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FOREST HALL

Forest Hall is a grand old manor house set on a 500 acre private nature reserve, with its own exclusive stretch of coastline. Built by an English gentleman, William Newdigate, in the early 1860's, it remained in his family until 1996 when sold to its present owners.

Over the years Forest Hall was an outpost of civilized living, gracious entertaining and warm hospitality, traits for which this grand old mansion continues to draw praise and acclaim. The large, high-ceilinged entrance hall sets the scene of the home's illustrious past. At the back wall, there is a musicians' gallery with its polished wooden balustrade. The hall is also adorned with a veritable archive of animal trophies hunted by former Forest Hall residents.

Dotted around the manor house are irreplaceable collections of fossils, rocks and ivory, that were gathered by the founding family, as well as photo albums and a copy of the original guest book dating from 1862. Forest Hall is a real step back in time to an era of refinement for the 'fortunate few'.

In her memoirs, Georgina Bain, the daughter of Thomas Bain, recalled visiting Forest Hall in 1883. "Having changed into formal evening dress, a rigid custom at Forest Hall for both men and women, we descended to the long double drawing room and then went, arm in arm, in procession into the dining room where the table was lighted by candles in silver candelabra and adorned with beautiful china."

Now, things are much the same, although the dress code has been relaxed. After pre-dinner drinks on the patio outside or in the drawing room, dinner is served by ample candlelight in the lofty dining room. The meal is a five-course affair expertly prepared with the freshest local ingredients, which may include delicacies such as smoked venison salad, Plettenberg Mountain Trout en papilotte, garlicky roast Karoo lamb, baby vegetable ragout and just-picked strawberries. All courses can be accompanied by appropriate wines from Forest Hall's extensive wine cellar.

Following digestifs and perhaps a cigar in the smoking room, guests may wish to retire to their rooms. There are only six at Forest Hall, each individually furnished. The Newdigate Suite is particularly wonderful, with its brass bed, mohair blankets, and antique wardrobe. The ceilings and floors are made of wide yellowood boards, some of which stretch nearly the length of the house!

Being in a private nature reserve, Forest Hall offers wonderful opportunities to follow trails through the indigenous forest, with the possibility of encountering an abundant array of birds and smaller mammals, including bushbuck, monkeys, bushpigs, and baboons. With its own stretch of private coast-line, guests at Forest Hall can also enjoy the Garden Route's famous golden beaches and the warm Indian Ocean in complete exclusivity.

The area around Plettenberg Bay offers guests an even greater and more diverse selection of natural highlights and activities, including mountain biking and horse-riding trails, sea-kayaking in the bay, or braving the highest bungy jump in the world (over 700 feet!). The Storm's River Mouth Nature Reserve, with its spectacular scenery and stone-age cave sites, is just a few minutes' drive away. The area also boasts a local arts and crafts route, while the popular town of Knysna is only 60 minutes' drive away. Perhaps the greatest highlight of Plettenberg Bay is its wealth of Marine life.

Every year, from May to October, Southern Right Whales return from Antarctica to the safety of this sheltered enclave to breed and give birth to their young. During these months, Humpback Whales also make a stop in Plettenberg Bay en route to their breeding grounds off the coast of Mozambique. Bryde's Whales are permanent residents, while Orcas ('Killer Whales') are occasional visitors throughout the year. A huge colony of Cape Fur Seals inhabits the Bay, as do three different species of dolphins and four large species of sharks (including the fearsome Great White Shark).

At Forest Hall, you will experience the bygone pleasures of nineteenth century English country estate living: a beautiful home in a glorious setting, warm and interesting hosts, and plenty of leisure time in which to enjoy it all.

To find out more about Forest Hall, or to make a reservation, call on

27-11-463-7889 or email us.

LIYATSHWA SAFARIS PORTFOLIO - Garden Route