Dargle Valley / Howick – Lemonwood Cottages
Surrounded by beauty and tranquillity, Lemonwood is part of the newly formed Dargle Nature Reserve and the well-known Midlands Meander. A non-working farm, Lemonwood is situated on the edge of a large indigenous forest in the heart of the Dargle Valley and conservancy area, yet only 15 minutes from the N3 with a tarred road all the way!Your stay at Lemonwood promises to be something different. If you are longing to experience wildlife and tranquillity at its best, Lemonwood is the place to stay.
With its rare, indigenous mist-belt forest and untouched veldt above, Lemonwood offers wonderfully scenic, self-guided walks in the forest. If you make it to the very top, you will be rewarded with spectacular 360-degree views of the valleys and the Drakensberg mountains beyond.
Over 200 species of birds have been recorded on the farm and the Knysna Lourie is a permanent resident. We also have the Cape Parrot, Narina trogon and Martial Eagle. The shy Samango monkey can be heard and often seen in the canopy around the cottages or stealing fruit from the abundant garden. You may go to sleep (or not) to the alarming and hysterical shriek of the Tree Dassie. Reedbuck and bushbuck are often seen. We have also seen a 45 strong herd of Blesbok and a group of the rare Oribi on the top veldt. The serval cat is also often seen strolling around the farm.
Close by is a dam and wetland area which has many varieties of birds including crowned cranes and spur winged geese. Enjoy a relaxing stroll around the farm with your dogs; relax at the solar heated swimming pool or sip a sundowner on your cottage verandah overlooking fantastic views of the valley and surrounding hills and listen to the sounds of Africa and the bush. For those who like to be more energetic, there are several self-guided trails through the forest lasting from half an hour to half a day; look out for the tree identification labels along the way.
With four cottages and the main house situated on the edge of the forest and spectacular views, Lemonwood is the ideal retreat, whatever you want to do.
ACCOMMODATION
We have four comfortable and peaceful cottages � Oribi, Samango, Serval and Dassie. We also rent out the main house (our family home) which was built for entertaining and is large and airy. The cottages sleep 4, 4, 3 and 2 people respectively and the house sleeps 8, although sofa beds and/or mattresses are available to extend all of this. It is also possible to rent out the whole place for much larger groups or family gatherings.
All bedrooms are en-suite and there are open fires, under-floor heating and electric blankets for the colder months. For the nights when you don�t want to sit outside and wonder at the unbelievable stars, there is DStv and a DVD player, and of course, the sparkling, solar heated pool.
The kitchens are fully equipped and the cottages are serviced daily. (The main house can also be serviced by prior arrangement). A laundry service is also available on request.
All the accommodation is very close to the bush and is secluded and safe. The dawn chorus will wake you in the mornings and if you are an early riser you may catch a glimpse of the spectacular Knysna Louries or Paradise Flycatchers on their early morning rounds.
PET POLICY: All socialised dogs welcome all year round. Dogs sleep inside; bring own dog beds, bedding and bowls. Dogs are not allowed on the furniture and must be free of ticks and fleas. Easy access to walks; dogs must be leashed at all times when outside. Consideration must be given to resident dogs, birds, farm animals and wildlife. Pets stay FREE. Doggie Damages Deposit required: NONE.
