Tewin Water House, Tewin, Welwyn, Hertfordshire

This truly exceptional residence is arranged over two floors within a wing of the stunning Tewin Water House, a Grade II-listed former country house which has a long and interesting history. The building was originally constructed in 1689 for Squire John Fleet, the son of Sir John Fleet. Sir John was a wealthy sugar merchant who later became Mayor of London, Sheriff of London and an MP for London. The original house was later demolished and rebuilt in 1789 in the imposing Greek Revival style that stands today for 3rd Earl Cowper. It was then extended in 1902 and became a school for deaf children and later converted into six separate apartments in 2001.

The property is arranged on a grand scale with beautifully generous yet balanced proportions, with the soaring elevations accented by Ionic columns, tall bay windows and an imposing entrance topped with a Venetian window. Internally the house is sumptuously, exhibiting all the grandeur and opulence of the time. High ceilings and tall sash windows afford a feeling of space, while solid oak doors, pilasters and ornate fireplaces have been beautifully restored in the same style as the original mansion. Of particular note is the exceptional dining hall, a stunning room with a beautiful, gilded ceiling, carved wood details and a magnificent staircase leading up to a stained glass window. One of the walls features an intricately painted Italianate-style mural of the building in its historic heyday, while the imposing staircase also features 17th-century inspired murals and a roof lantern.

This substantial property has all the modern conveniences one would expect, including a well-appointed kitchen which is both stylish and functional, dominated by a sizeable central island and a vast gas range stove. There is ample space for family dining and four sets of tall windows overlooking the west gardens, providing not only beautiful views but excellent natural light.
The drawing room is decorated in a sunny yellow hue, with ornate plasterwork walls, lemon tree motifs and a vast marble fireplace. The sitting room feels less formal with a wall-mounted television and excellent storage, yet is no less grand with its parquet floors and handsome wood fireplace. The ground floor also incorporates a private study and a cloakroom with WC.

The first floor is currently arranged as one magnificent principal suite, with a bedroom at the centre of a Smallbone dressing room and gym connected by internal doors. There is a generous Clive Christian en suite bathroom, an additional WC and a useful laundry room, though the layout would allow the space to be changed to create a separate bedroom instead of a gym. On the second floor there are two large double bedrooms sharing a family bath and a shower room, as well as a further bedroom, bathroom and kitchenette which would be ideally suited to an au pair or live-in housekeeper.

The property benefits from its own private gardens including south and west facing lawns bordered by the chalk stream of the tranquil river Mimram. A substantial terrace at the front of the house is the ideal space for outdoor entertaining, being wonderfully private it is not overlooked and offers beautiful views over the surrounding grounds. The property further benefits from access to the 10 acres of communal gardens, which were designed by the last great English landscape designer of the 18th century, Humphry Repton. The setting feels very much immersed within the countryside while offers easy access to all the amenities and transport links to London and further afield. A sweeping driveway leads up to the house and an allocated parking area.

Welwyn is a charming village in Hertfordshire offering a peaceful rural lifestyle with excellent connectivity. It lies close to Welwyn Garden City, with nearby towns including Hatfield and Stevenage. The village benefits from convenient rail links, with Welwyn North Station only about half a mile away, providing regular services to London King’s Cross and Cambridge. Other nearby stations include Welwyn Garden City and Knebworth. Welwyn is home to the independent Sherrardswood School, catering to children aged 2 to 18. Well connected by road, the village sits near the A1(M), providing easy access to London and the north, while London Luton Airport is approximately 14.5 km away, offering a range of domestic and international flights.