Halkett Country House

Description

For your romantic weekend breaks look no further! A warm welcome awaits at Halkett Country House, an original hundred year old, colonial-style hideaway. Well-suited for overseas visitors seeking true South African hospitality, this is 400 hectares of malaria-free Waterberg bushveld. Wildlife such as warthog, jackal, civet, caracal, kudu, nyala and bushbuck roam freely at this off-the-beaten-track rural escape.

The original farmhouse is brightly white-washed, built of brick and with a tin roof. From here the verandahs are the perfect place to settle with a nice cup of tea and a hefty slice of home-baked cake. With lawns dissolving into the indigenous bush beyond, here is a scene within which you shall forget your troubles. Here you find time to embrace the opportunity to relax and be yourselves. Under the shade of leafy trees, this is a tranquil venue in which to restore your soul and rejuvenate your interest in all things bushveld. The ideal place for family and friends to gather for long weekends, children of all ages are embraced in this safe haven.

Exclusively booked, Halkett Country House books in only 1 group at a time over weekends.In special circumstances and mid-week the house is available on a B&B basis with rates fromR495.00 per person per night.

Contact Details:
Reservations
Tel: 086 127 6237
Int. Tel: +27 51 924 0585

Attractions

To make the most of the experience, we recommend that families and friends take their long weekends here. Perfect for catching up with loved ones by the fireplace with mulled wine in winter, by summertime, outdoor living takes over. With a salt water swimming pool, horse-riding, nature walks, bush hikes, tenni-quoits, bushveld tennis, darts and board games, there is plenty to occupy all ages.

A library of books includes contemporary literature and classics side by side. Suitable for all ages, we hope to see you sat happily with a book in hand either on the verandah, by a roaring log fire or resting up under the boughs of a shady tree in an oh-so-comfortable hammock.

Situated on a bushveld farm it is inevitable that wildlife is present. Warthog, bush pig, porcupine, civet, genet, nyala, kudu, blesbok, brown hyena, caracal, the shy but beautiful leopard amongst many smaller species. Throughout the still night, the haunting call of jackal echoes and bushbabies cry. In summertime you will hear the resonance of toads and frogs chorusing, whilst the fiery-necked nightjar trills.

Star gazing under an unpolluted bushveld sky is a favourite past time here and a fantastic opportunity to reinstate a feeling of calm to heart and mind. Whether it's Scorpio or Orion foremost shining, the vast depths of the night sky fascinate visitors from near and far.

Bird-watching from the verandah offers many delights or if you fancy, head out into the bush to seek rarer species. Bird song is ever-present and we hope you enjoy the quarrelsome antics of our resident grey go-away birds, african hoopoe and the fork tailed drongo who likes to poke fun at the other birds!

Halkett Country House is pet-friendly, encouraging guests to bring their well-behaved companions wih them. Your dog will certainly benefit from the opportunity to run freely and explore the bushveld!

Activities:

Bushveld tennis court, private swimming pool, horse riding, hiking, nature walks, tenni-quoits, darts, kiddies lawn cricket, good food, rest and relaxation.

Outside games: Play time is easy – this is your holiday and children may run freely. Lawns facilitate many outdoor games, such as tenni-quoits.

Tennis Court: An original termite-mound based, full-size bush tennis court with white-washed lines is the perfect late-afternoon sport in the soft early-dusk light, followed, naturally, by a sundowner on the verandah or by the pool. Rackets and balls supplied.

Games: We keep a selection of modern board games available and will engage children and adults alike in the traditionally played games of the house such as “Hunt the Thimble”.

Library Selection: Throughout the big sitting room and small sitting room you will find assorted reading material we hope you will peruse. Modern fiction sits alongside older classics. Be enchanted by great literary works or historical accounts from the vast collection of traditional and contemporary reading material.

Swimming Pool: Make the most of lazy days, relaxing by the salt water pool hearing birdsong, watching the blue sky above and feeling a welcome breeze coming through the trees. The thatched summerhouse provides ample shade for reclining and a hammock for lazing. This pool is fenced so your children are safe.

Darts: Poolside, a game of darts is always on the ready.

Bush walks: We will conduct bush walks to share our knowledge of the environment with you. 400 hectares of unspoiled bushveld allow us the opportunity to look for tracks of caracal, leopard, porcupine, baboon, aardvark and brown hyena, amongst more. Nature walks may be arranged for children and adults alike.

Horse Riding: Leisurely rides are offered to all visitors or view our horses roaming throughout the farm. If you have never been near horses, here is an opportunity! Ride out late afternoon and finish the day with a sundowner in the bush. Hard hats are provided.

Cycle Trails: Bring your own mountain bike to explore the terrain – sandy roads increase the challenge!

Camp-Outs: Especially in mind of the explorers, the young-at-heart and all intrepid teenagers, we can dine upon a bush feast in colonial-style, set upon a Persian carpet with white linen tablecloth and candles before relaxing in a veldt, where we invite you to share your stories and regale you with our own campfire tales. A comfortable bed in the open air, sleep whilst listening for haunting night sounds of the jackal. Awake at dawn to the scent of coffee brewing over a fire.

