Weekend Argus (Saturday Edition)
To the Midlands
WHEN the stress of a busy life gets to you and you’re searching for the perfect break away from routine, a country house deep in the Kwa-Zulu-Natal Midlands could be just for you. This is what I had been yearning for and when I set out, I did not know what to expect.
I arrived at the Bend Country House and was awestruck by its surroundings.
It was surreal and looked like something out of a painting. Picturesque mountains, crisp, fresh air, the sound of the Mooi River flowing and beautiful animals scattered around 1 400 hectares of lush greenery.
This is what The Bend consists of: the country house is on a nature reserve which features five ecosystems, including indigenous forest, grassland, riverine, mountain and pine forest, showcasing the area’s rich diversity of flowers, animals, and bird life.
This makes it a destination that any nature lover, like me, would appreciate. On my arrival, I met the owner, Sheila Thornhill Holgado, who was warm and welcoming.
Sheila turned the house into a bed-and-breakfast establishment in 1994, after being her family home for many years. Her aim was to create a homely environment for guests, as it was the house in which she lived and raised her children.
Sheila took me on a tour of the establishment’s main house, a country-style home, where I spent two nights.
The rooms were neat and tidy, with their own bathrooms and coffee stations.
Sheila said the furniture and artwork were an integral part of the atmosphere and had been collected over the past 40 years by her family. It reflected their interests and travels.
Braving the chilly Midlands weather that night, I had a peaceful sleep using the room’s electric blankets and was ready to embrace the beauty of The Bend, the next morning.
To start the day, one can enjoy a delightful breakfast with a number of options to choose from. I indulged in a cheese and spring onion omelette with baked beans and mushroom on the side.
There is also a selection of yoghurts, cereals and fresh juices, as well as tea and coffee to get the morning started.
If the mountains, rivers and greenery was not enough to impress me, the nine dams situated across the farm were also great to view.
Families can enjoy the dam sites as picnic or fishing spots. Fly fishing as well as hiking and mountain biking are just some of the activities that guests can enjoy.
During a hike through the forest, I got to experience drinking fresh water from a natural spring – something I thoroughly enjoyed. While driving through the estate, one can also stop to view the animals, including zebra, buck, goats and sheep, among others.
Driving around the estate, we stopped at an on-site wedding venue which The Bend is also popular for.
Sheila said the establishment offered a comprehensive wedding planning service, including decor and catering. It also boasts a chapel, as well as a dining hall on site.
After viewing the wedding venue, I headed back to my room before dinner. When done with the day’s activities, one can relax in the comfort of the TV room, which also offers free wi-fi.
Later that night, dinner offerings at The Bend were plentiful.
One can indulge in a range of meals in a pub setting, while enjoying the comfort of a fireplace. I enjoyed a butternut soup starter, a special Spanishstyle fish dish with vegetables and chocolate cake for dessert.
The next day, I woke up to a pleasant surprise. The Midlands is known for its chilly weather and occasional snowfall. On the day of my departure, I drew open the room curtains to find snow on the mountains. The Bend proved to be a relaxing holiday spot that makes one want to return.
If you are searching for peace, tranquillity, and a family-friendly destination, The Bend Country house should be on your list.
Looking for a holiday destination? Try this KwaZulu-Natal getaway,
writes
● Nabeelah Shaikh was a guest at The Bend Country House.