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Review: Inverness Farm, a piece of Midlands Magic

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Once in a while, I am privileged enough to come across something so special, that putting my experience into words can be somewhat challenging. My stay at Inverness Farm, located along the Midlands Meander route, proved to be exactly that.

From outstanding hospitality and uninterrupted views, to modest luxury and prime location – this stay was nothing short of memorable.Ā 

Arriving at Inverness Farm, we were given a better welcome than we anticipated… before we had even met our wonderful host. Bounding towards the car with sheer excitement were the resident canine crew: Humphrey, the humongous boerboel cross bulldog, Lulu his squint sidekick, and little Bonnie (who I am sure had both of the biggies under her thumb!) Not far behind was the lovely Jayne Foulis, co-owner of Inverness, and host extraordinaire. Having the matriarch of Inverness greet us at our vehicle made us feel incredibly welcome (and far more important than usual). Jayne took the time to give us the lay of the land, pointing out secret spots on the farm and must-see attractions in the area. No annoying check-in, none of the usual formalities – our cottage door was open, ready and waiting.

At this point, I was playing it coy – but in all honesty, Jayne had me sold on Inverness before I even crossed the threshold of the enchanting Crofters Cottage. I am not sure if it was the fresh air, rolling hills, or just the welcoming feel of the farm, but I felt instantly at home.Ā 

Welcome home

Now, when I did enter through the charming entrance of our temporary abode, it was an entirely heartwarming experience. It may be strange to think of a first-time visit to a new place as heartwarming, but that is exactly what made this stay so special. From a handwritten chalk-board welcome, to fresh lavender splashed throughout, it felt like the cottage had been readied just for me.

Ā The feeling of importance and welcoming just kept coming.Ā 

As we explored our cottage, the personal touches revealed themselves at every turn. Freshly laid eggs in the fridge, courtesy of the farm brood. A range of NatureZone Low-Carb ice tea products, made from the Foulisā€™ very own mineral water, bottled at the farm. Dedicated make up towels (take note, this is something we need to see more of!) Jungle Oats, rusks, biscuits, sherry, hot water bottles, plush gowns, a hair dryer, bathroom care packs, bath salts, candles, and my favourite simple touch – a loadshedding survival kit (I wonā€™t reveal too much more about that one, so as not to spoil the surprise, but trust me when I say that it was just pure genius).Ā 

Countryside comfort

The amount of thought and effort that went into the cottage was unfathomable. Apart from the small things, the cottage was also beautifully decorated, with rare antiques and one-off pieces that I have yet to see anywhere else. My excitement only grew when I saw one of my favourite features in any home – a beautiful fireplace – surrounded by comfy couches and french doors looking out onto the beautiful Caversham Valley. When looking through the welcome book, my husband was thrilled to discover that the DSTV package had extra sports channels, and I felt that the summary of restaurants and specials in the area was a lovely touch.Ā 

Once we had unpacked, we both opted for a lovely warm shower, in a hurry to get into those amazing gowns! We had arrived just in time for a magnificent storm, and were gifted with a sensory treat – loud rain on the tin roof, rolling mist coming up the hill, and the earthy smell created by the sudden heavy onset of rain. With the fire going, we created a lovely gin station, embellished with a range of garnishes courtesy of the fruit bowl. If it werenā€™t for the rain, we would have gone over to the herb/vegetable garden to look for some more accompaniments – so convenient!Ā 

After a light dinner, we played some of the games on offer before deciding to have a fairly early night, so that we could go exploring the next day. We had our pick of an inviting king, and an equally luxurious queen, and opted for the bigger of the two because, well, wouldnā€™t you? My husband was pleased to find an interesting textured overlay on top of the sheet, and was once again singing Jayneā€™s praises for the unique touch. I had my pick of outstanding pillows (which is always a deal breaker in my opinion) and snuggled deep under the covers to enjoy their warmth amidst the cool night air.

The Next Day

Waking up in the morning proved to be more difficult than I imagined, with my comfortable surroundings almost literally swallowing me whole. It was, however, my wedding anniversary, so as soon as my excitement for the special day set in, I was up and out of bed. After some quick sprucing, we were off to find a spot for breakfast. We found a couple of gems along the way, but unfortunately most of them were closed (disclaimer: Jayne had warned us to call ahead, because of it being a Monday morning). We eventually settled on a place called Full of Beans Cafe, who make a fantastic flat white!

