Botha House
- 95%
Impression on arrival
- 95%
location
- 85%
Room
- 90%
Service
- 95%
Value
- 85%
Dining
Arrival
As we arrived at Botha House we were greeted by our friendly host, Tony, who ushered us into a parking right outside the green flourishing courtyard.
A gravel pathway led us into the exquisite Botha House and on arrival we were greeted as though we were family. We were given a well informed tour of the house and its history.
History
Botha House was built for South African Prime Minister Botha in 1919 as a presidential holiday home for the Head of State. His wife Annie Botha in fact, loved the house so much she lived there for 17 years. The house has been visited by most South African Presidents since it was built and the design offers a glimpse back in time to the era in which it was built.
Decor
The house has beautiful wooden floors and old worldly furniture creating a very warm and homely feeling. The house contains some incredible artwork, in particular, a painting of Prime Minister Botha and his wife Annie. Beautiful antique furniture fills the house, a lot of which has been there as long as the house itself. A testament to the quality of the workmanship of a time long since passed.
Rooms
The house offers accommodation for 12 guests, accommodating 8 guests in 4 suites upstairs in the house and 4 guests in 2 courtyard rooms. The suites are large to say the least and superbly comfortable. It must be said that the room offered the largest bathroom we have ever seen. We were very comfortable and the room and bathroom received top marks from the Outdoor SA team.
Food
Included in our stay was a full English breakfast which began with fresh fruit, yoghurt, muesli and cereal topped off with a freshly squeezed glass of orange juice.
Charles, who looked after us at breakfast, took our order for a cooked breakfast and we enjoyed bacon, eggs, mushrooms, tomato, sausages and toast. We sat outside on the patio listening to the waves enjoying a pot of coffee in the slightly chilly winter air.
Dinner can be accommodated on special request, and we spend the day thinking of an excuse to invite 12 friends to stay over just to have dinner in the stately dining room. The dining room is absolutely beautiful and a perfect venue for up to 18 guests. We were left only to wonder what secrets the walls of the dining room could tell us of South African History.
Golf
Botha House is situated on the Umdoni Estate and offers magnificent views not only of the ocean but of the Umdoni Golf Course. Unfortunately, we did not have time to squeeze in a round of golf, the combination of golf and luxury accommodation does lend itself to a great golfing destination. Umdoni Golf Club offers an exquisite 18 hole golf course that is well worth a visit, even if just for the day.
Conclusion
In conclusion, although we only spent one night, Botha House stole our hearts. The staff could not have been more hospitable and welcoming. The old world charm and history of the house perfectly compliment the location that Prime Minister Botha chose almost 100 years ago. It is not often that we fall so in love with a place, a real testament to Tony and his team.
So will we be back to Botha House, 100% we will. Hopefully soon.
