Hebron Haven Hotel

Hebron’s origin began as a Government land grant designed to encourage settlers to inhabit the nether regions of the then all-powerful British Empire. The first owner of this land was a certain Carl Preller, granted 6165 acres of land on 25 September 1849. This covered the area as far as where Midmar Dam is today as well as through to lions river, up the dargle and further. Hebron Haven as it is today is Portion 84 of the original farm. He was born 1809 and died in 1870. It is alleged that Carl had two very lazy sons. He supposedly buried an amount of gold somewhere on the property prior to his death to keep them from finding and squandering it. He however died without revealing to anyone where the gold was hidden. He was indeed so protective of his money that it is believed that the ghost that is occasionally seen or heard at Hebron is in fact Carl keeping an eye on his gold. To add some credence to this myth, a box containing gold coins was reportedly unearthed when the tarred road to Dargle was constructed. Carl however is still seen at Hebron Haven.

Hebron was approximately one day’s travel from Pietermaritzburg, on the great road North to the gold fields, and as such was an ideal place to stop over for the night after having forded the M’geni River. In much the same way the Howick Falls Hotel owed it’s origins. There were many such places of accommodation that developed as stopovers for weary travellers and Lumbermen, working to supply the gold fields with building materials. Early Hebron would have seen these travellers camping out next to their wagons, as the original homestead was the only building at the time. Up until the big floods of 1987 there were the rutted tracks of wagons over the ford of the uMngeni. Unfortunately these rocks were washed away in the floods. It is said that Preller sold the farm to a Mr. Boschoff for a bottle of whisky.

Hebron then passed into the hands of Col Gardener around 1920. Mrs Gardener – his daughter, who was a near neighbour until a few months ago, had some excellent photographs of early Hebron Haven. These photos show the construction of the first rooms attached to the building as well as the two rooms still standing at the front entrance (circa 1923). It said that these rooms were the original post office for the area. There is a photograph of an old Gum tree that was allegedly the biggest Gum tree growing in the district. The trunk of this tree is still evident in the garden today. During the second world war, Hebron was “issued” with 3 Italian POW’s who helped build many of the buildings now standing.
Alec & Joyce Court purchased Hebron in about 1941 from Col. Gardiner who in turn sold to Reg and Liz Howse in 1944and who had the hotel from about 1944 to1958. John James Raw (the uncle of Vause Raw – United Party leader in the 70’s) also owned the hotel. A highlight of 1947 was a visit from the King and Queen. Other owners were Ivan and Pat Mc Donald till 1970. Mike and Rosemary Butt up to 1985. Vaughan and Alison Hatting, 1986. Wally and Anne Smith, 1994. Club Carravelle, with Garth Taylor as manager until 1996. In August 1996 owners Rowney, King and Goulden took over ownership. December 2002 saw Hebron Haven Hotel’s present owner, Master Chef and Hotelier extraordinaire Rudolf Pollabauer take over the reigns. ( See letter from Alec & Joyce’s daughter. )

 

 

 The Hotel developed around the concept of providing accommodation to travelling people and this lead to rooms being built as demand increased. Later with the development of Michaelhouse and Hilton there was great demand for accommodation during their sporting events and on weekends when parents came to visit the boys. Earlier years saw Hebron as a working farm and the home of the Lions River Polo Club. Guest farms as getaway destinations were also at a time very popular.

As business improved so more rooms were needed. Old storerooms and outbuildings were converted into rooms as these amenities were moved further from the public view. This has given rise to the “Old English” feel of Hebron Haven. Every room has its own character. Unfortunately this is a bit of a builder’s nightmare with no uniformity in design, shape or structure. Doors and windows were fitted, as they were available, with very little matching the next building. However this gives Hebron it’s own charm and uniqueness. Rooms may be double, twin or family size, sleeping from two to five in a room

There is a continuous programme of refurbishment in the rooms as well as on the property. The rooms are tastefully decorated with soft furnishings that further enhance the “Old English” atmosphere and provide a comfortable night sleeps. Reservations are made up to a year in advance to secure accommodation.

