Lying in the freestanding bath, looking out through generous windows over a dam and rolling hills where racehorses readied for return to their stables, I wondered what the chef would prepare in his 5 course wine paired menu.
This moment for me captured the essence of Hartford House, a remarkable country house hotel in the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands.
If you don''t know the area, think English countryside with quaint pubs and art studios, lying in the shadow of the great Drakensberg and on the edge of the Battlefields with their dramatic history. There, on the country''s leading stud farm, is Hartford House.
It''s great to spend time on a working farm with activity happening all around you. The perfect place to enjoy long walks down tree lined avenues, stable visits, horserides. It''s a proud farm, immaculately maintained, not surprising then that it''s even hosted horses of Dubai''s royal family.
Then there''s the food... Hartford House has been rated in South Africa''s Top Ten Restaurants for many years. The chef and his team are innovative, using ingredients procured locally. They pay great attention to detail and present the food beautifully. Although the surrounds are fairly formal, the chef was relaxed and spoke enthusiastically about each course. His interaction has a highlight and the wines paired with each course were well chosen.
The staff of Hartford House are charming, the rooms beautifully appointed, and there''s a sense of everything being cared for. At the beginning of spring, foals were dropping and blossoms blowing, daffodils flowering and azaleas beaming. I''d love to see it in the other seasons too...
A special thanks to Airlink, who flew James to Pietermaritzburg Airport – a great way to get to the
Midlands Meander. It’s such a
short flight and the small airport makes getting in and out super-quick, so it
really does make for an easy weekend away without the long drives. Highly
recommended!