Off-site, we can co-ordinate numerous activities including game drives at a local Big 5 Game Reserve, spa treatments, team-building and other activities including golfing at 2 different venues

Halkett Country House

Special offers

Holiday for Gautengers & Kids Stay Free in July!
Calling stressed Gauteng parents! Schools on holiday and in need of a safe and secure place to take your tribe? Consider Halkett Country House. Offering Kids Specials in July, up to 4 children aged under 12 stay free for all visits when accompanied by 2 adults or more each paying R1,295.00 per adult for minimum 3 nights stay Monday - Thursday thoughout July 2010! Activities galore to induce a healthy respect for the outdoors - games, swimming pool, bush tennis and nature walks can be arranged - from campfires to camp-outs your young ones can experience the safe and secure bushveld while being entertained by a knowledgeable guide and taught some of the bush basics - tracking, species, identification, medicinal plants etc. All meals are included on a full-board basis during visit. Arrival day check in from 3pm, evening meal included, departure day 10am departure following your choice of breakfast. T&C Apply. Contact us quoting "Kids stay free in July" to validate this special rate.
Tee-off for Golf & Halkett
Time to Tee-Off with Halkett's Golfing Breaks! South African sun, warm hospitality, sumptuous dining, authentic homestead, big bathrooms and lush lounging... top this off with a round or few of Golf at the stunning Legend Golf & Safari Resort and you'll be happy as larry! Gin and tonics on our verandah will soothe your soul as you reflect upon the luxury of a round of golf surrounded by the pristine bushveld at Legend Golf. Wildlife may pass you by or come to inspect as you settle into your caddy or leap into a hide to escape a lion. Here's an adventure for sure as you experience golf a la bushveld. Our special rates include 2 days golf and green fees as well as dinner, bed and breakfast for T&C apply. Package Rate of R8,590.00 for 2 days golf and 3 nights dinner, bed and breakfast per couple.
Winter Breaks: Group Specials
Whimsical Winter 4 adults or more stay for only R795.00 per person per night dinner, bed and breakfast basis ! As the summer heat subsides to balmy winter days, the changing scenery takes on a naturally calm feel at Halkett! A stoep offers slow sundowners and in this malaria-free province, Halkett is extremely suitable for the little ones. Offering a haven of a bushveld break, amidst the old-fashioned charm of our colonial -syle homestead, round up friends and family to book your stay today. Suitable for up to 8 adults and 6 children sharing rooms. Valid: 1st May - 31st August 2010.

Halkett Country House

Facilities

Suits 2-8 adults. 4 bedrooms. 2 are en-suite. 2 have separate (but private) bathrooms. Max. capacity. 8 adults & up to 6 children with children sharing bedrooms with parents.

Bedrooms:

Plump & comfortable duvets ~ Choice of pillows ~ Extra blankets for winter~ Complimentary Sherry in Decanter ~ Romantic mosquito drapes over bed (except Front Room) ~ Hairdryer ~ Room Heaters ~ Plug-in mosquito repellent ~ Luxury Showers ~ Shampoo, Conditioner & Bath Treats ~ Ball & Claw Bath Tubs – En-suite rooms only (King & Queen Suites) ~ Heated towel rails (except Rondavel) ~ Large Bath Sheets ~ Bath Robes ~ Laundry service included & choice of towels

Room 1 ~ King Suite
Our primary en-suite bedroom is situated in the house features a king size bed built of resurrected wood, adorned by romantic mosquito netting. With a large en-suite bathroom, double vanity, heated towel rail, luxury walk-in indoor shower and an outside courtyard shower there is no doubt that comfort and luxury partner here beautifully. A ball and claw bath tub tucks neatly into an alcove in the bedroom, illuminated overhead courtesy of a delicate crystal and gilt chandelier. Antique wall sconces and Cape-Dutch brass lanterns are a timeless complement to the distressed off-white walls.
Room 2 ~ Queen Suite
Our second en-suite bedroom is situated at the front of the house, with the door opening onto the lawn and is the room with a view! Featuring a queen size bed from which you can gaze out over a view of the veldt, the romantic swathes of mosquito drapes help you sleep easily at night. We can transform this suite into a family room, ideal for parents with young children, with the addition of 2 beds. The parquet-floored bathroom features both a white ball and claw bath tub and luxury walk-in shower with pebble floor and earthy screed walls. A heated towel rail and antique wall sconces complete the room.
Room 3 ~ Rondavel
Simple and romantic with four-poster effect mosquito netting over the king size bed, the rondavel has long been a favourite with visitors. Rustic, thatched and built of solid stone, amidst the whitewashed interior, you will find classical furnishing consisting of an original dark mahogany wardrobe and ornate dressing table. A large wrought iron chandelier hangs centre-stage. Perfect for little princesses and honeymooners alike, this unique and tasteful room may also be arranged as a cosy twin room. The unusual rustic bathroom is adjacent, featuring a luxury shower, wherein ivy plants trail whimsically.
Room 4 ~Front Room
Set at the front of the house this room is simply decorated with clean natural linen curtains, a large gilt & crystal chandelier and antique dresser. Equally suited for singles or couples, the room may be arranged as a twin or 1 king size bed. Leading to this bedroom is a parquet-floored reading room, comprising additional space for the visitor to relax in - or even extra beds! Ideal for children to stay close to parents occupying the King Suite. The bathroom is not en-suite but across the hall and is solely for this occupant, featuring an antique oak vanity with wide upstanding white ceramic basin and a luxury walk-in shower.

Halkett Country House regrets that we do not provide cots for babies. Full-size single beds and smaller cot beds may be provided for young children.

Halkett Country House has a capacity for no more than 12 persons. We must stress that it is not advisable to try to accommodate more! The Queen Suite may be arranged with both the queen-sized bed and 2 extra full-size single beds. The small sitting room which is passed through to access the Front Room may fit 2 extra full-size single beds or 3 smaller cot beds for sleeping children.
We can however accommodate up to 10 further guests in rustic, electricity-free, cottages located within 1 km of this residence may sleep in the event that Halkett Country House is used as a venue for a special event.
Contact us for more information via info@halkett.co.za detailing your requirements.

Halkett Country House