There was one exception: we decided to commit a 3 night stopover at Barberton and booked 'Die Berghuisie'. We were not dissappointed and could not make a better decision.
Barberton is a very special place and we could have stayed here for a week to discover all it offers. The town is surrounded by magnificent mountains and has a rich history, from the first gold mines in South Africa, to the modern day discovery of geological rock formations with global significance. In one of my previous posts about the Josephsdal border post I wrote more about that.
Die Berghuisie is in one of these mountains outside Barberton. A four kilometer gravel road just outside town with a locked boom gate, takes you from 835 meters above sea level to 1135 meters. Here you turn off and onto the 32 hectare property owned and managed by Sundra van Heerden, Karen and Paul Maritz.
Die Berghuisie is a stand alone self-catering house that can accommodate 4 people. There is an outside splash pool (or jacuzzi) which can be heated, an outside braai facility with fire wood included, an outside open shower with a view. Inside is a cozy fireplace for those cold winter nights. But it is the view from the wooden deck that impresses most. I sat here for hours getting this blog up to date while looking at the town below and surrrounding mountains.
The main house on the property is also available for guests and can sleep 6 people in 3 rooms with 2 bathrooms. The gardens are well kept and is a pleasing sight. The red chested cuckoo (piet-my-vrou) can be heard all day long while eagles, buzzards, night jars and many more will keep birders on their toes.
This is also mountain bike terroritory and one of the MTN League races goes through the property.
But it is the people, Sundra, Paul, Karen, that will make you come back. I know it sounds like a cliche, but we came as strangers to one another and left as friends.They took us on a drive to show us the launching spot for para-gliders, the lookout points, the water streams, the plantations, the indigenous trees. They have dreams and many plans to make this special place even more special. We will make a plan somehow to comeback again one day.
www.barbertonmountainlodge.com
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| Ascending 300 meters over 4 kilometers to reach Die Berghuisie |
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| Splash pool |
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| Wooden deck with a view at Die Berghuisie |
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| Beautiful gardens on the property |
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| Barberton at night as seen from the wooden deck |