Well..who would have thought it...
the Midlands Meander in KZN has its very own Exotic Marigold Hotel.
Situated close to Fort Nottingham Crystal Barn, which used to be a farm, is found at the end of a not too hectic dirt road and is off the beaten track.
Now.. the name Crystal Barn does in no way prepare you for what you discover housed inside the barn and out. The farm buildings house a small one legged pub (small pub not a small leg), a coffee shop and an extensive retail area with nooks and crannies just overflowing with a mix of both antiques and newer items.
Now.. the name Crystal Barn does in no way prepare you for what you discover housed inside the barn and out. The farm buildings house a small one legged pub (small pub not a small leg), a coffee shop and an extensive retail area with nooks and crannies just overflowing with a mix of both antiques and newer items.
It reminds me a little of Oom Samie Se Winkel in Stellenbosch in the Cape.
We arrived for breakfast on a beautiful Sunday morning and decided to sit outside in the courtyard under the shade of the umbrellas and we couldn't help but be entertained with the kitchen staff going backwards and forwards to pick fresh produce from the veggie and herb garden, which borders the courtyard, this takes freshness to a whole new level.
Crystal Barn has a small but interesting menu, which includes some lovely home baked goodies. Unfortunately the food even though it was very good somehow took a backseat to the eclectic, Bohemian mix of paraphernalia that dominates every space. Your are constantly distracted with bric a brac items wherever you look , there are things hanging from the ceiling, upside down in the garden and just propped up against a wall. It really is hard to describe and is best viewed for yourself.
Some may call it wacky, strange, odd, beautiful but its certainly interesting and I highly recommend a visit, in fact make it a long visit, so you don't miss out on anything.
This is definitely a post that requires many photos,
so
Enjoy!
They also have 8 en suite bedrooms housed in the old cowsheds, which are very reminiscent of the Exotic Marigold Hotel...and I just loved it, so do yourself a favour and plan that long leisurely visit or a night away you won't be disappointed.
For more info re directions and room rates visit:
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