Watersedge, Hickling Broad

Watersedge, on Hickling Broad, offers one of the most amazing views of a Norfolk Broad that I think you’ll find in such a rural setting. 

It really is an incredibly special place and has been in the same family for a long time, so this is a true family home, owned by Jennifer and Phil.

You’ll be completely spoilt for location with this cottage, I promise you.

Nestled in the heart of the Norfolk Broads, Watersedge holiday cottage overlooks Hickling Broad, and what more can you ask for than to have the pleasure of waking up to a fantastic view from one of the three out of four bedrooms that faces the water. 

It offers a truly stunning and idyllic escape.

Watersedge used to be an eel catchers house, and these types of cottages are known as Eelers cottages and usually full of character, this one being no exception.  In the 1940’s an extension was added to make it a spacious but extremely distinctive holiday house.

Watersedge Holiday Cottage

Watersedge is the perfect Norfolk holiday destination for the following reasons:

• Sleeps anything from 1-9 people
• 2 twin rooms, 2 double rooms (one with a single bed in as well)
• Overlooks Hickling Broad
• Lots of activities including the use of a rowing boat
• Use of 4 push bikes
• BBQ, table tennis, garden furniture
• Walks from the doorstep
• Wonderful local beaches
• Dog friendly
• Bring your own paddleboards, canoes, boats
• Hickling Broad Nature Reserve a 30 min walk away, or 10 mins by car
• Great place to base yourself in the winter months to see the seals at Horsey
• 7 night stays or short breaks

If you’re looking for peace, relaxation, and a connection with nature, then this is perfect. 

Or, alternatively, if you think you’d like a more energetic holiday, then you can row, canoe, paddleboard or perhaps enjoying a bit of sailing (caveat to this is that there is only a rowing boat for your use, but you can bring your own canoes, paddleboards and even your own boat and moor directly outside the house!).

The Bedrooms

Watersedge has 4 bedrooms, three of which have the most amazing view overlook Hickling Broad and the very attractive thatched boat house.

Whether you are looking for a cosy retreat for two or a spacious holiday house for the whole extended family, there’s something to cater to every taste.

You don’t even have to fill it with the set number of people!  Why not just come as a couple, or two couples, and enjoy the surroundings in a small group? 

This fantastic 17th-century cottage provides a touch of history and charm in a unique setting:

• complete with low ceilings and traditional features in the eelers cottage side of the house
• a more modern interior with the sitting room and the master bedroom in the extension to the house
• all with stunning views of the broad.

The Dining Room and Kitchen

Both the dining room and the kitchen have yet more wonderful views of the Broad.  The kitchen is fully equipped with everything you would want from a holiday cottage, and the dining room has seating for 9, along with a door which leads out into the garden.

The Sitting Room

The spacious sitting room, located in the newer part of the house, boasts yet more stunning views over the Broads.  This is a place to come and unwind and relax in the evening with its smart TV and lots of comfortable seating.  However, you probably won't want to watch the TV as you'll have yet another chance to just admire the view over the Broad!

The Bathrooms and Utility Room

There are 2 bathrooms. 

One is upstairs and has a bath with shower over the top.  This is in the newer addition to the house. 

The other is a shower room downstairs in the old part of the cottage.  The downstairs shower room is perfect for when you come back from having been on the water, allowing you to walk straight in, rather than having to go upstairs.  There is also a separate WC.

And not forgetting the utility room with a washing machine and sink!  Always a very useful addition to a holiday house.

Watersedge is dog friendly

Enjoy the charm of an Old Eelers Cottage

I love the character that comes from an Eelers Cottage, and you won’t be disappointed with Watersedge.

The main house really does offer a glimpse into the past, with its very traditional architecture. Inside, you’ll be transported to a bygone era, where low ceilings, steep and curved stairs (there is another alternative too) and old wooden doors separating the bedrooms add real character to this fabulous house.

You can read more about the Watersedge here.

Although you'll enjoy the historical charm, Watersdedge is also equipped with modern amenities such as air source heating, washing machine, dishwasher, smart TV and Wifi! 

With the air source heating, Watersedge is beautifully warm in the winter too.  Come and experience the incredible sight of the thousands of seals and their pups on Horsey beach during the winter months.

Activities at Watersedge Hickling Broad

This is a holiday house that will keep everyone amused.  There are a whole host of activities you can do here, should you want to.

Take the rowing boat out onto the Broad, rowing in amongst the reed beds, or take a walk to the Hickling Broad Nature Reserve or along one of the many footpaths. 

If you’re a nature lover, you’ll be in paradise!  The bird life around the Broads is prolific. 

Watersedge also offers:

• 4 bikes for you to use
• a table tennis table
• a BBQ
• outdoor furniture
• plenty of space for outdoor games. 

Bring your own paddleboards, canoes, kayaks or even your own boat which you can moor just outside the house.  Just drop it in at the Staithe and sail it around to the house for the duration of your holiday.

You couldn’t really ask for much more!  Just imagine yourselves on a sunny evening, having a BBQ overlooking the Broad as the sun sets.  Perfect.

Location and surroundings of Watersedge

The thatched boat house which you can see from the house is private so you won’t be able to use this.  But it's still incredibly beautiful to look at!

The Norfolk Broads is a huge network of rivers and marshes that were dug out for peat many, many years ago.  It’s a paradise for wildlife and offer endless opportunities for exploring the surrounding area. And here you’ve got a chance to be right in the middle of it all.

All the birds in the photos above have been seen in the vicinity of Watersedge.

I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again, Watersedge really does boast a prime location in The Norfolk Broads.

Whether you choose to explore by boat, on foot, or by bike, there is something for everyone to enjoy. From the rare bird species that call the Broads their home such as the Bittern which you may be lucky to see, to Spoonbills, swallowtail butterflies, herons, otters and so much more.

Watersedge is also close to the National Trust property of Horsey windpump.

Local beaches and the Horsey seals

Norfolk has some fantastic beaches, and some of them are very close to Watersedge.  

Waxham beach is very dog friendly.  Sea Palling beach has man made reefs which have produced wonderful sandy stretches and calm waters.

Horsey beach is another Norfolk beach that is close by.  In the summer months there are no restrictions, but in the winter months the beach is cordoned off for the seals and their pups.  Now this is worth coming to see, and you can read more about the extraordinary Horsey seals here.

Hickling Nature Reserve: A haven for wildlife enthusiasts

One of the highlights of a visit to Watersedge Hickling Broad is the opportunity to explore the nearby Hickling Nature Reserve.

Boasting the title of the largest of all the Broads, this reserve is a sanctuary for a wide variety of bird species, including the marsh harriers and the elusive bitterns, which have been seen from Watersedge. 

You can take a leisurely stroll along the nature trails, or venture out onto the water for a boat trip that the Norfolk Wildlife Trust manage. The reserve also offers guided tours and educational programs, making it the perfect destination for wildlife enthusiasts of all ages.

Book Your Stay At Watersedge Hickling Broad

It's possible to book Watersedge for 7 night stays (or longer!), along with short breaks in the winter months.  

Don't miss out on the opportunity to experience this fantastic holiday home in the Norfolk Broads.