With only three legs a delightful dog used to run rings around guests at Highgrove House, a charming stopover en route to the Kruger National Park. He was just one of the many characters which make this five-star establishment a colourful and exciting destination in the heart of Mpumalanga. He’s since moved on with his owners, former managers. Meanwhile barn owls swoop between the eight luxury suites, which enjoy maximum privacy from each other.
The ghost of a former army Colonel (Colonel Wicks) is rumoured to haunt the corridors of the main building but the bumps in the night were caused by the owls, we were assured.
The birdlife is awesome, as one would expect from the lodge’s excellent position. Guests can expect to see eagles, louries, cuckoos and the elusive narina trogon among the 60 species in the area. The elusive Knysna Lourie was spotted by a keen birder recently.
Highgrove, named after Prince Charles’s country retreat in England, is conveniently set off the R40 between White River (30km) and Hazyview (17km), and about four hours drive from Joburg. The new bypass at Nelspruit makes the trip so much more bearable.
The country lodge, set in 170 acres, is surrounded by Macadamia and avocado trees with breathtaking views across the lowveld. Guests can wander among the trees and enjoy some of the picturesque walks.
The excellent cuisine gives guests ample choice. Our superb dinner included a deep fried camembert starter drizzled with strawberry coulis, followed by a choice of pan-seared fresh fillet of kingklip or herb-encrusted roast rack of lamb served with tomato salad and mint sauce. Other menu options include fillet of trout with home-grown macadamia nuts, a rack of lamb and dessert options also include pannacotta finished with a berry sauce. We sampled fresh lemon curd tartlets. Delicious!
The character of the place made it a relaxing destination for travellers like ourselves who, after a hearty breakfast served outdoors, were heading for Skukuza to run the popular annual half-marathon.
The visit to Highgrove put us in the right mood for the challenge, even though we didn’t run any faster than last year!
Contact details: (013)764-1844 or cell: 083 675 1500 email: house@highgrove.co.za website: www.highgrove.co.za – Penny Kearns.
OFFER
Star/Sunday Independent Travel members offer – 20% discount on below standard rates, valid until the 20th December 2011.
Summer Special – Two night stay required. R1 240.00 per person sharing per night in a luxury Suite, inclusive of accommodation, dinner, breakfast and VAT at 14%. The single rate is R1 550.00. Rates are valid until the 20 December 2011, subject to availability. Standard terms and conditions apply. Please quote the booking reference STARHH.
Reservations to be made with Extraordinary Reservations – 011-516-4367 res@extraordinary.co.za. - Sunday Independent