Easby Guest Farm

Contact Details

Chris Van Schalkwyk
Tel: +27 (0)36 448 1128
Fax: +27 (0)36 448 1128
Cell: +27 (0)82 464 2543
Email: webmaster@easby.co.za
Web: www.easby.co.za

Enquire now
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Description

Situated in the exciting surroundings of Spion Kop against the slope ThabaNyama with a magnificent view of the majestic Drakensberg Mountains. Easby Guest Farm is in all respects a balm to the troubled soul. Built before the Anglo Boer War, it was occupied by the Boer Kommando's during that same war in Des.1899-Jan1900. Nestling in the heart of the Drakensberg, it offers many scenic routes along which the avid historian can truly go back in time.

And if nature (rather than history) is your thing, Easby is the perfect place from which to explore the rest of the area. It is very centrally situated and is no more than half an hour's drive from most of the splendors that the Drakensberg has to offer.

The house itself is built on a piece of land 300 acres in size and offers bird watching, nature trails, a pool, bar (with pool table & darts), House shop where the lady of the house sells the most interesting smocking,needlework,bottled products etc. Horse riding can also be arranged.

Your Hosts, Chris and Grietjie, are always available to keep you company with their entertaining anecdotes about the history of Easby and surrounding area. It is truly a magnificent place to visit and it exudes an aura of serenity and makes all feel welcome.

So, whether this is your first visit to the Drakensberg, and you need a centrally placed "Base Station" from which to explore the rest of the "Berg", or just a "stop-over" on route to Durban or Johannesburg, Easby can accommodate you in all respects. A single visit is all it takes to fall in love with this wonderful slice of the past. It is an extremely convenient holiday destination for those who want to get away for a bit of peace and quiet.

Built in 1897 by the Coventry family on the slope of the Thaba Nyama mountain range, next to Sion Kop. Quarters of Louis Botha in 1899 during the 118-day siege of Ladysmith from where the Boer defenses in the Tugela ridge were conducted.After the Seige was lifted,and Ladysmith relieved the same house was used as British qwarters by Gen.Sir George White

The house itself is full of old furniture and much time and love has gone into restoring Easby House to its former glory. Both the decor and the vast knowledge of your hosts about the history of this area, create an atmosphere of peace and tranquility. A visit to this historic place is a must. Go on a guided tour to see the sangars built by the Boer's to entrench them against British artillery with the onslaught on Thaba Nyama three days before the battle of Spion Kop. Allow yourself to be taken back in time while relaxing in the cozy Stable Inn, built in the cellars, which where used as an arms stash during the War.

Being situated on a slope, Easby offers the most beautiful views on the Northern and Central Drakensberg. A 100m2 veranda is the best place from which to enjoy the sunset with a sundowner in hand. Feel the stress drain away as the last of the sun's rays decorates the sky. Only to be covered with a perfect star lit night, without the interference of fluorescent or smog.

Experience the delights of traditional specialties from the Easby kitchen, or make use of our B.B.Q. facilities. The house also offers luxury accommodation with full suites, a pub and pool room, a swimming pool, weddings in a historic church, etc. etc....
For more information please visit our WEB SITE at:- www.easby.co.za

Location

Rates

B&B Single R250 - R280 - R330 pppd

Double R220 - R250 - R300 pppd

Children 3y -12y

R150 Dinner(Mini -Buffet) R80-00 pp

Attractions

Mountain Hikes
1. Tugela Falls (Royal Natal National Park)
2. Tugela Gorge (R.N.N.P.)
3. Bushmen Paintings (R.N.N.P.)
4. Sterkspruit Falls (Monks Cowl)
5. Rain Forest (Cathedral Peak)
6. Cascades Hike (R.N.N.P.)
7. Cannibal Caves
8. 5 Day Hike (Across the Drakensberg Ridge)
9. Injasuthi (Injasuthi)

