About Franshoek
 
Franshoek Mountain Lodge
 

 
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Franshoek Mountain Lodge lies in a secluded valley in the heart of the cherry growing district in the highlands of the Eastern Free State. Surrounded by farmland and mountains, and at least ten kilometres from the nearest tar road, the only sounds one hears are birdsong, cicadas and the occasional tractor.
 
       
 

The lodge is surrounded by the imposing Witteberge mountains, a spur off the Malutis of Lesotho. Green in summer, snow capped in winter, they form a breathtaking landscape of sheer sandstone cliffs surrounded by terraced fields of sunflowers, maize, wheat and cosmos. The farm has huge overhanging caves and waterfalls to explore – with two full day hiking trails and many shorter walks; along the stream or on the mountain where crystals are lying in profusion.
   
 
  With only ten rooms, it is an intimate, relaxed, family friendly lodge with a variety of activities for both adults and children. The main lodge building is an enchanting thatched hobbit-like structure with a roaring log fire for winter nights.
There is a fully stocked bar and delicious three course dinners and full English breakfasts are served in the sandstone dining room. Lunches and picnics are available on request.
       
 
The original farmhouse has been converted into the family suites and double bedrooms. Each room has its own entrance from the garden and some have log fires, (please enquire when booking)
       
 
The lodge has a large sandstone swimming pool, where lunches can be served in summer. Next to the pool is a thatched steam hut; of an evening it is a magical experience to steam, jump in the pool and gaze at the stars while contentedly floating on your back. For those that wish to enjoy peace and quiet, there are many secret hideaways; under the waterfall, on top of the mountain or curled up with a book in our well stocked library.
We have recently completed a charming thatched self catering cottage that can accommodate up to eight guests in two double bedrooms and a wooden sleeping deck reached via a spiral staircase. The master bedroom has a king size bed, slipper bath and sweeping views of the mountains through one-way glass.
       
 
Next door to the lodge is the Franshoek Polo School; one of the first polo schools to start in South Africa, it has progressed to become one of the finest in the country.The horses from the polo school are not stabled and roam free on the farm. Watching them grazing beneath the backdrop of one of our glorious sunsets is a wonderful sight. The polo ponies are also available for outrides.
  There are a number of dams on the farm stocked with big mouthed bass. Our kitchen staff are more than happy to cook for you any fish you catch.
Our winters are characterized by warm sunny days and frosty nights. The lodge is sometimes blanketed with snow. This is when the log fires and electric blankets come into their own and gluwein is served at the bar.
       
 
 

The lodge gardens are home to a menagerie of animals. Currently there are two dogs, two cats, three sheep, one horse, three tiny tortoises and a pot bellied pig called Lily. The area is also a bird lover’s paradise. Just three and a half hours drive south of Johannesburg; Franshoek Lodge is an easy weekend getaway where you can leave your everyday cares far, far behind.