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Country Cottages
Dargle Valley, Kwa-Zulu, South Africa
Asking price: R 12 million
The Lilizela Tourism Awards of South Africa
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About us
“Our goal is to ensure guests feel welcome, comfortable and at home here,” agree the owners, who are happiest when sharing their beautiful and peaceful piece of paradise with visitors.
For those who appreciate history; value uninterrupted serenity; and enjoy the freedom of country living, then this is the place to be. While the original, stone farmstead dates to 1913, it was here, in 1847, that the Irish settler Thomas Fannin bought land. Today the Kelly’s open their tranquil, pet-friendly lifestyle to those who prefer to journey along roads less travelled.
The Hayloft, Dairy, Stables and The Thatched House are conveniently furnished for self-catering. Breakfast and dinners, however, are available on request and served in the comfort of the cottages. Bedrooms are en suite - each with a shower and a bath. To cut the Midlands’ winter chill, crackling log fires ensure complete relaxation in the cozy lounges.
Our two East Wing Rooms are offered on a Dinner, Bed & Breakfast basis.
From romantic, peaceful getaways to fun-filled family holidays, where children can run free in a safe environment, our country hotel is the place to be. The cottages can comfortably sleep two, four, six and eight guests, respectively. Sleeper couches in some rooms cater for extra children.
All accommodation is fitted with tea and coffee stations; fresh farm milk and home made cookies on arrival; flat screen TVs with DStv; fridges and freezers; electric blankets; chopped wood; and complimentary WiFi.
A tennis court, walking trails and bike rides promise to keep the active occupied.
Nguni cattle, noble horses as well as friendly pigs, dogs and fowls add to the ambience of this place you’d like to call home. From picturesque landscapes and prolific birdlife to country cuisine and arty crafts, the Midlands has activities to suit all persuasions - and it’s right here that guests choose to lay their heads after an exhilarating day of exploration.
Accommodation
Self catering cottages and B&B rooms set in the beautiful Dargle valley of the Natal Midlands
The River Dargle (Irish: An Deargail, meaning "little red spot", so called with reference to the prevailing tint of its rocks) rises in the Wicklow Mountains of Ireland on the northern slopes of Djouce Mountain and flows over the highest waterfall there, falling 121m (398 feet) at Powerscourt Waterfall. It then flows through the Glencree Valley where it is fed by the River Glencree before flowing east for a further 14 km (9 miles) to reach the Irish Sea at Bray Harbor. The area known to visitors as Upper Dargle, situated in the shadow of the dominant N’Hlosane Mountain in the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands, is as rich in settler history as it is in natural beauty.
It was here, in 1847, that the Irish settler Thomas Fannin bought the farm Buffels Bosch. He immediately renamed it “The Dargle”, on account of its resemblance to the country surrounding the Dargle stream, south of Dublin from where they came. The naming of the area, “The Dargle” in the Midlands, was also attributed to Thomas Fanning. It was one of the Fannins who sold a piece of their farm to Alan Ross, who then named it “Beverley Farm” and who built the magnificent home with its stunning views in 1913 that still stands today.
It was a few years later that the same Thomas Fannin brought more than just a touch of Irish mist to the area. In April 1854, with rumors of discoveries of gold in the Cape, Transvaal and Free State making the population particularly excited, he claimed to have struck both coal and gold on “The Dargle” - a claim even the most optimistic prospector took with a pinch of salt.
Most of the early settler farmers in the area established either saw mills or saw pits, supplementing this activity with the breeding of cattle, sheep and horses. Local archives abound in tales of the locals teaming up to retrieve stolen livestock from raiding Bushmen - and there are many stories of bravery, courage and the hardships endured by the settlers in those early years.
The early settlers were as much attracted by the charm and beauty of the area as the present day farmers - for most properties boast tumbling streams, cascading waterfalls and abundant wild life. The reconstitution of favorite water haunts, as well as the construction of dams, has reintroduced both Brown and Rainbow trout to the area - making it a fly-fishing paradise.
Today the area has a rich tradition of hospitality and there is a wide and varied range of accommodation to suit every getaway preference.
Each Cottage is equipped with the following:
All bedrooms are en suite and most have a bath as well as a shower. The comfortable beds have extra blankets to keep you snug at night, on those wintry evenings.
Every cottage has access to a wireless internet service. A password is required. Please enquire on check in.