Extreme Sports
10. Abseiling
11. Mountain Biking
12. River Rafting (Picture courtesy of
"4 Rivers Rafting & Adventures")
13. Off Road Go-Karting (Picture courtesy of
" 4 Rivers Rafting & Adventures")
14. Quads (Picture courtesy of
"4 Rivers Rafting & Adventures")
15. Off Road Bike Trails (Picture courtesy of
"4 Rivers Rafting & Adventures")
16. Trapeze Training
17. Hunting
18. Kayaking (Picture courtesy of
" 4 Rivers Rafting & Adventures")
19. Kloofing
20. Water Ski
21. Paragliding
22. Paint Ball

Other Sports
23. Chopper Rides
24. Micro Lights
25. Pool
26. Darts
27. Polo
28. Putt-Putt
29. Camel Rides
30. Tennis

Battlefield Sites
31. Thaba Njama Battlefield
32. Battle of Spion Kop
33. Platrand/Waggon Hill
34. Battle of Colenso
35. Capture of Winston Churchill
36. Battle of Elands Laagte
37. British Military Cemetery
38. Nickels Neck Battlefield
39. Tjerenkhula Battlefield

Other Sites
40. Garden of Remembrance
41. Retief's Stone
42. Vultures Restaurant
43. All Saints Church
44. Ghandi Statue

Tours & Shows
45. Basutho Cultural Village
46. Tuva Power Station
47. Blues in the Berg
48. Tevreden Cheese
49. Falcon Ridge
50. Drakensberg Boys Choir
51. Swartzkop Gun Run
52. Rug Weaving
53. Zulu Dancers

Other Outings
54. Game Reserve
55. House Boat
56. Snow covered Mountains
57. Leather Works
58. Rose Farm

Golf Courses
59. Hlalanathi
60. Champagne Sports Resort
61. Cathedral Peak
62. Ladysmith
63. Monks Cowl

Horse Riding
64. Spion Kop
65. Rugged Glen
66. Cathedral Peak

Shopping
67. Curio Shopping
68. Candles
69. Antiques

Museums
70. Ladysmith Siege Museum
71. Spion Kop Museum
72. Winterton Museum

Dams
73. Spion Kop Dam
74. Sterkfontein Dam
75. Woodstock Dam

Bowling
76. The Nest Hotel
77. Bergville Bowling Club

Places to Eat
78. Bingelela
79. Tower of Pizza
80. Polo Club
81. St. Anton's
82. Thokozisa
83. The Bridge
84. EatCentric
85. Bergville B&B

Fishing
86. Trout Fishing - Drakensberg Sun
87. Trout Fishing - Cathedral Peak
88. Bass Fishing

4 x 4 Routes
89. Mike's Pass
90. The Lost Valley

Socializing
91. Swimming
92. "Spit Braai"
93. Bird Watching
94. Gourton Hall Night Club
95. Beer Fest
96. Bar
97. Live Music
98. Karaoke

Other
99. Drakensberg Rugby Club
100. Team Building
101. Weddings

Directions

Easby is situated in Kwazulu Natal, close to the Northern & Central Drakensberg Mountains. We are on a farm between the towns of Bergville and Ladysmith on a road marked "R616". We are 17km from the N3 highway towards Bergville. From Johannesburg or Bloemfontein 1) Stay on the N3. Go through the tollgate (Swinburn), +/- 16 km (maybe less), you will get the Bergville/Ladysmith (R616) off ramp. Turn towards Bergville. From there it is 17 km. You will see a big board in the shape of a house. It has a big red Coca Cola sign in the middle and on the roof it says "Easby Guest House". Turn left at the sign. +/- 200m to the house. Don't pass the sign! Or you could decide to miss the tollgate 2) Turn right at Harrismith. Go straight across the 4 way stop. +/- 10 km (maybe less), turn left towards Bergville/Oliviershoek Pass. Travel another +/-10 km and turn left again. The sign will say Bergville. Just before Bergville, turn to your left on the R616/Ladysmith road. From there it is 17 km. You will see a big board in the shape of a house. It has a big red Coca Cola sign in the middle and on the roof it says "Easby Guest House". Turn right at the sign. +/- 200m to the house. Don't pass the sign! (this option saves you a tollfee) From Durban Stay on the N3. Pass the Winterton off ramp. Carry on to the R616, Bergville/Ladysmith off ramp. Turn left towards Bergville. From here it is 17 km. You will see a big board in the shape of a house. It has a big red Coca Cola sign in the middle and on the roof it says "Easby Guest House". Turn right at the sign. +/- 200m to the house. Don't pass the sign! Our G.P.S. co-ordinates are: 28°36'44"S 29°26'51"E 1249m altitude

Facilities

Tours

Step back Into Our Romantic Past. Situated against the slope of Thaba Nyama, Easby is rich with history of the Anglo Boer War, as told by our THETA-Registered Tour Guide.

