Hillside Lodge Bulwer

Besides the prolific bird life, the endangered Cape Parrot usually makes a morning and evening appearance in the Lodge Gardens (gearing up for the count on the 8th and 9th of May).

The Lodge

The lodge has been lovingly restored and where necessary modernized to allow for comfortable and cosy accommodation.

The high yellowwood ceilings, stripped yellowwood floors, foot thick walls and stonework serve as a reminder of a bygone era: materials were locally sourced out of necessity; Craftsmen were masters in their trades and timelines were measured by the seasons.

The last hundred years has seen a number of alterations and additions to the original structure, but the 'backbone' remains. In summer afternoons a beautiful cool breeze seems to emanate from the house, indeed its cooler on the bed than out in the shade making that siesta all the more enjoyable; in winter with the curtains closed and the fires lit it's a cocoon of comfort.

Three of the bedrooms and lounge have French doors opening onto the verandah; the final bedroom and kitchen open onto the vine covered pergola. With its east/west aspect, the sun welcomes the bedrooms to each splendid dawn and kisses the grape vine goodbye as it drops over the mountains.  The beds and furnishings have been crafted from timber and items salvaged off the farm, 'waste not want not', with percale linen provided.

The modest kitchen is equipped with the necessary appliances including a dishwasher; a ten-seater dining room table and raised centre counter. A Weber is provided for those inclined to braai.

The main bedroom is en-suite, with the other three bedrooms served by a full bathroom and separate toilet - all fully porcelain tiled.  The vanities have been lovingly crafted from beams salvaged from the original stone cattle shed and the oregan flooring of the wendy house.

The panio in the lounge is just waiting for someone to sit down and let the notes float away on the breeze and mingle with the bird calls and natures general humming. Cards, puzzles, games and books provided; but please don't expect a TV.

The Gardens

Many hidden gems have been uncovered over the last two years; the Roots who occupied the farm from 1946 to 1994 are to be accredited with much of the original form and fauna that has been uncovered.  The rear garden has been terraced to allow for an herb pottager garden, complete with fountain, and opened up to enable a flow through to the natural forest.  The small orchard; although sadly neglected over time; has begun its recovery and in time will be extended to provide 'food for the table' in the lodge.

The Farm

Overlooking Bulwer Mountain and the Sappi valley, yet snugly protected in the bowl of the mountains, means a slightly warmer climate and greater wind protection than afforded Bulwer town.  The 800ha indigenous forest separating the farm from Sappi hosts the endangered Cape Parrot and numerous protected yellowwood trees; in fact the previous owners dubbed it the emerald forest - the canopy filters the light creating a fairytale quality enhanced by the silence and tranquillity of the flowing water.

In time, a small herd of sheep and goats will help with the lawn mowing, and the chickens will assist the soils whilst providing eggs for the kitchen.