Be prepared to be blown away by the sheer beauty and incredible tranquillity of the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands when arriving at the special retreat that is Rockwood Farm House. Set on Spitzkop Farm, on the doorstep of the extraordinary natural gem that is the Karkloof Nature Reserve, the location of this getaway can be summed up in a delightful little word – bliss. This spacious farm house, set on the edge of a scenic and rather large dam with its stylish, contemporary architecture and décor lends itself to relaxed living. More bliss. The living areas and several bedrooms of the open-plan house have large, frameless glass doors which slide open to let in nature in all her glory – and you’ll have complete access to the private Karkloof Nature Reserve, with its mistbelt forests and grasslands that are home to indigenous fauna and flora.
If you feel the need to drag yourself away from the farm-house stoep – the most idyllic spot to soak up the scenery and chill with drink in hand – there is a lot to do. Apart from swimming, canoeing and tubing on the dam, the Karkloof is excellent mountain-biking territory and there are marked trails and plantation roads to explore. Hiking the numerous self-guided trails within the reserve is also highly-recommended. Some of the trails are steep but if you’re moderately fit, you’ll be in the pound seats. You can also fish in well-stocked weirs and dams for trout or bass, and enjoy some choice birding of elusive, endemic species such as the Cape Parrot and the Crowned Eagle.
For the young – and the young-at-heart – there is a cool jungle gym and trampoline in a fenced-in area just metres from the farm house. If you’re in need of a luxurious getaway on nature’s doorstep, a rejuvenating stay at the Rockwood Farm House will be right up your alley, and the dreamy forays into nature and views of the Midlands’ hills and dales will sustain you long after you’ve said good-bye.
Reviewed by Sharon Sorour Morris