Loadshedding Proof
Crab Apple Cottages is a property for self catering in Dargle for tourists visiting the Natal Midlands region.
Architecturally designed and delightfully comfortable, the three AA Highly Recommended Crab Apple Cottages are situated on the edge of just such a pristine wilderness, the Dargle Valley Conservancy, a national heritage site.
Each of these self-catering cottages has a different character while all being furnished with every comfort. Each cottage has a queen size bed and a sleeper couch for children. There is spacious open plan living area and a verandah.
The forest is generously endowed with ancient trees, flowing streams and abundant bird and animal life. This is a place where life moves at a gentler pace, and where generations of visitors have experienced the soul restoring reassurance that comes from being surrounded by the beauty of creation, in all its rich diversity. A place where the call of the crowned eagle and the dassie are heard, and where visits by the family of Samango monkeys are part of daily life.
This is the place that inspired Austen Roberts to start his now well-known Roberts Book of Birds, and where visitors can walk the same paths and enjoy the same bird-life that he did. The Dargle Valley is lush and green all year round and resembles the Irish countryside. It is from this that it was so named. It experiences heavy rainfall and mist in the summer.
• Currently only accepting dogs
• One dog per cottage
• Any size dog welcome
• Shared large garden in which to romp but should you take a walk out along our adventurous country roads, please clip a lead on
• A freshly laundered dog-bed is provided in your cottage
• Owner must bring own dog kibble, bowls etc
• Current vaccinations are essential (the up-to-date records from the vet are required)
• We have our own fur-children and feathered friends (Marmaduke & his Venda Hens, our labradors, dach-russels, horses and cats) who make a well socialised fur-child appreciated
• Owner is responsible for cleaning up dog messes
Enjoy the hospitality of your hosts Helen and Barend and experience a truly country lifestyle, complete with horses and carriages. Meet Marmaduke, our handsome Venda rooster and his duchesses. Allow Kirby, our Labrador, to lead you by the hand to who knows where and taste and feel the softness of cold spring water. Appreciate the sounds and fragrances of the mist belted forest and allow the peace and serenity to revive and restore you.
For rose lovers, Helen's hundreds of roses are a treat in springtime and, for the more 'earthy' soul, visit Barend's organic plot where there is always something fresh to pick and eat. Experience on-site compost making.
What is loadshedding? It refers to the temporary suspension of electricity provided by Eskom, South Africa's electricity provider, to reduce consumption and thereby the load on the national grid. To compensate, South African property owners are turning to solar power, inverters with backup batteries or in some cases generators to keep the power on, wherever feasible.
Select your check-in and check-out dates to view availability and the rates applicable.
An African Elegance vibe was instilled in our Wood Owl Cottage. Mohair curtains, wicker chairs, and dark wood furniture create luxurious warmth and elegance along with the bespoke four-poster bed. This cottage offers many pleasures – the deck overlooks the forest, the doors open onto the heated pool and there is a fragrant rose garden just around the corner.
Qty: 1
Sleeps: 4 guests (max 2 adults)
Children: are allowed in this room type
Our Starred Robin Cottage is a quaint, English-style country cottage, decorated in a cream and white palette with oak furniture. The deck is garlanded with rambling roses and overlooks a fairy ring of Silver Birch trees and the rolling lawn leads down into the forest’s stream. The cottage’s namesake, a pair of Starred Robins, are resident. Another pair nest at Wood Owl cottage. These shy insect-eaters is notoriously difficult to spot. You are also likely to see the troop of Samango monkeys who regularly raid the lemon tree. Children will be delighted to find the playground near this cottage, it includes a jungle gym, sandpit, and swing.
Qty: 1
Sleeps: 4 guests (max 4 adults)
Children: are allowed in this room type
Tucked into the forest, our Crowned Eagle Cottage is both modern and warm, decorated in rich reds and oranges. The porcelain lamp fitting was restored by Helen and her father. The wooden deck provides a breath-taking view over the forest. This is the territory of a pair of Crowned Eagles – the nest has been in the same spot for at least 70 years and is visible from the cottage. A family of dassies (Rock Hyrax) has made their home beneath the deck.
Qty: 1
Sleeps: 4 guests (max 2 adults)
Children: are allowed in this room type
Child policyChildren of all ages are welcome.
Closest airport(s)Pietermaritzburg Airport - 45km
King Shaka International - 120km
Check-in/-out timesCheck-in from 14h00
Check-out by 10h00
Payment methods accepted by the property EFT or secure online payment via SA-Venues.com
Listed on SA-Venues.com since October 2011
Find out more about Dargle as a destination
FIND / South Africa Self Catering / KwaZulu Natal Self Catering / Natal Midlands Self Catering / Dargle Self Catering
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