Situated at the start of the famous Panorama Route that’s centred around the Blyde River Canyon (the world’s 3rd largest canon), just outside of the little town of Lydenburg, Stone Lodge teeters on top of a hill, overlooking the vast expanse of the Mpumalanga Mountains. As the valley unravels before you and the white-backed vultures soar through the skies, with the resident chickens and geese sauntering around the landscaped gardens, and the odd golden wildebeest, nyala, impala and sable darting through the long grass of the wilderness that abounds, this hideaway is a truly unique destination unto itself.
Set on acres of farmland, with unbridled nature sweeping every viewpoint, Stone Lodge comprises of a Manor House, a series of stables – some practising, some as extra luxurious accommodation – a maze of an organic vegetable garden, young olive groves, lavender and rose gardens, an infinity swimming pool, and an abundance of hiking, biking and meandering trails to explore to your heart’s content. Each room has been beautifully appointed with the finest linens and furnishings, a gorgeous, grand farm-style country kitchen, copious entertaining and relaxing rooms, long terraces and cosy reading nooks, ample open fireplaces and a fabulous bar and billiards room – enough to accommodate as many as 24 guests. Its the perfect place for multi-generational family gatherings, or landmark moments, those once-in-a-lifetime celebrations or simply when the whole clan gathers together and lets the magic of those special get-togethers unfold.
With his farm-to-fork philosophy, it might well be the top Chef Tippie – and his wife Santie – that are the pièce de résistance of the property. As much as the beauty of the wilderness, the views and the activities surrounding the farm are all enticing aspects of one’s hourly occupation at Stone Lodge, what Chef Tippie dishes up in the kitchen as the daily feasting is something extraordinary. The allure of it all is that you’re at leisure to amble through the gardens, sourcing your organic herbs and vegetables from the gardens and organic eggs from the chicken coop and prepare them in the country kitchen, at the large cooking island, under Chef Tippie’s guidance. There’s likely to be local produce from all areas of the province at the table too. Like local rainbow trout from the Spekboom River down the road. In keeping with the ethos of sustainability and conscious eating the experiences in the kitchen with Tippie and Santie are as educational as they are fun, interactive and utterly delicious.
When you’re not in the kitchen, sipping on a glass of the good stuff and pounding the beginnings of a sourdough, you’ll be out exploring the land that beckons you out to discover its unparalleled peace and stillness. Or you’ll spend hours with that book you’ve promised to finish, beside the fire, as the laughter from the billiards room or the heavenly swimming pool creep into every chapter. One thing’s for certain, you’ll leave Stone Lodge a little different to the person you arrived as. Either a better cook, a better sleeper, a better snooker player, or a faster hiker and a fitter farmer. The property not only inspires you to cherish the beauty that abounds, but the simple ways we can transform it all – and ourselves – into savouring each moment.
What we love!
- When it comes to views, they rarely get better than this. Enjoying an early morning coffee on the swimming pool deck or doing a spot of yoga as the sun rises. Sitting around the long tables or reclining in one of the heavenly beds – from all aspects, there are views for days.
- Watching the sunset from the terrace where you can experience the most beautiful sunsets.
- There’s something very special about gathering the whole clan together and spending time in the kitchen with Chef Tippie and really throwing all caution to the wind, losing all cooking inhibitions (with the help of the odd tipple, too) and creating a culinary feast from the garden and its surroundings.
- Experiencing the farm life with all the animals – tame and wild. There are also three noble and elegant Arabian horses on the farm – a truly unique horse to encounter in a lifetime.
What you need to know…
- The property is very much centred around the foodie experience with Tippie. You are at liberty to self-cater entirely, but should you wish to include Tippie & Santie’s skills in the kitchen it’s up to you and your clan as to how many would like to participate and over however many meals. From fresh juicing to pasta, pizza and break making. There is also an indoor braai for those who love to cook with fire.
- You also get to enjoy exquisite crockery and cutlery that goes hand in hand with the culinary experience. Including chefs and sommeliers glasses, beautiful under-plates and vintage wine coolers.
- The nearest town to the property is Lydenberg and the nearest airport is Hoedspruit – no more than 40-minutes away
- The area is a very popular spot for fly-fishing with the Spekboom River being nearby and its resident population of rainbow trout.
- The longs stables have been converted into extra luxurious accommodation for bigger parties, in the event of weddings and celebrations. The property has hosted celebrations in the past of up to 60 guests – with any overflow guests being accommodated at the neighbouring lodges.
Reviewed by Colleen Ogilvie
