Pietermaritzburg - I really needed a break and Lythwood Country Hotel proved the perfect place – not too far away but secluded and private.
Lythwood is tucked away in a valley near the village of Lidgetton. To get there we bumped over the little bridge, up the dirt road and then on the driveway lined with flowering cherry blossom trees. Most appropriate for a place that specialises in weddings.
Four star Lythwood Country Hotel, originally Lithwood (“Lith” being the Greek for stone) because of an old quarry on the estate, was built in the 1940s by skilled Italian builders from prisoner of war camps in Pietermaritzburg. The estate has been substantially developed since, with 33 rooms, including a honeymoon suite and 10 rooms in the main lodge, plus six self-catering cottages.
It has pretty views over pastures and rolling hills. There are trees and shrubs of all sorts and sizes, immaculate lawns and beautiful gardens. The property rises steeply behind the lodge, and is covered in natural forest up to the top of the hill. A forest walk is worth the effort for the views. Farm walks are fun but you need to be aware of the bulls, or very confident in your sprinting prowess.
There’s a secluded swimming pool towards the bottom of the garden, with shaded wooden seating nearby. In preparation for a wedding the next day, decorations hang on a large fir tree and over a wrought iron bower.
Manager Leon Rennison confidently stated we would have to go far in the Midlands to find better food. No arguments there. After a stop at the bar we enjoyed a nice bottle of red from the impressive wine list and a lovely meal before the fireplace.
The chicken and prawn Laksa (soup) and spinach roulade starters were yum, as was the amuse bouche. My rack of lamb was good but Helen’s bacon-wrapped pork fillet was the winner. We rounded off with a brandy snap ice cream basket and cheesecake before rolling down to our two-bedroom cottage, as full as ticks.
What a comfy spot for a quiet weekend. Two en-suite (bath and shower) bedrooms, one with a king size bed and the other with twin beds, a well-kitted-out kitchen cum dining area and lounge with a teeny telly (there are big TVs in the lodge) large fireplace, an outside four-seater table and braai, plus loads of firewood. The bathrooms had heated towel rails and overhead heaters – great in cold weather if, like me, you haven’t much insulation on top.
The following morning’s fresh weather took us to nearby Culamoya Chimes where Oom Frik vouched for the good job the “youngsters” at Lythwood were doing while his creations chimed in the wind, tuned to the bells of St Pauls, Big Ben and other icons.
A quick stop at quirky Hillfold Pottery, where potter Lyndsay Scott produces some fine pieces, was followed by a return visit to Karkloof Canopy Tours. It’s a beautiful drive whatever the weather and a thrilling yet peaceful experience. One of their full moon tours above and through the tall trees is definitely on my wish list.
We returned to Lythwood invigorated, as the wedding party made final preparations for their garden wedding.
Croquet was set up in the morning. There’s boule too or board games and DStv – or you can simply enjoy a novel with a view by one of the many large windows.
A great spot to clear your head, recharge or share your cows – oops – vows.
l Call: 033 234 4666 or visit: lythwood.com.
Sunday Tribune