The Stables
The Stables is a spacious comfortable cottage which has 3 en-suite bedrooms, all opening up onto a central lounge which has a big log fire place.
The fireplace brings much character and coziness to this delightful cottage in the midst of winter, when those chilly winds blow of the mountains.
It has a separate spacious kitchen with a dining area that seats 6.
Meals served on request in the comfort and privacy of your own cottage!
The Thatched Cottage
This Thatched House has 3 en-suite bedrooms. It is ideal for large families or a party of friends.
The large kitchen is ideal to entertain and the spacious lounge/dining room area cozies up in no time due to the Jet Master log fireplace. It also has a large verandah looking down into a secluded valley.
Meals served on request in the comfort and privacy of your own cottage!
The Dairy Cottage
It is another spacious cottage which has 2 en suite bedrooms, opening up onto a central open plan lounge, kitchen and dining area.
It too has a very cozy log fire place which warms up the cottage in no time. This cottage overlooks a beautiful valley and has views to match.
Meals served on request in the comfort and privacy of your own cottage!
Hayloft Cottage
It is the smallest of the cottages and is ideal for a romantic getaway.
It has one en suite bedroom opening onto an open plan lounge, kitchenette and dining area. It too has a log fire place and nothing beats snuggling up in bed watching the fire glow!
Its not called the Honeymoon suite for nothing!
Meals served on request in the comfort and privacy of your own cottage!
East Wing Rooms
The 2 rooms in the East Wing of the main old house are en suite and have their own separate entrances off a central verandah.
The bathrooms are spacious with freestanding Victorian baths. The rooms themselves have Oregon pine floors and ceilings are very spacious.
Geography
The charming area of Dargle is situated in the rolling hills of KwaZulu-Natal's Southern Drakensberg. “Beverley Farm”, which is on the famous Midlands Meander, lies on the upper regions of the beautiful Dargle valley, 27km from Howick and a mere 1.5 hours drive from Durban. It’s closely located to Lions River, Lidgetton and Nottingham Road.
Dargle has retained its original charm and is a great spot for a wonderful, relaxing breakaway.
Arts and Culture
For the traveler interested in art, culture and great dining, the Midlands Meander should be top of the list. This haven for artists is home to many studios, shops and galleries, and tourists can enjoy watching the artists at work. The products that are created by these talented artisans are on sale, with some of them including leather-ware, paintings, sculptures and stained glass. This thriving destination is growing at an accelerated rate, but still retains its wonderfully tranquil atmosphere. It is said that Dargle is home to many master crafters and stores of the route.
Science and Nature
Nature lovers are in for a treat when visiting the Midlands countryside. The green rolling hills are home to a wide variety of bird species, and the views of the Dargle Valley and surrounds are quite spectacular. Enjoy the fresh country air, and let nature entertain you.
We can provide the following:
A Tennis Court is available for those more active guests! Different sized rackets and balls are provided on request
Guided walks and trails can be arranged on the surrounding farming land and in the valley as well as MBT trails in our neighbouring gum plantations.
Children’s pony rides are available in certain time slots.
Dargle, Natal Midlands
The Dargle Valley and conservancy area is set in the midst of the Midlands Meander in the foothills of the Southern Drakensberg - a land of magic waterfalls, river gorges, grassland, indigenous forest, wild flowers and wetlands.
There is an array of short-term accommodation in Dargle that showcases the loveliness of the Natal Midlands and the untouched beauty of South Africa.
Home to a variety of bird species and a major attraction to the fishing enthusiast - the area around Dargle, Fort Nottingham and Balgowan, is renowned for excellent fly-fishing. The Dargle Valley experiences dry, cold winters - sometimes with snow - and hot, wet summers with intermittent late afternoon thunder storms followed by heavy rains. No surprise then that the countryside has sprawling wattle and pine forests, and rock pools that invite closer scrutiny.
The Midlands Meander, a collection of artists, shops, restaurants and accommodation that gives new meaning to the term ‘arts and crafts’ was initiated some 20 years’ ago by Dargle potter, Ian Glenny, whose work includes porcelain, stoneware and terracotta and whose address is simply - ‘first farm on the right, Dargle’.
