Thatcher's Rest Self Catering Cottage  Verified Listing

Welcome to Thatcher's Rest Self Catering Cottage.

Thatcher’s Rest is a delightfully secluded self-catering cottage situated on a working farm and surrounded by the serene splendour of the beautiful and tranquil hills of the Biggarsberg mountain range.
Located between Ladysmith and Newcastle in Northern KwaZulu-Natal, this totally unique, double story thatched roof cottage is set on stilts within one of the six dams on the farm and is accessed from the shore by a wooden walkway.

All these beautiful photos was take by Jenny Grinwis Photography

The cottage can comfortably accommodate up to seven people and consists of three beautifully furnished bedrooms and three full bathrooms.
Two of the bedrooms are located on the upper level and have en-suite bathrooms. The third bedroom is located on the ground floor and has a bathroom directly next to it. The main bedroom, situated on the upper level has its own private balcony with views across the dam and surrounding farmland. It has a queen bed with shower, basin and toilet.
The second bedroom is also situated on the upper level with views of the surrounding mountains. It has twin beds and a bath, basin and toilet.
The third bedroom is on the ground floor with views of the mountains and offers an amazing feeling of floating on water. It has twin beds which can be joined to form a double bed. It is not en-suite but has a bathroom with shower, basin and toilet situated directly next to it.
There is an additional single bed (suitable for a child only) situated on the mezzanine.

Amenities
The cottage is superbly equipped with all cutlery, crockery and linen (including towels) sufficient for seven people. (Please bring your own swimming towels should you require.)
There is a very silent generator which supplies electricity to all appliances and plug points throughout the cottage. It is activated via remote on an on-demand basis and can be switched off when not required.
The open plan kitchen has a gas fridge and stove for convenience which reduces the frequent need for the generator.
The cosy and comfortably furnished lounge with its double volume ceiling has a Jetmaster fireplace for those cold winter nights and large windows for those warm summer days.
A lovely large enclosed verandah leads off the kitchen and lounge area ensuring that the ‘cooks’ don’t miss out on all the fun, frivolity and fellowship at the large dinner table and outdoor lounge area. There is a deluxe gas braai unit available on the outdoor deck as well as a traditional wood braai available by the entertainment area on shore beneath the beautiful Willow tree.
There is a maid service available at an additional nominal charge should you require and undercover parking for two vehicles.

Things to Do
FISHING - The dam, on which the cottage is situated, is stocked with both bass and trout therefore offering all seasons fishing opportunities.
RELAXING - At the end of a perfect summer’s day spent fishing or simply just lazing about, sipping sundowners on the comfortable verandah will leave you with a sense of total relaxation. A book, a glass of red wine and a lovely roaring log fire on chilly winter evenings, is just the perfect way to end a lazy day.
HORSE RIDING - Explore this beautiful area of the Biggarsberg on horseback. Wonderful out rides can be arranged with Andrea Cronje from a farm close by. Andrea is passionate about her horses and her guest riders, taking care that every rider and horse are well matched. Andrea ensures that an exciting, happy and relaxed ride will be enjoyed by all.
BIRD WATCHING - Thatcher's offers abundant bird life for the nature lover and the avid birdwatcher alike. Over 75 different birds have been identified. Come and see if you can add more to our list.
THE BIG 5- Right on our doorstep! The Nambiti Conservancy, a wonderful new conservancy, in a malaria free area, offers game drives for day visitors. Booking is essential and subject to availability. Early morning, and evening drives are available with teas/coffee and snacks included in the fees.
WALKING- Both easy and more strenuous walks are available on the farm. Enjoy the breathtaking views of the farm and the outlying areas from various vantage points.

Places to See
BATTLEFIELDS - Take a step back in time and visit the famous battlefields of Isandlwana, Rorke's Drift, Elandslaagte and many others. Guided tours by accredited guides can be arranged on your behalf.
MARIA RATCHITZ MISSION - Visit this interesting German Trappist Monk Mission with its beautiful church which has been restored to it's former grandeur. Stroll through the peaceful and tranquil gardens, with the Twelve Stations of the Cross depicted in beautifully hand crafted mock mosaic.
TALANA MUSEUM - The only museum in South Africa, situated on a battlefield, where the buildings from the time of the battle still exist. Talana boasts some of the most beautiful glass and bead exhibits. Spend a day browsing around this interesting and most diverse museum.
THE SIEGE MUSEUM - This museum contains fascinating mementoes of the 120 day siege of the town of Ladysmith, during the Anglo-Boer War.
FORT MISTAKE - Admire the unique method of laying stones that has withstood years of weathering.

MAID SERVICE
R45 for 2 hours.
ELECTRICITY
The fridge and stove are powered by gas so you do not need to run the generator in order to use them.
The geyser, lights and plug points are powered by a remote controlled generator.
The first 4 hours of daily usage is included in the rate.
Each additional hour thereafter is levied at R35.
ACTIVITIES
Rates for tours and horse rides can be obtained directly from the various operators.