Waterside House in Wadhurst is consistently praised for its stunning lakeside views, spacious and well-decorated rooms, and peaceful surroundings. Guests have enjoyed the property's ample space, modern facilities mixed with period charm, and the welcoming nature of the host, Helen. The property is ideal for family gatherings, celebrations, and team off-sites, with many mentioning the desire to return.
There is no specific mention of cleanliness in the reviews, therefore it is not possible to provide an accurate score for this category.
The location receives high praise for its peacefulness, proximity to local amenities, and beautiful walks around the lake. The secluded yet accessible setting, with stunning lake views and nearby pubs, contributes to its near-perfect rating.
Guests have highlighted the spaciousness and cosy feel of the house, the large and beautifully decorated bedrooms, and the overall comfort provided by the property. The presence of ensuite bathrooms and multiple living spaces ensures a comfortable stay.
The property boasts modern facilities, including a well-equipped kitchen, games room, hot tub, and BBQ area. The ensuites in every bedroom and the availability of indoor activities during bad weather are also appreciated.
While guests have expressed gratitude towards the host and mentioned the provision of useful information and assistance, there is no mention of gifts or special touches that would indicate thoughtfulness as a consistent theme. Therefore, a score cannot be provided.
Waterside House is a truly outstanding English country home. Sitting on the banks of the serene Bewl water, the property is found in an expansive area of outstanding natural beauty and is handily located just an hour away from London.
A meandering drive through thick woodland opens out to reveal this grand Art and Crafts mansion, which features ornate antique chimneys and is surrounded by beautiful lawns. Pushing open the thick oak front door, guests are greeted by an impressive reception hall complete with an elegant staircase and galleried landing.
A particular highlight is the large kitchen and breakfast area with its part-glass ceiling. The adjoining dining room and top quality amenities mean that entertaining here is a joy - not to mention the fantastic opportunities for formal dining if you're here to celebrate a special occasion.
Step outside through the double doors and you’ll find a stone patio facing South across the 800 acre lake, with a lawn stretching right down to the water’s edge. It's a quintessentially English and truly memorable feature!
The décor is impeccable throughout, cosy yet stylish, and guests will feel instantly at home thanks to the perfect balance of rustic charm and bespoke furnishings.
As Waterside House is conveniently close to the A21, London (and everything it offers!) couldn’t be more accessible, but whether you're enjoying a spot of boating out on the lake or sitting on the patio with a glass of wine at sunset, you’ll feel a million miles from the hustle and bustle of the capital.
- Royal Tunbridge Wells: 7 miles
- Rye: 12 miles
- Wadhurst: 1.5 miles
- Lamberhurst: 1.5 miles
- London: 28 miles
- Central London: 45 miles
- The 13 miles around Bewl Water is an idyllic circuit for a walk, run or cycle.
- Trout fishing from the bank or a from a boat are both popular pastimes in the area.
- Sailing
- Canoeing
- Kayaking
- Bicycle hire
- Adventure playground in Lamberhurst
- Horse Riding facilities are just 3 miles
- Quad biking is 2 miles from the house
- Golf courses just 3 miles away
- Clay Pigeon shooting within 8 miles
- Paintballing
Waterside House's owner is an interior decorator, and has taken her exacting eye and flair for style to every aspect of the property! From the approach via a private drive that opens out onto an impressive vista of Bewl water to the stately home-from-home feel in the luxuriously cosy living rooms, Waterside House is somewhere that offers the tranquility of a lakeside getaway with all the imposing grandeur of a country house.
Outside, the long drive leads up to plenty of parking and the south-facing gardens and terraces that look out over the water's edge. Enter the large oak doors (a feature of the house) to the large, York stone entrance hall, where it's almost impossible not to be impressed by wide, elegant staircase and the galleried landing. French doors lead out to the covered seating that overlooks the lake, providing some truly magnificent views.
The equally large triple aspect drawing room comes with an impressive inglenook wood burner (perfect for curling up on those long winter evenings!) and old arch windows that provide 180° views of the lake. The ominously-named (but eminently comfortable) Gun Room boasts an open fireplace for further cosy nights, a large TV set in one corner, a hanging chandelier to add that extra touch of class and even more beautiful views across the lake.
If you're in the mood for a bite to eat, Waterside House has all you need to whip up everything from a sandwich to seven course meal. The kitchen comes with a beautiful wooden oak floor, a double drinks fridge and American style fridge-freezer with ice maker and water cooler. There's an electric four-door aga, sink and dishwasher, along with an central island for food preparation and a hatch through to the dining room.
The dining room is impressive in and of itself, with down lighting and a large walnut table for more formal dining occasions, a wall TV for the less formal ones and even more relaxing views across the placid lake. There's also a Travertine tiled breakfast room with a glass atrium ceiling for on-the-go eating, which leads out onto the covered terrace through a set of French doors.
The lower floor is also where you'll find two WCs with basins, a study and inner hall area complete with shelving if you feel the need to get some work done (or just fancy a bit of me-time with a good book) and a laundry room that comes complete with welly rack, washing machine and tumble dryer.
Waterside House boasts eight sumptuous bedrooms, seven of which are en-suite. The first bedroom is found above the kitchen and offers the best views in the house thanks to the French window and Juliette balcony, while the upholstered king size bed and luxurious seating area ensure there's plenty of comfort. There's a large power shower in the Travertine tiled bathroom too.
