Inverness Farm offers guests a truly tranquil self-catering retreat, perfectly nestled in the scenic Caversham Valley, right in the heart of the popular Midlands Meander. Situated on a working farm, the cottages are ideal for those seeking fresh country air and genuine KwaZulu-Natal hospitality. The location is excellent for exploring the area, placing guests within easy reach of the finest local restaurants, spas, galleries, and wedding venues. The farm itself boasts magnificent 360-degree views, ranging from early morning mists in the valleys to glorious late afternoon sunsets over the surrounding mountains and forests. The luxurious self-catering cottages are beautifully appointed, each featuring a private entrance, dedicated parking, and spectacular views over the vineyards and valley. Inside, guests will find a cosy, welcoming space, equipped with a fireplace to ensure warmth during chilly winter evenings. Beds are dressed with crisp white percale linen and fluffy duvets. The full self-catering kitchens include a gas stove with oven, fridge, kettle, crockery, and cutlery. For added convenience, a complimentary sherry, tea, coffee, homemade rusks, and fresh farm milk are often provided. Bathrooms are fitted with good-quality towels and complimentary toiletries, and energy-efficient hairdryers are standard. Guests should note that while all cottages have a TV, some may require a personal DStv smartcard. The farm provides numerous on-site facilities and attractions for a memorable stay. Each cottage boasts private braai facilities, and complimentary firewood is provided for the first fire. Guests can wander the fields to interact with the resident farm animals, including horses, cattle, sheep, and chickens. For those who enjoy the outdoors, the farm has running and mountain biking trails, as well as a beautiful indigenous forest walk leading to a river deck where one can relax or try fishing for the legendary Yellow Fish. The farm prides itself on being self-sustainable, powered by solar and gas, offering a conscious stay without compromising quality.
In-Room facilities: * Bathroom Amenities * Braai facilities * Crockery and cutlery * Complimentary firewood (more is available at a nominal fee) * Complimentary sherry * Energy-efficient hairdryers * Fireplaces * Full gas stove and fridge * Oven in most cottages * Own private pet-friendly garden entrances * Parking * Spectacular views * Tea and coffee-making facilities with cookies and fresh farm milk * Streaming services * Wi-Fi * Patio * Outdoor furniture * Private en-suite bathrooms
Balgowan is a picturesque valley located in the central part of the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands in South Africa. It is not a formal town but rather a charming geographical area on the renowned Midlands Meander, situated between Nottingham Road and Lidgetton. This area is famous for its magnificent, rolling green scenery, characterised by soft, wavy hills, tranquil pastures, and dense pine forests, all intersected by crystal-clear streams and occasional waterfalls. The climate is notoriously changeable, which only adds to the region’s mysterious and beautiful atmosphere. Historically, Balgowan originated around an old trading store and a train station used for timber transport. Today, Balgowan is known for its beautiful country estates, boutique accommodation, and various arts and crafts stops featured on the R103 route. A significant landmark is Michaelhouse, an exclusive boys’ boarding school with striking English Gothic-style architecture. Visitors can also enjoy golf at Bosch Hoek, explore the creative works at The Glass Studio, visit Swissland Cheese Farm, or take horse trails through the iHashi Forest. It serves as a peaceful, scenic base for tourists exploring the wider Midlands Meander.
Attractions:
Visit the Midlands Meander website for more info: www.midlandsmeander.co.za The world-class trout fishing in the area is legendary and can be easily arranged. Other attractions in the area include: * Midmar Dam (10km away) * Abingdon Wine Estate * Animal farms * Birding * Biking/Hiking * Canopy Tours * Fishing * Golf courses * Great Restaurants/Coffee shops * Health Hydros/Spas * Highgate Wine Estate at Piggly Wiggly * Horse/Pony rides. * Mandela capture site * Nature Reserves * Nottingham Road Brewery * Piggly Wiggly Zipline - 6 km away * Sailing and Canoeing * Terbodore Coffee Roasters, Curry’s Post * Trailblazer Adventures (rafting) is close by! * Park Run every Saturday at Piggly Wiggly Car Park from 08h00
Activities:
Clothing and Accessories:
Warm clothing for our chilly winters!
