Hartford House – Elegant Gem in the Natal Midlands

We try to spend a few days, just before visiting my folks at the end of December somewhere different in the Natal Midlands. It doesn’t always work out that we’re able to go on a grand break but last year we were very fortunate.

After two days in Durban, we headed off to Hartford House in Mooi River, a 5 star property situated on pristine grounds and attached to the renowned Summerhill Stud farm.

For the next two days we read, lay by the natural pool of our beautiful suite (no 15, Siyabonga, which is Zulu for ‘thank you’), took half-hearted walks, though the trials are perfect for walkers, and were fed large amounts of thoughtfully prepared food by talented dynamite, Chef Jackie Cameron.

The lake across from our suite was alive with birdlife during the day, and at night, when we dined outside, a treat set up by the staff with candles and lamps, it danced in velvety ribbons, reflecting a waning full moon. I shan’t forget that night in a hurry.

The Natal Midlands produce we tucked into, from the creamiest Greek yoghurt I’ve enjoyed outside Greece, to handpicked forest mushrooms and sweet, succulent Natal lamb were stars in their own right. Jackie has a special, nurturing relationship with the small producers in the area.

These are a few images from our stay:

candlelit dinner by the lake

midlands cheese and meats

breakfast smoothie

Breakfast – that’s Greek style yoghurt btw, not clotted cream

succulent Natal midlands lamb

This stay was self funded and all opinions and interpretations remain my own