Durban - Arriving at Stoneybrook, on the road between Kokstad and Cedarville, I wished I were on honeymoon.
This is not a thought that usually springs to mind during my travels. After all, a man is not a prerequisite for an enjoyable stay.
The reason for this deviation from the norm was Stoneybrook’s honeymoon log cabin, on stilts, located alongside the cheerful chatting stream, in a copse of trees that were changing colour as Autumn arrived.
Had I been on honeymoon, owners Shane and Annette Wicks might have checked me into this delightful cabin.
However, the cold snap that had the area in its talons probably was not the ideal time to bed down in romantic bliss. Not that honeymooners mind the vagaries of the weather… they can always cuddle.
The spacious, comfortable, A-frame chalet up on the hill, bathed in sunshine, where I stayed proved much more suitable.
Besides the A-frame chalets, stone cottages and two indoor rooms next to the steakhouse, there is a basic bush camp – with a delightful ablution block firmly wrapped in the branches of an amorous tree.
There are also two large cottages on the banks of a big farm dam, with a view over gently undulating farm fields.
All are self-catering, but guests can dine in the steakhouse or hang out at the bar, both of which are in a large stone building next to the river.
Another thatched public area and swimming pool are to be found at the edge of the river, which is the focal point for everything.
Sunset at Stoneybrook, sitting on the veranda of one of the cottages at the dam, is wonderful.
The waterbirds were making a cacophony of calls; dozens of Egyptian geese caused a flurry of activity as they landed with a splash; while a veritable flotilla of moorhens and dabchicks added to the scene.
Meanwhile, the land birds, not to be outdone, added their own clarion calls.
As I strolled home beside the babbling stream, the sun slipped over the horizon and a sickle moon grew ever bolder.
As I sat on the deck of the steakhouse, sipping a drink, my rumbling stomach reminded me that activity needed to be rewarded.
A tasty shepherd’s pie did the job perfectly.
Men drinking convivially at the bar were proof that this is a watering-hole favoured by the locals.
Guests can go horse riding, clay pigeon shooting, canoeing, mountain biking, fishing for bass, carp and trout, abseiling, camping, hiking, driving on 4x4 trails or take a gyrocopter flip.
A friendly cat did its bit to make everyone welcome, while a Border Collie chased a stick, dropping it at the feet of anyone ready to play.
The bed was comfortable and cosy. Open curtains showed bright stars. In the morning, the collie lay hopeful, waiting outside the door.
A cup of coffee, sacred ibis in noisy flight, a view across to rolling hills opposite, and shadows slowly being dispersed by the weak sun – it was time to hit the road, but a longer stay would have been delightful.
The rates are reasonable, ranging from R150 for the bush camp to R300 each for the chalets and cottages.
l Bookings essential. Contact 039 727 3818/5369 or 083 581 7055: e-mail: [email protected]; web: www.stoneybrook.co.za - Sunday Tribune