In this space the assembly room (called Mount-Ephraim-House) was brought home from Rusthall to Mount Ephraim, on which a bowling green was inclosed, a tavern (now [in 1766] a lodging house but still retains its original name of the castle) was opened and many lodging houses were erected for the use of the company; but the triumph of the hill was short, Mount Sion became a formidable rival, and quickly eclipsed its growing splendor; for when the ball-room, the bowling green, and the lodging houses arose so near the spring, a less convenient distance was generally avoided

Thus in the course of a few years we find Tunbridge forsaken; Southborough and Rusthall raised and ruined; Mount Ephraim drooping; and Mount Sion in the full bloom of prosperity; this last indeed not only rivalled, but despoiled her predecessors, and triumphantly transferred their ornaments to herself; for many houses were brought from Southborough, Rusthall, and Mount Ephraim, to be rebuilt on Mount Sion; and some, whole and entire as they were, were wheeled on sledges to be fixed in this new seat of favour.

The lodging-houses are mostly situated on the hills …. and particularly on Mount Sion, where there are a great many good houses built in regular confusion, and so beautifully intermixed with trees and groves, that they cannot fail of having a most pleasant effect on a stranger. At a little distance, it bears the appearance of a town in the midst of woods, and conveys to the imagination the soothing idea of a rural romantic retirement, while it actually affords all the convenience of a city life.

This hill being open to Waterdown forest on the south, and shielded from the eastern winds by Calverley's-plain, always enjoys a pure wholesome air; and, on account of its being situated at so convenient a distance from the Wells, it generally supplies lodgings for the principal part of the company in season

An excellent bowling-green, the old assembly-room, and a capacious handsome Presbyterian meeting-house (opened 1st August 1720), are all situated upon Mount Sion.

Mount Sion also, continues its ancient rivalry with Mount Ephraim. There are some lodging-houses here upon a very superior scale. Many of them are modern buildings, and some of the ancient ones have been renovated. The situation is extremely pleasant.