The second bedroom offers a zip and link six foot bed that can be detached to use as two singles, and also comes with a tiled en-suite and power shower. The third bedroom and the master suite of the house has its very own deep and comfortable four-poster kingsize bed and even more spectacular views, along with an ante-room with seating, a dressing room and oak cupboards. The luxury en-suite provides a large power shower, a double basin and a large bath surrounded by elegant black marble work surfaces.
The fourth bedroom is another large king room with fabulous views, and ante-room with seating and an en-suite with a bath and shower, tiled in Travertine.
Bedroom five has Louis XIV bed with views across the wood, garden and lake adjoining the house. The en-suite has a wonderful lake view and a large power shower that's just bound to wake you up in the mornings!
The sixth and seventh bedrooms can be found on the second floor. Both have king beds with magnificent views that are somewhat reminiscent of being on board a ship - seasickness is not an issue, though! These rooms have a separate area which is perfect for a single bed (great if you've got a teen with you). Both bathrooms come with en-suite power showers with black tiles and mahogany units.
Bedroom 8 is located downstairs, in what used to be the study. It features a king size bed.
Accessed via the dining room is a games room, housing table tennis and medium size snooker table. There is also a table football game and library in a comfortable 'landing' area between the kitchen and the entrance hall. There is also croquet, rounders, boules and outside domino sets for guests to enjoy - they're definitely not just for the kids.
Sheltered from any breezes (but thankfully not the sun!) outside you'll find the 8-seater Jacuzzi. Kick back, relax and get massaged by the jets while you look out over the placid lake and truly unwind.
The property is accessed via a long drive with 2 electric gates. There is plenty of parking close to both doors for ease of unloading luggage and supplies.
The outside covered terrace is the perfect place to sit and be mesmerised by the natural wonder all around you. At Waterside House, you'll be able to enjoy beauty at any time of the day with glorious sun rises, romantic sunsets and the light of the moon dancing on the water.
Elaine
We just returned from a wonderful Christmas stay at Waterside House. Every other year we try and find a house to accommodate our extended family and finding a large, luxurious home is not always easy. This home did not disappoint. The house is beautifully situated with a view from every room. Helen had decorated for the Holidays so, while the weather was not the kindest (thank you Storm Gerrit), the smell of pine, log fires and comfy couches more than made up for it. The whole house was cosy and very Christmassy - just as we'd hoped! The kitchen was very well stocked with equipment, plates, pots and pans for any level of chef and between the aga and electric oven, we had no issue making Christmas dinner for 16. There was plenty of room for all of us and we enjoyed the game room, the TV snug and gathering for games in the gorgeous main living room. Having 7 ensuite bedrooms really gave everyone privacy and space and it was nice that the 8th bedroom was on the ground floor (with a bathroom a few steps away) for anyone who can't easily manage stairs. Helen met us at the property and took time to walk us through and answer any questions. She was also responsive via text, answering quickly and provided great information about the local area. We thoroughly enjoyed walking around the lake, the proximity to good pubs and National Trust properties. In summary, it is a wonderful house for a family gathering, for Christmas or any other vacation, and I highly recommend booking a stay at Waterside House.
Elaine
We just returned from a wonderful Christmas stay at Waterside House. Every other year we try and find a house to accommodate our extended family and finding a large, luxurious home is not always easy. This home did not disappoint. The house is beautifully situated with a view from every room. Helen had decorated for the Holidays so, while the weather was not the kindest (thank you Storm Gerrit), the smell of pine, log fires and comfy couches more than made up for it. The whole house was cosy and very Christmassy - just as we'd hoped! The kitchen was very well stocked with equipment, plates, pots and pans for any level of chef and between the aga and electric oven, we had no issue making Christmas dinner for 16. There was plenty of room for all of us and we enjoyed the game room, the TV snug and gathering for games in the gorgeous main living room. Having 7 ensuite bedrooms really gave everyone privacy and space and it was nice that the 8th bedroom was on the ground floor (with a bathroom a few steps away) for anyone who can't easily manage stairs. Helen met us at the property and took time to walk us through and answer any questions. She was also responsive via text, answering quickly and provided great information about the local area. We thoroughly enjoyed walking around the lake, the proximity to good pubs and National Trust properties. In summary, it is a wonderful house for a family gathering, for Christmas or any other vacation, and I highly recommend booking a stay at Waterside House.
Chip H.
Thank you so much for a wonderful stay at Waterside House - we all had a fantastic time and the house was perfect.
Become a Big Cottages member for free and enjoy exclusive pricing and discounts on thousands of large properties.
Login to see
Sign up to see
Login to see
or
Already a member login here
Not a member?
By entering my email address, I agree to Big Cottage's Terms of Service, Privacy Policy and to receive email updates, news, & offers from Big Cottages.
Thank you for joining, member discounts are now available.
Sign up to be alerted of any last-minute cancellations and discounts.
By entering my email address, I agree to Snaptrip's Terms of service, Privacy policy and to receive email updates, news, & offers from Snaptrip.
So we can send you deals and availability relevant to you.
By entering my email address, I agree to Snaptrip's Terms of service, Privacy policy and to receive email updates, news, & offers from Snaptrip.
Your browser is out of date and we can't guarantee a consistent experience when using our site. Please consider updating or switching. More info on browser support