Thursday 14 November 2013

Wepener - accommodation options

When you travel in the eastern Freestate and end up at Wepener, 10 km from the Lesotho border, there are not many accommodation options to select from. 

Wepener is one of those historic country towns which is sadly deteriorating from its previous glory. The roads are full of potholes, the town appears dirty, many buildings are empty or neglected, Chinese shops are in every street.

It is then when a place like LORD FRASER GUEST HOUSE is a welcome surprise. This used to be the summer residence of the well-known, blind Lord Fraser who 'commuted' between SA and the UK on a 6-month basis during the 1930's. He was the founder and chairman of the once powerful retail business, Frasers in Lesotho, which closed down in 1988.

The property was taken over by Willem and Wilna Swanepoel in 1993 who turned it into a guest house. They have kept the old style furniture and ornaments.The atmosphere of aristocracy and good living, old leather, cognac, are still in the air. The well kept gardens add to this.

Today the guest house is managed by Malinda Lombard, daughter of the Swanepoels. With friendly and capable staff, they offer several rooms on a self-catering or fully catered basis.

www.lordfraser.co.za or phone Malinda at 082 44 50346

Parking outside Lord Fraser Guest House
Restored residence of Lord Fraser
Beautiful gardens of Lord Fraser Guest House
Bar of Lord Fraser Guest House