Photographs of Thistledown Country House Howick
Thistledown Country House Prices
| from/per night | |
| Rooms | R |
| Check in / out times |
| Check-In Times: |
| Check-Out Time: |
| Checking-In & Out Times must be adhered to. |
| For late arrivals please let us know when making your booking. |
Thistledown Country House Room Facilities
| Fireplace |
| No Smoking in Rooms |
| Laundry Facilities |
| Fireplace |
| Credit Card Facilities |
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Email
Thistledown Country House Reservations: booksa@madbookings.com
Thistledown Country House is set on 20 acres of superb farmlands just below the Karkloof Hills in the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands. These hills are covered with the second largest tract of indigenous forest in South Africa. Guests are offered elegant country living in the restored farmhouse. The five double en-suite bedrooms are tastefully decorated in cream and white, and fitted with comfortable furnishings for a memorable and restful stay. One of these rooms has its own fireplace and is often specially requested during the bracingly crisp winter months. |
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The en-suite bathroom which accompanies this particular bedroom features a bath which has been restored, having originally come from the Imperial Hotel in Pietermaritzburg, and which at one time was used by the Prince of Wales during his visit there. Most of the bathrooms feature Andrew Walford washbasins.
Lunches and dinners are served, but advance booking for these are essential. The menus are cosmopolitan in nature, although there is a Japanese element to many of the dishes. During the cooler months, the open log fire in the cosy lounge is a popular place to sit and sip sherry, port or red wine. The large sociable dining room is also available for small weddings and functions.
Thistledown is the ideal place to stay when visiting the attractions of the Karkloof Valley which is part of the Karkloof Conservancy. One can visit the Karkloof Conservation Centre to view the many species of birds from the hides. Abundant bird life thrives in the rambling garden of Thistledown itself, with 129 species having been identified in the area. Guests can observe the local feathered population from the comfort of the panoramic verandah.
Just one and a half hours away from Durban, and four and a half hours from Johannesburg, Thistledown is ideally situated for exploration of some of the other attractions of the Midlands Meander, including Karkloof Canopy Tours which operates a cable slide over the indigenous forest.
Accommodation
You are offered elegant country living in the restored farmhouse. The five double, en suite bedrooms are tastefully decorated in cream and white.
Meals at Thistledown are memorable. Although cosmopolitan in nature, there is a strong Japanese influence, with many of the sauces being specially imported from Japan. Booking for lunches and dinners is essential.*
Thistledown Country House in the tranquil Karkloof Valley is the ideal place to escape from the city.
*For those who wish to visit Thistledown Country House for lunch or dinner only, there is a fixed menu (three or four courses) and the dining room can accommodate 20 people.
Small Functions
We are able to cater for small weddings with 50-70 guests. Smaller conferences
with about 20 participants can also be accommodated.
Activities
The L-shaped verandah is the perfect place to relax and observe some of the 129 bird species which have been recorded in the area. The butterflies are also prolific and you may even be lucky enough to spot the region's very own butterfly - the endangered Karkloof Blue.
For the physically adventurous, there is plenty to do if not right on the property, then in the area. Hiking, biking, fly-fishing, polo and golfing facilities, to mention but a few of the activities, are all within a few minutes' drive of Thistledown.
The increasingly popular Midlands Meander arts and crafts route, where you can call in at the owners' studios, is well worth exploring. The nearby city of Pietermaritzburg is also worth visiting for its fine examples of Victorian architecture.
Email
Thistledown Country House Reservations: booksa@madbookings.com