After breakfast, we stopped for some supplies. We were originally going to go out for dinner, to one of the amazing surrounding restaurants, but I decided to make a lovely home cooked meal for my husband after just how much we enjoyed our first night at Inverness. That cottage was the celebration for us, and with the fully stocked kitchen, I had everything I needed to make a night in extra special. We headed back home, but I was not expecting the scene that we returned to. Walking in, we were greeted with the most delectable grapefruit smell, an immaculately cleaned space, fresh flowers, and a lovely new note on the chalkboard – ā€œCongrats on your Anniversary, Jesse-Lee and Bryceā€. That wasnā€™t the only surprise though. A personal, hand-written note accompanied by two champagne flutes, and a lavender heart, courtesy of our hosts Jayne and Peter, was waiting on our bed for us. Even the forgotten champagne I had been meaning to get was taken care of, ready and waiting in the fridge for us to toast later.Ā 

It really felt as though we were reliving the first-time magic of Inverness all over again, and it was truly remarkable. We enjoyed another afternoon of pure bliss, wandering around the farm – discovering cows, chickens, horses, and even sheep. I even got to see a cow with her adorable calf, Benjamin, who Jayne told me came into this world with very little luck on his side. The Foulis family noticed he was not doing too well, and did their best to restore him to health. Just when it seemed as though he wouldn’t make it, they returned home to him frolicking in the fields, healthy once more.

Lulu preceded her arrival, jovially jumping about, excited to have a new face around. After a quick catch up, we made our way to the other cottages and Jayne explained how they came to be. It was instantly obvious that her personality went into all of the cottages – they all shared the same unique decor, quirky touches and warm feel. I liked something different about every one of them, and would love to experience them all. Savannah cottage had the loveliest little garden, Shetland cottage had an inviting daybed beneath beautiful cottage pane windows, and SummerSon had a whimsical, luxury feel with warm lighting and beautiful views of the valley. Jayne also took me to see the horses, some of which were the inspiration for the cottage names.

I was also lucky to meet Pete, Jayneā€™s husband, the patriarch of Inverness and founder of NatureZone, who asked me if I would like to take a kitten home with me, as one of the stable cats had recently given birth to a litter. It truly felt like a sign – my husband and I had been wanting to adopt a kitty friend for our boy at home, and I thought the new family member would be a beautiful commemoration of our stay. After watching the crazy heard of sheep bleat their way towards their dinner (what a sight to behold – sheep truly are funny creatures)Ā I made my way back to Crofters to try and convince my husband that we needed a new kitty. It didnā€™t take much, and the news set the tone for what was truly magical evening.

After a candle-lit dinner, I made my way to a lavender infused bath, and soaked the remnants of the day away. While we were out, new tinder for the fire, along with our wood supply, was replenished, so we started another roaring fire and snuggled up. The night ended with tea and biscuits, and silent acknowledgement of the fact that we didnā€™t want our stay to end.

In the morning Jaffy, a farm resident and employee, came over with six ADORABLE kittens for us to choose from. By far the most difficult part of our stay, we selected one and said our final goodbyes to the magic of Inverness farm – knowing that the small piece of it that we took with us would be a part of our lives for many years to come.Ā 

Your very own magicĀ 

For the chance to explore Inverness Farm, and the wonderful Midlands cottages, first hand – visit their website here or contact Jayne below. You can also book online, where you’ll be able to get a full view of availability, pricing, and even TripAdvisor guest reviews.Ā 

Jayne: 082 445 7397
Email: stay@midlandscottages.co.za
Website: https://midlandscottages.co.za
Fax: 0866 19 2009

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Accomodation

Honeymoon in the most romantic place in KZN

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Planning the ideal honeymoon can be exceptionally daunting, not to mention expensive, but if youā€™re looking local, and want to continue the romance long past your wedding day, Granny Mouse Country House & Spa is a definite contender! Renowned for being one of the most romantic getaway destinations in the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands, this idyllic retreat offers the perfect setting for a romantic honeymoon, with its tranquil atmosphere, breathtaking scenery, world-class facilities and attentive staff.

Granny Mouseā€™s accommodation is luxury at its finest, ranging from their secluded garden rooms, nestled in their spectacular gardens, to their sprawling deluxe suites with private balconies overlooking the Lions River. Each and every room has been designed with comfort and luxury in mind, and are equipped with large bath tubs and aromatic bath salts and oils for those intimate evenings in.

Following the excitement of the wedding, what could be better than relaxing in their on-site, state-of-the-art spa, which offers an extensive range of treatments and therapies, including hydrotherapy to replenish your mind and body before you have to get back to reality?

One of the standout features of Granny Mouse is a culinary haven, offering guests a diverse range of delectable experiences. From their fine-dining restaurant, Eaves, with its sophisticated menu of modern fusion cuisine, to their open-sky Bistro, providing a more casual dining experience, and their wine cellar, which is undoubtedly the perfect spot for a romantic dinner for two. These, coupled with their award-winning wine menu, will have you toasting to your new life together. No matter where you choose to dine whilst on honeymoon, the Granny Mouse team will pull out all the stops to ensure the most romantic of occasions.

In addition to the fantastic facilities, Granny Mouse Country House & Spa is also ideally located for exploring the surrounding area. From picnics in the Caversham Valley to wine tasting, or just taking a leisurely stroll around the local stores to choose some new items for your home together, the list is endless.

Don’t miss out on an unforgettable honeymoon. Book your stay at Granny Mouse Country House & Spa today and let their team ensure a romantic and memorable experience for you and your partner.