An exciting cycle trail, which offers an alternative model to the current and ever-increasing threat of inappropriate development and ‘estatification’ of the Midlands, has been set up by the Guduza Trust and offers those with ‘armour-plated rear ends’ the chance to ride through indigenous forests, past huge old trees, grasslands, wide blue streams and rocky waterfalls. Get hold of the meander for details.
KZN Natal Province, South Africa
KwaZulu-Natal is a province of South Africa that was created in 1994 when the Zulu bantustan of KwaZulu ("Place of the Zulu" in Zulu) and Natal Province were merged. It is located in the southeast of the country, with a long shoreline on the Indian Ocean and sharing borders with three other provinces and the countries of Mozambique, Eswatini and Lesotho. Its capital is Pietermaritzburg, and its largest city is Durban. It is the second-most populous province in South Africa, with slightly fewer residents than Gauteng.
Two areas in KwaZulu-Natal have been declared UNESCO World Heritage Sites: the iSimangaliso Wetland Park and the uKhahlamba Drakensberg Park. These areas are extremely scenic as well as important to the surrounding ecosystems.
During the 1830s and early 1840s, the northern part of what is now KwaZulu-Natal was established as the Zulu Kingdom while the southern part was, briefly, the Boer Natalia Republic before becoming the British Colony of Natal in 1843. The Zulu Kingdom remained independent until 1879.
KwaZulu-Natal is the birthplace of many notable figures in South Africa's history, such as Albert Luthuli, the first non-white and the first person from outside Europe and the Americas to be awarded the Nobel Peace Prize (1960); Pixley ka Isaka Seme, the founder of the African National Congress (ANC) and South Africa's first black lawyer; John Langalibalele Dube, the ANC's founding president; Harry Gwala, ANC member and anti-apartheid activist; Mac Maharaj, grammy award winning group Ladysmith Black Mambazo, grammy award winning DJ Black Coffee, ANC member, anti-apartheid activist and Little Rivonia Trial defendant; Mangosuthu Buthelezi, the founder of the Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP); Anton Lembede, the founding president of the ANC Youth League; Jacob Zuma, the former President of South Africa; Bhambatha, a 19th-century Zulu chief who became an anti-apartheid icon; and Shaka Zulu.
Geography
At around 92,100 km2 (35,600 sq mi) in area, KwaZulu-Natal is roughly the size of Portugal. It has three different geographic areas and is the eastern most province in the country. The lowland region along the Indian Ocean coast is extremely narrow in the south, widening in the northern part of the province, while the central Natal Midlands consists of an undulating hilly plateau rising toward the west. Two mountainous areas, the western Drakensberg Mountains and northern Lebombo Mountains form, respectively, a solid basalt wall rising over 3,000 m (9,800 ft) beside Lesotho border and low parallel ranges of ancient granite running southward from Eswatini. The area's largest river, the Tugela, flows west to east across the center of the province.
The coastal regions typically have subtropical thickets and deeper ravines; steep slopes host some Afromontane Forest. The midlands have moist grasslands and isolated pockets of Afromontane Forest. The north has a primarily moist savanna habitat, whilst the Drakensberg region hosts mostly alpine grassland.
The province contains rich areas of biodiversity of a range of flora and fauna. The iSimangaliso Wetland Park and the uKhahlamba Drakensberg Park have been declared UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The iSimangaliso Wetland Park, along with uKhahlamba Drakensberg Park and Ndumo, are wetlands of international importance for migratory species and are designated as Ramsar sites. South Africa signed the 1971 Ramsar Convention to try to conserve and protect important wetlands because of their importance to habitats and numerous species.
The former Eastern Cape enclave of the town of Umzimkulu and its hinterland have been incorporated into KwaZulu-Natal following the 12th amendment of the Constitution of South Africa. The amendment also made other changes to the southern border of the province.
The northwesterly line of equal latitude and longitude traverses the province from the coast at Hibberdene (30°34′35″S 30°34′35″E) to northeast Lesotho.
The province became the first to include a portion of road that is made of partial plastic, the equivalent of nearly 40,000 recycled milk cartons.
