Jacaranda House

TRIPADVISOR NO. 3 OF 7 B&BS/INNS

Arrive at this pretty Victorian – once the town house of the Duckitts, one of Darling’s founding families, now the home of Jane and David Wallace – and you feel like you’re meeting friends of friends. Not that you don’t have privacy; each of the three rooms has its own exterior entrance, but the quality of hosting has made Jacaranda the top-rated Booking.com option in Darling. That, and Jane’s food: a retired chef and restaurateur, she specialises in Middle Eastern, European and Asian. Given adequate warning, she will rustle up dinner and set up a romantically lit dinner table in the orchard or courtyard. But her breakfasts are the main draw: freshly baked pastries and breads, homemade jams, seasonal fruit, local honey and several cooked options. It’s an intimate, exclusive experience, with personable and easy-going hosts who are extremely knowledgeable about the village and surrounding area. ROOM TIP I loved little Rondavel, the converted water tank behind the house. Furnished with a queen-size bed and shower en-suite, it’s small but super quaint. The Cottage Suite (once the stable), with lounge area, kitchenette and braai area overlooking the pool, is ideal for longer stays.

COST From R440 pp sharing B&B. No children under 12.

CONTACT 072-410-1365, jacarandahouse.co.za