Hunters Retreat Guest Farm

Manley Wine Lodge (Hunters Retreat)

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

Text written by Simon Greenwood

I leaned happily against my car while Esther dished out tea for the churchgoers who use Hunters church once a month. What a setting. Pure bands of green and blue as rolling wineland meets berg meets sky. The high-thatched cottages down by the wetlands of the dam have their own patios of perfect peace, disturbed only by flashes of brilliant colour as the red bishops weave their nests in the reeds. There are birds everywhere (egrets, kingfishers and ostriches among them), including a couple of solemn blue cranes that check you out like dogs at the gate.

There have been a couple of new additions to the Hunter's scene since the last edition. First there is Trish, now sharing the guest house with Esther and every bit as natural, easy-going and humorous; and a blue crane chick whose parents were a mite protective when we visited and make Trish run a gauntlet to and from her cottage. All the rooms are large, homely and bright with big bathrooms and fridges. There's plenty of space out here, an outdoorsy sort of place, great for animals and kids. Grown-ups can go for walks round the dam and commune with the birds.

Contact Details

Telephone: +27-(0)23 2300582
Facsimile: +27-(0)23 2300057
Cell: +27 -(0)793543980

Email address:
bookings@manleywinelodge.co.za