Roserai
Waldron, East Sussex, UK
There’s a distinct Franco-English flavour to this former oast house in West Sussex. Hidden in a 10-acre estate, guests will find a heated swimming pool, hot tub and spa area along with a romantic interior worthy of any luxury chateaux. There’s a boating lake to entice the imaginations of children and grand fireplaces for post opera tipples (Glyndebourne's just a short drive away). Ultimately though, nothing can compete with the grounds; crossed with neat lawns and rose gardens they are a true paradise.
Introduction
Once part of a sizeable tanning estate, this Grade-II listed roundel house near the peaceful East Sussex village of Waldron has been renovated to create one extraordinary self-catering country home. Inside is a wonderland of luxury, whilst extensive grounds include a heated swimming pool and boating lake. Guests can look forward to unwinding in the cosy living areas, luxuriating in the pool house and hot tub or simply wandering through the ornamental gardens with their hundreds of flowers and hidden attractions: Roserai was made for celebratory weekends with family and friends.
Inside
Having spent much cherished time in the south of France, the owners have given the interior of their beloved home a distinct French style, with chunky exposed beams, period furniture, beautiful plaster detail and French art adorning the walls. There are five gorgeous bedrooms, two in the round tower itself. Ceilings are hung with chandeliers, beds are buried under sumptuous linens and on the door of each, a brass knocker depicts a fox, dragonfly, snail, owl and bee. Meanwhile, modern bathrooms provide all the luxuries required after a day playing in the garden or boating on the lake.
Outside
The great outdoors won't keep guests inside these pretty walls for long, no matter how sumptuous. Sway in the hammock or wander through the rose gardens, drinking in the sweet country air before retreating inside for home-cooked delights. Halfway between bustling Tunbridge Wells and coastal Eastbourne, Roserai enjoys a scenic spot at the edge of the High Weald, with rolling green views for miles around. The small Sussex town of Waldron is the closest point for country pubs, fresh produce and rambling walks, and, for culture enthusiasts, world-class Glyndebourne opera house can be reached in less than half an hour.
The Facts
- SleepsUp to 8 guests
From £4,650 per week, £3,495 per short break - Alternative group optionUp to 4 guests
- Bedrooms and bathroomsThere are four main bedrooms comprising three super king-size beds one king-size bed. One child´s bunk room is available upon request at an additional cost. One bedroom has an en suite bathroom with a walk-in shower, and there is a family bathroom with an overhead shower, plus a ground-floor WC.
View bedrooms - FeaturesHeated swimming pool (available May-September), hot tub, sauna, steam room and pool house
- PetsTwo small well-behaved dogs or one large dog welcome on prior request
Each pet is charged at £60 per week or part thereof - Arrivals and departuresArrival Day: FridayArrival Time: 5pmDeparture Time: 10am
- FamilyYes, children are very welcome. A travel cot and a highchair are available.
- PracticalitiesThe house has room for at least five cars. Please note, the owners live nearby within the 10-acre estate and have two friendly Labradors. The farmhouse kitchen has a large double oven, fridge-freezer, dishwasher, washer-dryer and Nespresso machine. The pool is heated and open between May and September, 10am-6pm. Daily use of the hot tub, sauna, steam room, pool house and barbecue area is available between 10am and 10pm. With a stream, ponds and a lake in the grounds, parents are advised to take care of children.
- Homestay includesLuxury welcome hamper with two bottles of the owners´ favourite wine, logs and kindling to get you started, linen and towels, fluffy bathrobes, TV with Apple Box, Bang & Olufsen music system, DAB radio, WiFi internet, croquet set, Hunter wellies, Marshmallows and toasting fork, gas barbecue and woodfired pizza oven...House book - your property and destination guideDiscover more little luxuries
- Private cateringDiscover your options for private dining and fully catered breaks.
- Additional extrasA handpicked selection of unique experiences are available at this property.
- RestrictionsParties considered on prior permission from the owner
- Other informationProperty terms and conditionsFrequently asked questionsEV charger locationsCheck mobile signalRecommend to a friend
Prices & Availability
Waldron
Halfway from Tunbridge Wells to Eastbourne, and right on the edge of the high-rolling High Weald, this little town has a regular food market and stunning old church and is close to Heathfield, where shops and restaurants provide all you need for a luxury self-catering country house escape.
