Lemonwood - Dargle, Natal Midlands
“WOW! You are so lucky to live here, it is paradise!!” This is a frequent cry from our guests and they are right, we live surrounded by beauty and tranquillity that still takes my breath away. Lemonwood is a non working farm on the edge of a large indigenous forest in the heart of the Dargle Valley and conservancy area, yet only 10 minutes from the N3 – tarred road all the way! We are part of the well known Midlands Meander.
Your stay at Lemonwood promises to be something different. If you are longing to experience wildlife and tranquillity at its best, Lemonwood is the place to stay. With its rare, indigenous mist-belt forest and untouched veldt above, Lemonwood offers wonderfully scenic, self guided walks in the forest. If you make it to the very top you are rewarded with spectacular 360 degree views of the valleys and the Drakensburg mountains beyond.
Over 200 species of birds have been recorded on the farm. The Knysna Lourie is a permanent resident. We also have the Cape Parrot, Narina trogon and Martial Eagle. The shy Samango monkey can be heard and often seen in the canopy around the cottages or stealing fruit from the abundant garden. You may go to sleep (or not) to the alarming and hysterical shriek of the Tree Dassie. Reedbuck and bushbuck are often seen. We have also seen a 45 strong herd of Blesbok and a group of the rare Oribi on the top veldt. The serval cat is also often seen strolling around the farm.
Close by is a dam and wetland area which has many varieties of birds including crowned cranes and spur winged geese. Enjoy a relaxing stroll around the farm with your dogs or children, relax by the solar heated swimming pool or sip a sundowner on your cottage veranda overlooking fantastic views of the valley and surrounding hills and listen to the sounds of Africa and the bush. For those who like to be more energetic, there are several self guided trails through the forest lasting from half an hour to half a day, look out for the tree identification labels along the way.
Being situated at the centre of the popular Midlands Meander arts and crafts route gives Lemonwood guests an opportunity to explore the area where you will find cheese makers, craft studios, art galleries, handcrafted furniture, jewellery, pottery, a brewery, home decor outlets and much, much more.
With three cottages and the main house situated on the edge of the forest and spectacular views, Lemonwood is the ideal retreat, whatever you want to do.
