Rawdons

NO. 4 OF 17 B&BS/INNS, NOTTINGHAM ROAD

What a wonderful, authentic, old-fashioned country hotel this is – like returning to a much-loved family home, the walls feel saturated with memories. Built in 1956, many of the staff have been here for decades (maître d’ George Subramanien has been looking after guests here for 58 years!). That’s not to say it’s fuddy-duddy – the family-run hotel underwent a very sensitive R2.5-million renovation, providing the rooms with great new bathrooms but leaving the quaint, thatched 1950s exterior untouched. A sense of comfort prevails – very much the kind of place where you curl up in front of the fireplace with a book after taking a walk through the grounds. One of my favourite country hotels in South Africa, but bear in mind she’s an old dame: don’t expect perfect soundproofing. ROOM TIP The lake-facing deluxe rooms 2 to 7 with bay windows are the best. Love the upstairs rooms in the eaves too! COST From R800 pp sharing B&B. CONTACT rawdons.co.za