Health and Climate:
Our winters can be really cold so be prepared for chilly mornings and evenings. Summers are glorious and can reach into the late 30's...
Rooms and Units Available:
Basic Cottage | Shetland Cottage
This cosy and stylish cottage has a king-size bed. The en-suite offers a shower. Full kitchen facilities including a gas oven/stove, small fridge, and tea/coffee facilities. There is a beautiful private braai area.
Sleeps 2 Adults
Classic Cottage | Munro Cottage
This gorgeous cottage has two bedrooms, one with a queen, the other with 2 single beds, a main en-suite (shared), and a guest toilet. Full kitchen, open plan lounge and dining room with large fireplace. Spectacular views over the forest and Lion’s River.
Sleeps 4 Adults
Comfort Cottage | Barn Cottage
A wonderful Barn Style Cottage with open plan lounge, kitchen and dining area with a fireplace for cosy winter nights. Two bedrooms with queen beds, and both have bathrooms. There is a private fenced-off garden with a braai, plunge pool and verandah.
Sleeps 4 Adults
Deluxe Cottage | Gallery Cottage
This beautiful Cottage has outstanding views of the valley and forest. It has 4 bedrooms with a queen bed, two double beds and two single beds, with 3-en suite bathrooms and a guest bathroom with a fireplace in the lounge, large kitchen and dining area.
Sleeps 8 Adults
Family Cottage | Crofters Cottage
This quaint cottage has two bedrooms, both en-suite. The open-plan lounge, dining room, and kitchen area are spacious and cosy. Large wood-burning fireplace for warmth. Magnificent valley and mountain views.
Sleeps 4 Adults
Honeymoon Cottage | Skye Cottage
A unique cottage with a queen-size bed and an en-suite shower. Magnificent views of the distant hills and beautiful sunsets are viewed from the bed. An open kitchenette with a gas oven/stove, small fridge, and tea/coffee making facilities. Wi-Fi and TV.
Sleeps 2 Adults
Standard Cottage | Argyle Cottage
This lovely cottage has a queen-size bed, a full bathroom (bath with hand-held shower), a fully fitted kitchenette adjoining the comfortable lounge and a cosy fireplace, Wi-Fi, and Smart TV. Please use your own account.
Sleeps 2 Adults
Traditional Cottage | Trotters Cottage
Trotters Cottage has a magnificent view overlooking the Lions River and our forest. Open plan lounge, kitchen and dining area with a fireplace going out to a private deck. The fenced garden has a plunge pool, a braai and a gazebo.
Sleeps 4 Adults
Facilities & Services available:
Babies Children under 12 Elderly Honeymoon Couples Pets Self-Braai / Barbecue
Cots available Fireplace on the Premises Garden Parking (off-street - open) Wi-Fi English
Birdwatching Historic Sites Monuments Arts and Craft Families
Cancellation Policy:
If cancelling 7 days before arrival, forfeit 100% of the booking total. If cancelling 14 days before arrival, forfeit 100% of the deposit. If cancelling 21 days before arrival, forfeit 50% of the deposit. If cancelling 30 days before arrival, forfeit 20% of the deposit.
Directions:
DIRECTIONS FROM DURBAN 1. From the N3, take Exit 107, Howick North/Tweedie. 2. Turn left at the off-ramp and follow the road up to the stop street. 3. Turn right onto the R103 and follow this road till you go past Piggly Wiggly. 4. Take the first road right after Piggly Wiggly, P133, this is a dirt road. 5. Travel 5km along the road, and Inverness Farm is on your left-hand side. 6. Come up the driveway and put in the code to gain access. DIRECTIONS FROM JOHANNESBURG 1. From the N3, take Exit 132, Nottingham Road. 2. Turn right from the off-ramp towards Nottingham Road. You will get to a 3-way stop street, veer left here onto the R103. 3. Travel along this road till you go past Michaelhouse School, turn at the 2nd road to your left, the D182, which is a dirt road, then take the first road to your right, P133. 4. Go about 2.5km, past Caversham Mill Restaurant, we are up on the hill, the driveway is to your right, marked Inverness Farm. 5. Come up the driveway and put in the code to gain access.
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Children Policy
Children welcome.
Accommodation Type: Cottages, Guest Farm and Self-Catering
