Lemonwood

Lemonwood - Dargle, Natal Midlands, KwaZulu Natal, South Africa

Description

Lemonwood, a farm situated in the heart of the Dargle valley and conservancy area, offers an unforgettable experience along the Midlands Meander. We are only 10 mins from the N3.

Your stay at Lemonwood promises to be something different. If you are longing to experience wildlife and tranquility at its best, Lemonwood is the place to stay. With it's 90 hectares of indigenous mist-belt forest and 30 hectares of untouched veld above the bush, Lemonwood offers wonderfully scenic self guided walks in the forest ranging from an easy 20 minutes stroll to an all day hike up to the top where you are rewarded with spectacular 360 degree views of the valleys and the Drakensburg mountains.

Over 200 species of birds have been recorded on the farm. The Knysna Lourie is a popular resident but we also have the Cape Parrot, Narina trogon and Martial Eagle. The shy Samango monkey can be heard and often seen in the canopy around the cottages. You may go to sleep (or not) to the alarming and hysterical shriek of the Tree Dassie. Reedbuck and bushbuck are often seen. We have also seen a 45 strong herd of Blesbok and a group of the rare Oribi. The serval cat is sometimes seen.

Close by is a dam and wetland area which supports many varieties of birds including crowned cranes and spur winged geese. Enjoy a relaxing stroll and find the petrified tree or picnic under the largest Yellowood in Natal (so it is claimed). For those who like to walk, there are several well marked trails through the bush lasting from half an hour to half a day. There is also a tree identification trail.

Being situated at the centre of the popular Midlands Meander Arts and Crafts route gives Lemonwood guests an opportunity to explore the area where you will find cheese makers, craft studios, art galleries, handcrafted furniture, a brewery and home decor outlets.

With three cottages situated on the edge of the forest and bush, Lemonwood is the ideal retreat for relaxation where you could relax by the swimming pool or sip a sundowner on your cottage verandah overlooking fantastic views of the surrounding hills and listen to the sounds of Africa and the bush.

ACCOMMODATION:

Samango (2 bedrooms):

Both rooms are en-suite with a large, light, open-plan kitchen, sitting, dining area. It stands almost in the forest and has a covered deck at the front.

Dassie (1 bedroom):

The bedroom is en-suite and the kitchen, sitting and dining area are all in one. The tiled patio is a wonderful place to see the birds and butterflies.

Serval (1 and a half bedrooms):

The bedroom is ‘L’ shaped and has an extra bed around the corner. The rest of the layout is the same as the other two cottages.

All the cottages have wonderful views and are very tranquil. They are superbly equipped and comfortable without being fussy. Each cottage has DSTV and video recorder for those rainy days. There is underfloor heating, electric blankets, open fireplaces and braais in all three cottages.

If you’d like to wake to a magical dawn chorus, see the Knysna louries flying across our stunning, mature garden or sit out at night and listen to the many night noises from the forest, then this is the place for you.

Attractions

There is fishing available locally and riding trails. The activities in the Midlands also include fine and easily accessible golf courses and the 'extreme sport' of the Karkloof Canopy Tour.

We are conveniently situated for the private schools in the area from Nottingham Road to Pietermaritzburg, especially for the events or open weekends at Michaelhouse, Hilton and St. Anne's.

The battlefield area is also accessible for day trips or more extensive overnight stays. We can put you in touch with tour operators if wanted. Also day trips to the world famous Drakensberg are easily accomplished. If you are spending more than a couple of days on the area a picnic, walk or inspection of the cave art (or all three) is a must.

It has to be said though, that we find it hard to tear ourselves away from our beautiful little corner of South Africa in the Dargle.

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