BOOK HERE

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Accomodation

9 Reasons 1 Licorna Beach is the Ideal Umhlanga Stay

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In the heart of Umhlanga Beach lies a beautifully furnished, newly renovated beach house. Being a double storey with views and access to the ocean, 1 Licorna Beach is the perfect luxury getaway.

Suitable for both business and vacation rentals, this beachfront property will give you the “home away from home” relaxed feel with a pool, garden, outside braai area.

This beach house can accommodate up to 6 guests, and comprises of 3 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, and an open-plan kitchen, dining and living area. Stay entertained with smart tv, dual view DSTV and free wifi.

We’ve listed 9 of the many reasons why 1 Licorna Beach should be your next stay in Umhlanga:

1. UMHLANGA PROMENADE ACCESS
Enjoy direct access to the Umhlanga Promenade: a stretch along the Umhlanga coast and nature reserve, perfect for walks or runs and home to restaurants, coffee shops, ice cream spots and local vendors.

2. DIRECT BEACH ACCESS
Go for a swim in the warm Indian Ocean or chill on the shore. With beach access and a choice of four beachesĀ in walking distance, what more do you need? Make sure there’s a life guard on duty if you go for a dip!

3. UMHLANGA NATURE RESERVEā€‹
Explore the coastal wildlife, birds and forest along the Umhlanga Nature Reserve wooden boardwalk and trail. Be sure to check out the Bike & Bean coffee shop at the Northside of the Umhlanga Promenade.

4. FINE-DINING RESTAURANTS
Spoil yourself with a dinner date at The Chef’s TableĀ or the 14 on Chartwell, both just a stone’s throw away at Umhlanga Village.

5. FREE WIFI
Stay connected with 1 Licorna’s free wifi during your stay. Whether for business or leisure, you and your family or guests are covered.

6. DAILY HOUSEKEEPING
No one wants to do the dishes & sweep on holiday! What’s better than arriving back to your accommodation to find it’s been cleaned?

7. 24 HOUR SECURITY & SAFE PARKING
Safety is a priority at Licorna Beach. Relax knowing that you, your family & belongings are tucked away in a gated, access controlled estate.

8. POOL ACCESSĀ 
The communal pool is available for a dip, if the sea isn’t calling. Whether you’re braaiing, chilling or just cooling off – it’s nice to have options.

9. SELF-CATERING
Explore new restaurants or enjoy the comforts of home cooking. Remember, you won’t have to do the dishes either. Don’t forget to have a braai while you’re at 1 Licorna.

To book your stay:
Cell: 083 492 3241
Website: www.1licornabeach.co.za

Address:
82 Lagoon Drive, Umhlanga

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Accomodation

Want to stay in the heart of Cape Town? Hereā€™s why The Cape Milner should be your go-to.

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For Durbanites, a trip to Cape Town is always enthralling. White-sand beaches, throngs of restaurants, and sea life sightings are just some of the things we look forward to when visiting our Mother City. Of course, the various accommodation on offer forms part of said hype ā€“ and can either make or break your experience!

Well, weā€™re here to tell you this: If youā€™re looking for a hotel thatā€™s contemporary, comfy, central, quiet and not too costly, weā€™ve found the place for you. Not to mention its fascinating decor, great hospitality, and luxury charm that just wraps you up and keeps you snug throughout your entire stay.

The opulent Cape Milner building matches Cape Townā€™s Victorian aesthetic. But inside youā€™ll find a mix of art-deco, modern and African chic; much like the feel of modern Africa today.

As if wedged at the bottom of Table Mountain, the views from the rooms and lounges are spectacular. We particularly enjoyed dining out in the swanky Glass Lounge, where you can look up into the blue sky or night stars while you enjoy a hearty lamb shank below.

Our homely rooms overlooked the serene Milner Road, with its impressive avenues of trees. We were given complimentary macarons on arrival and enjoyed them with tea as we watched the rain pitter-patter on the tails of unbothered squirrels ā€” how cute! The Milner Hotel really is a place you can enjoy come rain or shine.

The hotel was the absolute, perfect base from which to explore pretty much everything and anything. Just a few minutes drive away lies Bree and KloofĀ  ā€“ two favourites, Metropolitan streets for tourists and locals alike. Over the few days of our stay we visited many great spots, all within 5-10 minutes away.

We sank our teeth into cheesy pizza at the much-hyped ā€œI love the doughā€ and tried out ā€œMochi Mochi” for dessert; we ordered fizzing and steaming cocktails from ā€œCause and Effectā€ at the V&A; and of course, we spent a fun-filled evening at the cheeky and illustrious ā€œBeefcakesā€ in Green Point.

After each jam-packed day, coming home to our state-of-the-art bathtub and luxurious linen was the cherry on top. It fitted in perfectly with our diverse range of activities we had planned, and matched the entire style of our trip.

We didnā€™t want to leave!

And of course, we canā€™t wait to stay againā€¦

To book your stay at the Cape Milner, contact

Tel: +27 11 516 4367
Email: res@extraordinary.co.za

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