Ladybrand – Weekend getaways aren’t really my thing.
It has something to do, I would imagine, with a hectic life and loving the sanctuary of home. Also, I can hardly keep abreast with everything happening in Pretoria and Joburg so there’s little drive to go further afield on weekends.
Holidays are a different topic. But recently I was invited to a 60th birthday party in Ladybrand. It was at the Station House with Station Café at Living Life and those travelling from far were told to book in at the guest house housing the restaurant. Then we discovered, there were many other advantages too.
Ladybrand is one of the towns closest to the Lesotho border so for those travelling there, this is a perfect stayover.
It takes between four and five hours to get there – depending where you leave from – but it is a beautiful part of the Free State with farms almost all the way there and more than one road you can take.
At the moment, the only one I’d avoid is the road between Ficksburg and Rosendal which seems to have fallen off everyone’s radar. That’s a pity because it’s such a scenic drive but with all the potholes, it’s a danger and you’re likely to lose a wheel or two.
The other roads were all extremely good. But back to The Station House at Living Life.
I lost my heart.
It is made up of a number of small houses divided into different permutations depending on how many need to stay.
The most common is the double room but they also have a family unit which in our case slept a mom, dad and two kids.
The different quarters are all done up in the same style, easy and luxurious living when talking linen, but there’s an individual stamp on each unit. My room had a shower and a bathroom – the latter without a roof which meant I could take a bath under the expansive glittering Free State sky.
One of the other rooms had a small swimming pool while another had a cheeky bath in the room.
So perhaps when booking specify what you like or ask a little bit about everything on offer.
Their website says you can find accommodation for R285, I didn’t ask for details but ours was R550 per person for bed and breakfast, R950 for a couple, and R1 500 for the family house.
To my mind, this is the perfect spot to gather friends, all take the drive to that little corner of heaven and have yourself a relaxing party – with or without kids.
The grounds are large with a wonderful outdoor entertainment for children including old-fashioned jungle swings, trampolines and open fields which allow them to play in the fresh air in sight of but not necessarily under control of parents.
The restaurant is adjacent to these playing fields so children can muck about while you’re having meals because the dining areas are very casual allowing for this kind of movement in and out.
That’s what adds to the charm.
Others might not agree but I suppose it depends on your needs. I liked the no-fuss – done with an individual style with lots of handmade art in the gardens and on the walls to keep things interesting.
The rooms all had beautiful roses from the garden, a decanter with sherry on arrival, plungers in the room to make good coffee in the mornings, little touches like that.
The staff also adds to the fun. They have been empowered, know how to engage with guests and turn the dining experience into something that feels almost like home but others are doing all the work while you can sit back, and be wined and dined.
Even when you’re having hearty meals at lunch or dinner, don’t skip breakfast. There are many different options, written on a large black board, and it would be difficult not to find something you love.
Omelettes are my best and I’m very fussy when it comes to that . But they did everything right.
The filling included mushrooms, tomato, bacon and cheese and every individual item was cooked perfectly with the omelette, not too mushy or too dry. It’s an art and I was impressed and even more delighted when all this could be washed down with good quality cappuccino.
It’s was the perfect morning meal which would last for the day.
Because we were there to celebrate, certain food choices were made for us on the night – and the feast was perfect.
As starters, they had a selection of foccaccia (pizzas) with toppings like butternut and blue cheese, mince and cheese, and olive, chutney and goat’s cheese.
As mains, guests could pick a preference like rump steak (R130), lamb chops (R110), chicken schnitzel (R95), beef strips and rosti (R85), burgers, lasagna served with flat bread (R85), homemade chicken pie (R95), fish cakes and tartar sauce (R130) and more. I had the lamb chops and could add either salad (which had unusual combos), chips or roasted veg. It was a great meal, well cooked, beautifully presented but definitely not prissy.
There are many lighter options during the day if you should pass through the town and want a meal from pancakes with fillings, quiches, pita and wraps and salads as well as a kiddies menu. They’re also pretty flexible with hearts that try to accommodate what their guests require.
Desserts were either hearty baked cheesecake, choc mud cake with raspberry compote or cheese and breads.
At about midnight the staff signed off and said we could kuier as long as we wished.
They’re still waiting for a liquor licence but should have it this year.
Don’t forget to have a look at their own crafty home products sold on the premises and on their website.
It’s my kind of place, relaxed but not so casual that you are left wanting. Everyone is warm and friendly but not all over you – and depending if she’s around serving queen Veronica Botman will change your dining experience into a bit of theatre.
Diane de Beer, Pretoria News