Shafton Grange Guest House / Lipizzanner Stud and Sangoma

Description

Shafton Grange, situated in the beautiful Karkloof valley, was built in 1852 and retains the elegance of a bygone era. Hosts Craig and Nina Rogers invite the lovers of country living and fine hospitality to indulge themselves in the experience of a truly unique and exclusive getaway.

Shafton Grange, is a refreshing change from the humdrum of everday life. Shafton Grange Guest House and Lipizzaner Stud redefines the term Guest House. Built in 1852, the house which is surrounded by park-like gardens, is set on a 52-hectare farm. If you are after a unique experience, Shafton Grange is the place for you.

Shafton Grange Guest House and Lipizzaner Stud is a refreshing change from the humdrum of everday life. It redefines the term Guest House. If you are after a unique experience, Shafton Grange is the place for you.

The Guest House has 5 en-suite double bedrooms, each individually appointed with all the comforts you would expect from high class country living. A large lounge with the original 1852 fireplace keeps the house warm and offers a welcoming and cosy escape to relax with a good book or a glass of wine. A spacious veranda opens out from the lounge onto pristine lawns that overlook the swimming pool and lush kikuyu paddocks. The reception rooms are furnished with local antiques and family heirlooms. Our experienced cook prepares top-class meals using only local ingredients. Dinner and lunch are offered, but it is the breakfast that truly sets Shafton Grange apart.

Would you like to ride a fully schooled Lipizzaner? How about consulting your ancestors with a Sangoma or Celtic Sharman? You can do so at Shafton Grange. We also have an up and coming local artist resident on the property.

Located in the Karkloof, across the road from the Karkloof Country and Polo Club, and no more than 5 km from The Karkloof Canopy Tours, The Karkloof Crane Centre and The Karkloof Falls, come and find your piece of African paradise.

Shafton Grange is a place where you can truly relax, surrounded by picturesque landscapes, lush green paddocks, and a warmth and hospitality that comes from wholesome country living.

Accommodation

The six rooms at Shafton Grange are named after the six Lipizzaner lines. As each line brings its own unique characteristics to the breed, so each room offers something different to the house. Each room is individually decorated and is in keeping with the décor and style of the house. There are two rooms situated in the Victorian Courtyard and a further four upstairs in the main house.

Neapolitano:

The Neapolitano Room is the biggest room in the house. It has a beautiful view over the gardens and front paddocks. The bathroom is fitted with a stand-alone shower and corner bath. A smaller room adjoins the main room and will comfortably sleep two children.

Conversano:

The Conversano Room is upstairs in the main house. It is a lovely room for the early risers as it is greeted with the warm morning sun. The bathroom has a Cape Cod feel and is fitted with a shower.

Favory:

The Favory Room is also upstairs in the main house. This tastefully decorated room radiates warmth and charm. The Bathroom is large and fitted with a ball and claw bath and hand held shower.

Siglavy:

The Siglavy Room is situated in the courtyard adjoining the house. It is the smallest but cosiest room. It was once the Bacon and Ham curing room. The ensuite bathroom is well appointed with a bath and hanging shower it.

Moestoso:

The Moestoso Room is situated in the courtyard adjoining the house with beautiful views of the expansive garden. It was once the farm office. The room is complete with the original yellowwood furnishings. The well fitted bathroom exudes the charm of pure country living with its wooden finishes and stand alone shower.

Pluto:

The Pluto Room is situated upstairs in the main house. It is the only room without a bathroom and is offered in conjunction with any one of the other upstairs rooms. This room is ideal for children.

Contact Details:
Reservations
Tel: 086 127 6237
Int. Tel: +27 51 924 0585

Attractions

Activities

Well schooled horses. 21 stables.
Full equestrian center in the process of being built.
Rides through the Karkloof Valley.
Picnic rides to the Karkloof Falls.
Karkloof Polo Grounds over the road.
See Bush buck, Reed buck, Duiker, Blesbok & Oribi all from horse back.

Mountain Biking: Well schooled horses. 21 stables.
Full equestrian center in the process of being built.
Rides through the Karkloof Valley.
Picnic rides to the Karkloof Falls.
Karkloof Polo Grounds over the road.
See Bush buck, Reed buck, Duiker, Blesbok & Oribi all from horse back.

Bird Watching: 60 species identified so far.
Wattled Crane, Blue Crane, African Black Duck, Crested Crane, Long Crested Eagle, Black Eagle, and many more.

Fly Fishing: Fly fish along the banks of the Kusane River.
Catch Brown Trout and Bass.

Swimming: Relax and enjoy the scenery next to the swimming pool.

Karkloof Country Club: Tennis courts.
Squash courts.
Four polo fields.

Walks: Beautiful scenery. Walk around the 52-hectare farm. See Bush buck, Reed buck, Duiker, Blesbok and Oribi.

Spot the rare Karkloof Blue Butterfly!

Lipizzaners at Shafton Grange

Shafton Grange and its Horses.

When Parkinson built Shafton Grange in 1852 his aim was to turn it into a horse stud. With this in mind he had brought with him, at great expense, a well bred mare. Unfortunately a year after they had arrived, the Mare was killed when her stable was struck by lightening and burnt down. Parkinson later acquired a stallion, which became famous throughout the district for his ability of taking travellers over swollen rivers and then returning home on his own.

Shafton Grange was not known for its horses until 2002, when the South African Lipizzaners relocated their stud from Balgowan to Shafton Grange. The Stud remained on the farm for three years before being moved to Gauteng. It was at this time that the decision was taken to start breeding Lipizzaners privately on Shafton Grange. We have been doing this for the last 4 years.

Our Horses:

At present we have fourteen horses on the property. Six of which are Lipizzaners. Our Lipizzaner Brood mares are - Eldora (Nanzi), Ava and Ella (Odaliska). We also have two English Thoroughbred Brood Mares - Pax a Million and Out of the Blue.

We have four two year olds. Two of which are Lipizzaner Colts - Neapolitano Nanzi 1 (Jack) and Neapolitano Odaliska (Moia) and the other two are Lipizzaner Thoroughbred Crossed Fillies - Gita and Sky.

All four of our two year olds are out of our breeding Stallion Neapolitano Romeda. At present he is based at the South African Lipizzaner centre in Kyalami. He is from The Spanish riding School and was brought over to South Africa in 2000. He is now one of two solo horses who perform with the South African Lipizzaners.

We also have a couple of riding horses although some of the brood mares are used for riding as well as breeding. They are Chocolate Ice (Although we suspect Basotho Pony) Siglavy Ava (Lipizzaner) and Ella (Lipizzaner Breeding Mare). Siglavy Ava is a retired performing Lipizzaner from the South African Lipizzaner centre in Johannesburg and is a fantastic ride.

We also have a highly bred South African Boerperd at Shafton, he is an exceptional ride and is a first class illustration of a South African breed that is starting to take the competition arenas by storm.

The South African Lipizzaners:

It is a little known fact within the international equestrian community that the only school of performing Lipizzaners recognised by the World Famous Spanish Riding School is the South African Lipizzaner centre. Although their shows my not be held in the beautiful Spanish riding school their performances are world class and should be seen at least once in a life time, by those who have a passion for horses.

Shafton Grange Guest House / Lipizzanner Stud and Sangoma

Directions

Take the Howick / Reitvlei road for 12km to the four way intersection with the Crammond / Karkloof Country and Polo Club road.Turn left at this intersection and you will find the turn into Shafton Grange 500m along the road and on the right hand side. Well sign posted.