Malvern Manor

If you are having any difficulty understanding why the area is called the Garden Route, well, have a trundle up Michael and Sandra’s drive. Much more colourful and vibrant than anything visible from the public thoroughfares. I drove past cows and dams onto a redbrick road overflowing with thick tangles of foliage that hide Malvern from view - and all this perfectly framed by the imposing Outeniqua Mountains. Here is another English couple who fell in love with South Africa, upped sticks and bought their country idyll. They are both of farming stock, so this 21-hectare dairy farm was perfect. But despite being just a hop, skip and a jump from George, it was no easy task converting the Manor House, the keep at the heart of the farm, into a guest house. But it’s all come together so nicely. My room opened onto the garden through French doors, and lavish Roman-style pillars pick out the bath – the perfect place to unwind after a round of golf at one of the many local courses. For non-golfers, there’s endless scope for pre-breakfast walks and hikes... or you can sit and bird-watch in the tranquil gardens among proteas and roses. Play your cards right on your return and Michael might don his apron and prepare his speciality ‘chocaccino’. Delightful people in an enchanting setting.

More information from the owners…

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