustainable practices at the fore-front. Where possible, all furniture, fittings and gadgets are locally made, reclaimed, second-hand or otherwise ethically sourced.

Historically.

The history of Lock Cottage is singular and unique. It was originally built as three cottages to house lock-keepers and their families during the heyday of canal transportation. The lock-keepers operated the Old Ford Lock at the ‘Hackney Cut’, a stretch of canal that was dug to bypass a large meander in the River Lea. In the 1990s, a surprising career move saw the three cottages combine and take to the bright lights of breakfast TV. For ten years, they became the set for the hit morning show, The Big Breakfast, a cultural behemoth among millennials, presented by the likes of Chris Evans, Gaby Roslin, Mark Little, Zoe Ball, Johnny Vaughan and Denise van Outen. Today, Lock Cottage is a haven of serenity with a creative legacy. Its staying power is an anomaly amid the fast-developing plains of Fish Island and The Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park.