Built in 1897 by the Coventry family from England, this house was used as headquarters for General Louis Botha in 1899 while installing his defenses on the Tugela Ridge. And protecting this Tugela Ridge had its manifestation in the Battle of Spion Kop.

Experience the fascination of Spion Kop. Relive our glorious past, where real heroes lost their lives in pursuit of their dreams. The war cries of the soldiers of the British Empire still reverberates against the slopes of Thaba Nyama and the Tugela Ridge.
A full day tour includes a preliminary talk, Ladysmith, Colenso, Light lunch, and Sion Kop.

With the background of the majestic Drakensberg mountains and the historic milieu of this beautifully preserved chapel, an everlasting memory will crown this first day of your life long partnership.

The Methodist Church of the Homes from Acton carries with it memories of the first British settlers in this area. A peaceful secluded cemetery tells the story of a community in their second generation when hostilities between Boer and Britt broke out in the area during October 1899.

Easby House can host functions of up to 50 guests. A reception function in this beautifully restored house, overlooking the scenic Drakensberg will complete your dream wedding. A cozy bar and pool room is created in the old arms stash, where guests can relax in its unique atmosphere.

Our Honeymoon Suite has its own 19th century fire place, "pootjies"-bath and shower. A private lounge and balcony overlooks the whole of the Central and Northern Drakensberg. This view, enhanced with sunsets that will rivet your senses will forever colour in your wedding night dreams. The Easby cuisine offer several mouth watering menu's to choose from at very reasonable prices. Please view our various packages and you are welcome to contact us for advice. Minor changes could be accommodated for.

* All packages include:Exclusive use of the Chapel
* Wedding gift from Easby
* 100m2 Veranda with magnificent views
* Fruit Juice for guests on arrival
* A complimentary Honeymoon Suite with breakfast the next morning

Guest accommodation, flower arrangements, a priest/minister, an organist etc. will be coordinated by your hosts on request

Weddings

With the background of the majestic Drakensberg mountains and the historic milieu of this beautifully preserved chapel, an everlasting memory will crown this first day of your life long partnership.
The Methodist Church of the Homes from Acton carries with it memories of the first British settlers in this area. A peaceful secluded cemetery tells the story of a community in their second generation when hostilities between Boer and Britt broke out in the area during October 1899.

Easby House can host functions of up to 50 guests. A reception function in this beautifully restored house, overlooking the scenic Drakensberg will complete your dream wedding. A cozy bar and pool room is created in the old arms stash, where guests can relax in its unique atmosphere.
Our Honeymoon Suite has its own 19th century fire place, "pootjies"-bath and shower. A private lounge and balcony overlooks the whole of the Central and Northern Drakensberg. This view, enhanced with sunsets that will rivet your senses will forever colour in your wedding night dreams. The Easby cuisine offer several mouth watering menu's to choose from at very reasonable prices. Please view our various packages and you are welcome to contact us for advice. Minor changes could be accommodated for. All packages include:

Exclusive use of the Chapel
Wedding gift from Easby
100m2 Veranda with magnificent views
Fruit Juice for guests on arrival
A complimentary Honeymoon Suite with breakfast the next morning

Guest accommodation, flower arrangements, a priest/minister, an organist etc. will be coordinated by your hosts on request
To view a Power Point Presentation of Easby's Weddings, download the following zip file. Right-Click on the file and select "Save Target As". Save this file in "My Documents". After the file has been downloaded, go to the "My Documents" folder. You will see a new folder there called "easbyweddings". Double-Click on this folder, and Double-Click again on the "easbyweddings" file.