Granny Mouse Country House & Spa, a luxurious country hotel nestled in the heart of the KwaZulu Natal Midlands Meander, South Africa – at the foot of the World Heritage uKhahlamba-Drakensberg Mountains.
The Mouse House (as it is affectionately known) offers the very best in opulent accommodation coupled with old-world charm and service, embedded into the ethos and foundations of this historic hotel. A truly “home away from home,” experience, their serene and picturesque location along the Lions River, combines country ambiance with modern comforts extending to their well-appointed rooms, restaurants, spa and venues.
If its culture and some local produce, arts and crafts you are into, then this is just the launching pad to experience so much local talent in the area. You will so not be disappointed!
Some local spots to highlight are:
Groundcover Leather Company was founded in 1990 by Justin and Amanda McCarthy. Makers of original, finely handcrafted leather footwear and accessories, you will find their farm store situated on the farm in Currys Post. The cool thing here is that you can design your own veltskoene or Vellies from scratch. All you have to do is choose your colour, sole, laces and style of fit. The store which is over 100 years old is open to all from Monday to Friday 8am – 5pm and on the weekends from 8:30am to 5pm. To find out more go to www.groundcover.co.za
Terbodore Coffee first home lies in the scenic countryside of the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands. Boosting a quaint farm style chic restaurant, intriguing coffee menu and majestic backdrops, the Midlands roastery is definitely a place to visit, especially if you want to meet Sultan, their resident Great Dane, and the canine brand ambassador for all their coffee signature blends. To find out more call them on 033 330 2380 or visit their website on www.terbodorecoffee.co.za
Swissland Cheese was established in 1992 by Francine Isaac. Fran’s passion in the opportunistic creation of Swissland, shows in the small herd of healthy, happy, free roaming goats and her award-winning cheeses. The pure healthy milk provides the creation of the large range of Swissland goat cheeses, free of antibiotics and colourants and includes cheeses from soft, fresh Chevre to a hard, mature Pecorino. The farm can be found on the R103 Old Main Road in Balgowan. For more information call 082 418 3440 or go to www.swisslandcheese.net
Dargle Valley Pottery has a wide variety of pottery available and are famous for their Mexican fireplaces, Morrocan tagines and pizza ovens. They also stock a large variety of Terracotta Garden Pots, Glazed Garden Pots, Oven Proof baking and Roasting pots and dishes, Vases, Kitchen Crockery, Potato, Garlic and Onion Pots, gifts for all occasions and so much more! They are open from 9am to 5pm and can be found as the first farm on your right on the D666 Dargle [Opposite The Lavender Company]. Give them a call on 082 420 7729 or email them on freethinkingpotter@gmail.com
Brewery – Rawdons Hotel – Last but not least visit South Africa’s most successful micro Brewery, nestled in the shady grounds of the elegant Rawdons Hotel, in the heart of the Midlands Meander. Here you can find a range of naturally brewed ales and lagers. Only the purest spring water drawn from an artesian well on the grounds and finest quality hops and malted barley are used to create beers of outstanding character with a smooth, well-rounded taste. The Rawdons Pub and Brew gift shop stock these original and distinctive beers and they can also be found on tap in selected outlets in the Midlands and elsewhere around South Africa. The brew shop offers Gift Packs and other fun items such as Certified Beer Drinker T-shirts and other sought-after promotional gifts. Contact them on 033 266 6728 or 083 782 8959 or email them on brewery@rawdons.co.za
To find out more about what the Midlands Meander has to offer relating to produce, arts and crafts go to https://midlandsmeander.co.za/explore/arts-and-crafts and remember, supporting local goes a long way in providing jobs and security for folks within the community!