The Main building has a very comfortable lounge to relax in, read a book, chat with friends or just enjoy the ambiance of the country in front of the fireplace. The pub, “The King and Riddle” is a firm favourite with the locals. There is an almost tangible atmosphere in the pub perhaps remnant of the elation of previous wins by the Natal Sharks. Sporting events, locals’ night on Thursdays and Sunday lunches fill the pub to capacity, adding to the spirit of the “King and Riddle”. Hebron Haven is child friendly and family orientated.
The hotel has 33 Bedrooms, all en-suite and can accommodate up to 96 guests. Rooms (some double) vary in size from Single to Double, twin as well as Family

Hebron Haven is proud to provide exceptional food at a good price. A place where one can bring the whole family out for a meal and leave satisfied both in stomach and in pocket. A continuously reviewed wine list further compliments the generous menu with reasonable prices. The a’la Carte menu is changed seasonally with the “firm favourites” becoming established. In keeping with the “family friendly” ethos, a kiddie’s menu as well as half portion is available on request. Constant supervision ensures as far as possible the consistency and quality of the meals produced.

Hebron’s Chefs are both, industry qualified and locally trained by owner and Master Chef Rudolf Pollabauer previously of Sun City, Holiday Inns, Southern Suns and of the famous Blues Restaurant in Camps Bay in Cape Town. Rudolf determines the appearance of any new items on the menu and is hands-on in the instruction of how the new dishes should be prepared and presented.

Hebron Haven’s food is one of the best marketing tools of the Hotel. Fellow Restranteurs, Guest House owners, locals and previous guests, further promote the kitchen’s fame. Sunday lunches are well attended by locals and meanderers. This has made prior reservation an absolute necessity for Sundays. The “fish ‘n chips” pub special on Thursday nights, served English style wrapped in newspaper, is one of the top sellers from the Pub. Hebron will soon be introducing it’s own separate Pub menu to cater for the growing demand for a quick, wholesome meal.

Hebron caters for Weddings, Birthdays, Special occasions and Conferences. Various set menus are available to ensure that the client’s budget can be accommodated. A set menu consisting of four courses is provided to in-house guests who have a further option of choosing a meal from the a’la Carte menu when on a B&B rate. In-house and walk in guests can enjoy a full country breakfast.

 

• A Conference Centre, with air-conditioning and heating
• Main conference room accommodating up to 80 delegates
  class room style
• Two breakaway rooms in the conference centre,
  each seating 4/6
  delegates at round table
• The “Gallery” for smaller conferences and
  meetings accommodating up to 20 delegates
• Two tennis courts, volley ball court and Umgeni River frontage
• Excellent table and friendly pub
• Team building & after hour facilities; (own facilitator req.)
• Two Tennis Courts
• Volley Ball Court
• Archery (bring own equip)
• River fishing
• Horse riding (extra charges)
• Cross Country walks
• Indoor games room.
• Six a Side Soccer
• Bicycle Track
• 5 bikes provided.
• Swimming.
• We will be creating a Putt-Putt course in the near future

 

• Guests ; We can accommodate any amount of guests but up to a maximum of 120 in a variety of themes and arrangements.
• Gazebo / Chapel ; Currently there are no gazebo nor chapel facilities at Hebron. We will however have these facilities as from July 2008.
  We can in the meantime arrange suitable Chapel facilities.
• To make your important day hassle free, Hebron can arrange all your wedding requirements as per your wishes. This will include music, your Minister, flowers, photographers, Wedding cake, etc.
• Menu: Menus range in price from R165.00 to R 225.00 per person. We can supply you with a list of dishes from which we can assist you in making the right selection for your wedding. We are very flexible in this and will be happy to discuss any variation
• Beverages ; Hebron has a wide selection of excellent wines and imported liquors. Corkage will be charged at R25.00 PER BOTTLE for any privately supplied alcohol.
• Operating Equipment ; Any additional equipment which may be required will be for your account.
• What’s included ; menu’s guest lists and seating arrangement, Table cloth & napkins, dance floor, cutlery. Crockery & glassware.
• Wedding cake ; We will be happy to assist you with these arrangements as well as for guests gifts.
• Should you not wish to use your own florist, we will be happy to arrange these requirements for you.
• Hebron has a variety of venues for you to use, both indoors and outdoors.

In celebration of this very special day, Hebron Haven will provide The Dressing Room, the bride to be eve of the wedding accommodation, as well as The Honeymoon Suite. An engraved cake knife will also be supplied.

VENUES AVAILABLE:

• Main Dining room ( with annex )
• Garden & Gazebo ( on the lawns under the Oaks )
• Conference / Hebron room
• Rustic ( under a marquee next to the river )

* There are minimal hire charges for our venues