Durban - Luxury coastal getaway Botha House in Umdoni Park, Pennington, is less than an hour’s drive south of Durban and located in the heart of one of KwaZulu-Natal’s pristine coastal forests.
The building was started by the first Prime Minister of the Union of South Africa, General Louis Botha, shortly before his death in 1919. It was to be a beach retreat for his wife Annie.
Botha House has played host to prestigious guests including former presidents, visiting dignitaries, the social elite and discerning travellers. Today this gracious homestead stands proudly above the warm Indian Ocean, the sound of the waves crashing on the Umdoni Point rocks below. Botha House, surrounded by rolling lawns, has a certain country charm and appealing grandeur.
Its architecture is unmistakably Cape Dutch, its interior elegantly colonial– think columned entrance hall, drawing room, dining room, cheerful country house paraphernalia, fireplaces, oil landscapes and portraits – and it is a sublimely relaxing retreat.
Lynne, Tony and Susanne Hallett, together with their friendly staff and Biscuit the Jack Russell terrier, preserve and provide the perfect place to kick your feet up and truly unwind.
Sumptuous breakfasts as well as delicious home-made dinners (on request) are served in the grand dining room or on the sun-filled terrace.
Botha House offers accommodation in six bedrooms: two deluxe suites with oversized bathrooms and balcony, and two standard suites – all with sea views – as well as two smaller courtyard rooms with beautiful garden views.
Tranquil surrounds make Botha House ideal for birding and nature lovers. As the guest house is situated within the Umdoni Park with more than 220 species of birds, guests can enjoy forest hikes as well as bird watching. Guided bird walks can also be arranged.
Sometimes referred as The Golf Coast, the South Coast has 10 highly rated golf courses on offer for the budding amateur and the more seasonal pro.
The Umdoni Park Golf Course is just next door to Botha House and Selborne Golf Estate only a five-minute drive away. Both golf courses offer special rates for Botha House guests and tee-off times and golf carts can be booked by management. Should you need to practise your golf, the Lynton Hall Driving Range is close by and a personal golf trainer can be arranged as well. Botha House also offers transfers to and from the various other golf courses on the South Coast.
Botha House is perfectly located for those wishing to explore the entire South Coast from Durban to Port Edward. Activities such as scuba diving, visits to cultural villages, game and nature reserves, crocodile farms are within easy reach.
Walk along the beautiful, long Pennington main beach and relax at the beach kiosk with a cappuccino and a freshly baked muffin or scone while overlooking the ocean. You may even catch the excitement of the annual sardine run (usually in June and July).
If you have an interest in history or need a getaway to recuperate, then Botha House, with its reasonable rates, might just be the place. Call 039 975 1227 or visit www.bothahouse.co.za - Sunday Tribune