Getting there
- On the Map Roserai is located in its own splendid grounds just to the west of the market town of Heathfield in East Sussex, roughly halfway between Tunbridge Wells and Eastbourne.
- By Car The property is approximately two and a half hours from London, 40 minutes from Tunbridge Wells and 30 minutes from Eastbourne.
- By Train The journey time to Tunbridge Wells from London Bridge is 45 minutes, followed by a 30 minute bus journey to Heathfield, from where guests can take a taxi the 10 minute drive to the house.
- By Air Gatwick Airport is a one hour away by car or taxi.
From the owner
“We´ve taken great care to ensure Roserai has retained many original features, and we added contemporary touches for laid-back comfort. We know you will love the lake, ponds and pool house as much as we do.”
Built in 1575 by John Fuller, the house used to be a tanning mill, and the tanning ponds are still very much in-situ just as they were then. A traditional Sussex sandstone and redbrick building, with Sussex tile, hung roof, and the unique square capped roof on the oast ensure the property boasts huge character and comfort.
The calming waters of the large lake lie next to Roserai, where you can follow the well-trodden path for a leisurely stroll to soak up the beautiful surroundings. You may perhaps meet one or two of the plentiful wildfowl enjoying the tranquillity of the water. Take in the scenery where the Weeping Willows, majestic Cedars and wonderful great Oaks grow elegantly on the water’s edge, and enjoy the views around the expansive gardens.
Of course, the latest modern addition to the property is the wonderfully zen heated swimming pool, hot tub and luxurious indoor spa facilities including sauna and steam room which are available all year round, complete with the grand outdoor seating area for dining alfresco, with full use of the barbecue and pizza oven, and fully equipped kitchen – ensuring your stay will be indulgent, relaxing and restorative. We are also perfectly located to visit the Glyndebourne opera house which is just a short drive from Roserai and a must!
Owner recommendations
Live like a local, discovering the best hidden gem restaurants, walks and attractions during your holiday in Waldron with an insider’s perspective.
To See
Take in a show, Glyndebourne
Under half an hour by car and a stone´s throw from the picturesque village of Lewes, the Glyndebourne season runs from May to August. This is classic world class opera at its very best: take in the festival´s unique seasonal picnic experience, and don´t forget to dress to impress…
To See
Get your armour on, Hailsham
Herstmonceux Castle, half an hour by car, is a 14th century landmark in a splendid estate, with its own formal gardens (and, so it´s said, a ghostly drummer). Schedule a visit for the medieval festival in August and make it a family day out, with a good dash of battle history thrown in.
To Eat
The Star Inn, Waldron
For a hearty, slap-up Sunday roast, this authentic Sussex country pub is perfect for all the family. Recently listed in The Good Beer Guide, it offers a huge selection of real ales, beers, ciders and exceptional wines. With divine food and a homely, warm atmosphere, it is well worth a visit.
To Do
Waldron walks, Waldron
This village has a 12th century church thought to have been built on the site of an older Saxon one. Wander through the churchyard and look out for the terracotta plaques and sombre memorials. A circular trail takes walkers across High Weald, starting and stopping in the village itself.
Guest Testimonials
Thank you to the owners for the most perfect stay in your very special retreat away from our busy London lives. The house has such a lovely cosy homely feel & your little touches are so beautiful. Thanks again for allowing us to share this special place. The gardens, grounds, sauna, and steam room are also fabulous! We hope to return one day.
A fabulous week of family reunion with three generations under one roof! We absolutely loved the spa facilities with lots of time lounging around and incredible spa treatments from the lovely Lisa- highly recommend! Dinner at both versions of The Star Inn- both at Waldron and Heathfield Waldron definitely book (especially with children), the food was delicious. Heathfield had a lovely garden. Beautiful runs down Dem Lane to Chiddingly and up the hill to Heathfield. Thank you for a lovely stay.
After two years apart due to travel restrictions, Roserai was the perfect destination to unwind, unplug and reconnect. Being here at Christmas felt particularly special - thank you for every little touch and the attention to detail. Your home has inspired me to get on with buying mine in Upstate New York! Thank you.
