Kingfisher Country House

Kingfisher Country House

Selected by The Greenwood Guide to South Africa, 2nd edition

Text written by Simon Greenwood

As Kipling (almost) wrote, if you can keep your head when all around are losing theirs, you�re probably Sue Millard. While I was at Kingfisher she had to deal with three new guests and their bad-tempered guide, a pestering me, pouring rain, a (rare) day-long power cut, no telephone�. Sue was an island of calm. Her mood is doubtless helped by the serenity of the environment that she and Phil have created for themselves and their guests. Kingfisher looks out over the Wilderness National Park, a haven for bird-life, canoeists and hikers, while inside, the house has developed a wonderful lived-in feel after just four years.

The huge fireplace in the sitting room has an aged, smoke-blackened hearth, the sofas are covered in cushions and mohair rugs, and you may even spot one or two books written by Sue, an expert on traditional country crafts. The bedrooms also show off her fine taste, with two-tone walls, stencilling, dried flowers, lace, cotton drapes, wicker, brass or bamboo beds and headboards and pretty bathrooms. Breakfast on the verandah is a special treat because you can watch the steam-driven Outeniqua Choo-Tjoe (pronounced �choo-choo�) gliding by at the bottom of their beautiful garden. And should you ever want to leave, Kingfisher has a siding nearby so guests can put out their arm to stop the train and climb on board! Closed normally June.

Contact Details

Telephone: +27-(0)44 8771955
Facsimile: +27-(0)44 8771955

Email address:
info@kingfish.co.za