Climate
KwaZulu-Natal has a varied yet verdant climate thanks to diverse, complex topography. Generally, the coast is subtropical with inland regions becoming progressively colder. Durban on the south coast has an annual rainfall of 1009 mm, with daytime maxima peaking from January to March at 28 °C (82 °F) with a minimum of 21 °C (70 °F), dropping to daytime highs from June to August of 23 °C (73 °F) with a minimum of 11 °C (52 °F). Temperature drops towards the hinterland, with Pietermaritzburg being similar in the summer, but much cooler in the winter. Ladysmith in the Tugela River Valley reaches 30 °C (86 °F) in the summer but may drop below freezing point on winter evenings. The Drakensberg can experience heavy winter snow, with light snow occasionally experienced on the highest peaks in summer. The Zululand north coast has the warmest climate and highest humidity, supporting many sugar cane farms around Pongola.
History
On Christmas Day 1497, Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama saw the coast of Natal and named the site after the Portuguese word for Christmas, Natal. The Nguni branch of the Bantu occupied this area from the early 1300s.
The first European settlers, mostly British, established Port Natal, a trading post. They made almost no attempt to develop the interior, whose inhabitants had been decimated by the Zulu king, Shaka. The Afrikaner Voortrekkers entered the area via the Drakensberg passes in 1837. These Afrikaners defeated the Zulus at the Battle of Blood River in 1838 and thereafter established the Republic of Natal. Thus, the territory was once part of a short-lived Boer republic between 1839 and 1843 until its annexation by Britain. Many Afrikaner inhabitants left for the interior after the annexation and were replaced by immigrants, mainly from Britain.
From 1860 onwards, increasing numbers of Indians, mainly Tamils, were brought in by the British mainly to work in the sugar plantations on the coast. The colony acquired Zululand (the area north of the Tugela River) after the Zulu War of 1879. The lands north of the Buffalo River were added in 1902. Boer forces entered the area during the South African War (1899 to 1902) – also known as the second Boer War – and laid siege to Ladysmith. They failed to build on their initial advantage and for three months the line between the opposing forces followed the course of the Tugela River. In 1910, the colony became a province of the Union of South Africa and in 1961 of the Republic of South Africa.
When the homeland of KwaZulu, which means "Place of the Zulu" was re-incorporated into the Natal province after the end of apartheid in 1994, the province of Natal, which had existed between 1910 and 1994, was renamed KwaZulu-Natal. The province is home to the Zulu monarchy; the majority population speak Zulu. It is the only province in South Africa that has the name of its dominant ethnic group as part of its name. As with Eastern Cape, most White South Africans in KwaZulu-Natal are of British descent and less than a quarter of whites in the province are of Boer/Afrikaner descent.
Cliff Jacobs (Nat Dpl Hotel Man (UJ). MPRE. GA Level 5 TEFL) Managing Principal / CEO Exquisite Hotel Consultants (Pty) Ltd Mobile: +27 (0) 84 413 1071 / +27 (0) 61 716 6951 Landline: +27 (0) 21 554 0283 Email: cliff@exquisitehotelconsultants.com Skype: cliff.jacobs Web: https://www.exquisitehotelconsultants.com © All rights reserved Terms and Conditions apply Scroll down to view our Hospitality Properties and Businesses for sale or lease or lease-to-buy or partnership arrangement or management agreement arrangement
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Working with the above-mentioned agencies and others provides the largest possible reach nationally and internationally for all prospective buyers and sellers wishing to enter or exit the Hospitality Industry.
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Please note that several of our hospitality properties and/or businesses for sale or lease or through business partnership arrangements or management contracts are officially "Off-Market" - mainly for privacy reasons. Therefore, they are not listed as part of our hospitality properties/businesses for sale or lease stock. Please contact me for further details.
Should you be considering to sell or buy or lease or obtain a partnership arrangement or management agreement arrangement for your hotel, boutique hotel, resort, guest house, B&B, game lodge, game resort, guest farm, yacht or cruise liner etc, I would be most pleased to provide you with further details of our way of working to effectively market and sell your property(ies) and/or business(es).
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Cliff Jacobs (Nat Dpl Hotel Man (UJ). MPRE. GA Level 5 TEFL) Managing Principal / CEO Exquisite Hotel Consultants (Pty) Ltd Mobile: +27 (0) 84 413 1071 / +27 (0) 61 716 6951 Landline: +27 (0) 21 554 0283 Email: cliff@exquisitehotelconsultants.com Skype: cliff.jacobs Web: https://www.exquisitehotelconsultants.com © All rights reserved Terms and Conditions apply Scroll down to view our Hospitality Properties and Businesses for sale or lease or lease-to-buy or partnership arrangement or management agreement arrangement