From the moment we arrived, we knew this house was very special. This is a home-from-home, but so much more. Here to celebrate mum´s 65th birthday and retirement from the NHS during Covid, we couldn´t have picked a more perfect setting. With the weather on our side, we enjoyed pool parties, barbecues and pizzas and the children spent much time in the pool learning to be fish! The attention to detail in every part of Roserai is spectacular. Thank you again for an amazing holiday and we hope to be back again soon!
Thank you! We have had the most wonderful stay in your extraordinarily gorgeous house - just dreamy! We don´t want to leave. The children have enjoyed having their own pool and hot tub, and we adults loved the steam room. The children have already asked if we can come back again!
We´ve had an amazing stay at Roserai! The pool, house and grounds are all fantastic and we´ve simply loved being here. We hope to be back again next year. Thank you for everything!
We had an absolutely wonderful stay at Roserai! What a picture-perfect home and grounds! The children and adults alike had so much fun - the pool and hot tub are fantastic and we all loved bouncing on the trampoline. Thank you for making us feel so welcome in your beautiful home. We will definitely be back!
The house and grounds at Roserai are just wonderful. We´ve had a true escape and have loved everything. The spa and pool were great, even with the lack of sunshine! We hope to return one day.
Even though we had some hiccups with a local power cut, everyone, including the homestay team and the lovely owners did everything they could to make our stay relaxing and stress-free. The location is amazing and the house and grounds are just fabulous! What a great experience, an incredible house and exactly what we needed to forget busy London life. Thank you!
The house is fabulous - Roserai is so calming and we had absolutely everything you could want or need. The pool/spa area is just perfect too; what a complete treat. We will be back!
What a fantastic week away. The house was very cosy, especially when it was raining and the fire was lit. The styling of the house was perfection. We enjoyed using the pizza oven, the spa and especially the hot tub. Everything to do with the house and surroundings had been planned and so well thought out. Roserai exceeded our expectations and we will be back.
Thank you for the loveliest week. We loved the house, the grounds, the farm, the garden, pool, sauna, jacuzzi. Thank you so much for making us feel so charmed by the lovely country life here. We cannot wait to return.
Thank you for a fabulous stay. A week of 30-degree heat meant the pool was very well used! Roserai is a beautiful property with stunning gardens and all the facilities you could ever need.
An amazing property that has everything you could want or need! Roserai is the perfect place to relax and catch up with family. The pool and pool house are fantastic. Thank you!
We´ve had a fabulous time here over the last week. Real highlights have included daily swims, spa, walking around the beautiful grounds and relaxing as a family surrounded by nature. What a treat! Our sole regret was that we only booked one week; we´ll be back for two weeks next time!
Without a doubt, Roserai is one of the best places my family and I have ever stayed. It’s a beautiful property and the grounds completely exceeded our expectations – we spent a whole week exploring all of the hidden treasures, and even so, I am not sure we managed to see it all. We are already planning our return!
Unique extras
Enhance your stay with a unique experience from one of our preferred suppliers. From professional in-house chefs to luxury at-home spa therapists and wine delivered to the door, see what’s on offer for your bespoke escape.
Press
Below are a selection of features in which Unique Homestays has appeared. If you would like to feature the property in an editorial capacity, please contact the marketing team on +44 (0)1637 882014.
complete an image bank request
Staycation in splendid isolation
Country Living
May 2023Britain´s best holiday cottages
The Telegraph
May 2023Best holiday homes in the UK
Conde Nast Traveller
May 2023A look inside The Fable x The White Company
House Beautiful
May 2023Britain´s best offbeat escapes
Country Living
May 2023Follying up the folly
Country Living
May 2023The hidden heart of Cornwall
Financial Times
April 2023A woodland fantasy
25 Beautiful Homes
April 2023
Collections > Dog-Friendly Escapes > UK > East Sussex > Waldron > Roserai
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Disclaimer: These particulars, whilst believed to be accurate, are set as a guideline so should not be relied upon as a statement of fact. The photographs show aspects of the property at the time they were taken and it should not be assumed that the property remains precisely as displayed. If there are points of particular importance that need clarifying before you book, please contact us.
