HISTORY OF THE HOTEL With acknowledgements to Nottingham Road Hotel from their web site: www.nottieshotel.co.za The popular Notties Hotel celebrated its centenary anniversary a few years ago, securing its place solidly in the history books as one of the Midlands’ most popular hotels. Legend has it that there has been an inn situated here since 1854. While the actual building we know today is not as old, there could certainly have been on this site a “Notties” inn or a tavern for the soldiers stationed at Fort Nottingham, who were supposed to protect the area from Bushmen who were stealing local livestock. Situated at the crossroads where the road to the interior met the road to Fort Nottingham, it would have served the horse-drawn coaches that travelled the area before the railway line was constructed. The first recorded facts about the hotel we know today indicate that the land for the Notties Hotel was bought by George Orwin in 1889, following the death of landowner James Ellis and his sister Janet King, the land being sold by the family to pay off the siblings’ estates. The price received for the land, the princely sum of 125 pounds per acre, was extremely high for the time. Presumably it was the favourable location that drove the price so high. Orwin erected the Railway Hotel, as it was first named, to serve the station that was built at the tiny Nottingham Road settlement. Local farmer and settler Charles Smythe writes in his diary, “July 12th, 1882: The railway has at last commenced, and there is a large staff of men on Gowrie busy putting up buildings and beginning the earthworks. The station is to be just at the crossing of the road to Fort Nottingham, about two miles from Strathearn. The railway line finally reached Nottingham Road at the end of 1885, eventually changing its name from “Karkloof Station” to “Nottingham Road Station” in 1887. The Nottingham Road Farmers Association was formed in October 1887, in what was known as The Railway Hotel, where the present Notties Hotel is today. The hotel soon became the centre of social activity for the area, which became increasingly popular as a holiday destination, with its fresh, cool air and lovely countryside. The so-called Railway Hotel, built by a Mr C Morgan, was completed at the beginning of 1891, and soon became the centre of social activity at Nottingham Road. A gracious, two-storey building set in rolling lawns, the hotel offered guests the comforts of proper lighting (using acetylene gas), tennis courts and a billiards room, as well as activities such as shooting and horse riding. At the turn of the century, the Singleton family took over the running of the hotel. The Nottingham Road Hotel was always the local’s favourite haunt, whether for a social drink in the pub or for supposedly more serious matters such as meetings of the Nottingham Road Farmers’ Association. Like all hotels with a history, Notties Hotel is reputed to be haunted. In the past, guests and staff have reported that the spirit of a woman roams the hotel (especially room 10) and its grounds. This house-proud, gentle ghost apparently moves flower arrangements, tidies away clothes and straightens bedding. Legend has it that she is ‘Charlotte’, a lady of loose morals or a chamber maid depending on the source of the tale, who apparently threw herself to her death over the balcony outside her room after being jilted.
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Rawdons Hotel in the KZN Natal Midlands was built by David Rawdon in 1954. David who died in 2010 aged 85 was also the owner of the Lanzerac and Maaitjiesfontein Hotels. The hotel has a deliberate old world charm with a thatch roof and incorporating recently refurbished rooms, The famous Boars Head Pub, gracious lounges and exceptional views over the dams in front of the hotel. The Hotel is in the heart of the Midlands meander and also "hosts" the Notties Artisanal beer brewery. This album has images of the interior and exterior of the hotel and one of the original promotional brochures and menus of the hotel.
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Lake Eland is a leisure resort based on the Oribi Flats and also overlooking the steep gorges of the Umzimkulwana river that flows into the Umzimkulu river which enters the sea at Port Shepstone. The views at the resort are a main feature of the resort, along with an extensive zip line, swing bridge over part of the Gorge, Bushman caves, camp site, lakeside cabins and a chapel for the many weddings that use the resort as a venue. The resort also has game such as zebra, giraffe and also the small oribi antelope, a relatively rare species.
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PMB City Hall,in Church Street, is a large Victorian structure reaching a height of 47m. It is reputed to be the largest brick structure and has the largest pipe organ in the Southern Hemisphere.The first City Hall built in 1893 burnt in 1895. The new hall was opened in August 1901 by The Duke of Cornwall.The City Hall has a magnificant interior with a Grand Hall, many stain glass windows of the period,office bearer boards,monuments and well fitted out Council Chambers including the Mayor\'s office. Adjacent to the City Hall is the Carbineer Gardens,Tatham Art Gallery and other Monuments. This Gallery features many of the above items and the exterior views.
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Worlds View above and to the West of PMB is well described and presents vistas as far as the eye can see. The site has a memorial to Engineer Brigadier George Barry Lord and to the Voortrekkers who used this route in the 1830\'s inter the hinterland and later used by transport riders.
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Africamps is a form of boutique camping, or glamping that was started by Jenoen van Rootselaar. There are many of these destinations in South Africa on farms, estates and reserves. This album has images of the Africamps at White Elephant Safaris on the farm Leeuwspoor. The original farmhouse serves as the reception and along with a pool for residents, has much memorabilia in the reception and lounge. The units are near the Pongolapoort (Josini) Dam and land and water safaris are offered. The units are fully furnished with all amenities.
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Pumula Hotel on the South Coast is a resort aimed mainly at the South African family market. It has direct access onto the wide beaches, a variety of room configurations and activities for both children and adults.
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Rorkes Drift Lodge lies about 5km south of Rorkes Drift on a farm road. The lodge offers self catering accomodation, but will also supply meals by request. Activities of the lodge situated at te base of the Sinquindi Mountains include, tours to the nearbye battlefields, horse rides, walking trails and birding. This album has images of the accomodation, but it is the landscape images looking in the direction of Isandlwana and Rorkes Drift that do the talking. (Lodge contact : 034-6421805) Note : The somewhat rough road adds to the fun and seclusion of this Lodge.
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The Sani pass, on the Lesotho - KZN border closely follows the upper reaches of the Umhomazana River into Lesotho. The pass is approximately 17 km from Sani Top (2727m asl) , down to the ruins of the Umkomazana Ridgeway Store. This gravel pass (there are plans to upgrade to tar), is a favourite for 4*4 owners and those wanting to explore the hinterland of Lesotho. One still has to go through immigration on the way up. The pass was always an important trading route into Lesotho, but on many occaisions the pass is rendered impassable due to snow or heavy rainfall.
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Spiokop Nature Reserve is at the base of the 1899 Battlefield hill of the same name, and on the banks of the Spionkop Dam which is on the Tugela River. The reserve has camp sites and self catering accomodation and a ski boat club. The most appealing part of the reserve is its landscapes and many varieties of game. Self drives are possible within the reserve and one can spot many bird species along with a variety of antelope.
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Summerhill and Hartford farms form part of the highly successful Summerhill Stud. Both main residences have great historical significance with the Hartford Manor house having been built by the family of the last Prime Minister of Natal. Hartford is also well renowned for its first class accommodation and fine restaurant. Summerhill Stud is the Home of the Champion Breeders and has stabled well known Stallions like Northern Guest, Home Guard & Liloy. A special treat is to be given a tour of the immaculate Estate by the current owner Mick Goss or one of his team.
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Tala Private Game Reserve is a 3000 hectare reserve on the R603 Umbumbulu road. The reserve is mainly thornveld and boasts a wide variety of game within one hour drive from Durban. It also has over 250 species of birds. Tala has a wide variety of accomodation varying from self catering to fully catered, and includes conferences and wedding functions. This album shares some images of the game , scenery and accomodation available. Accomodation varies from rustic to upmarket secluded lodges. Contact - reception@tala.co.za
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The 30012 hectare Tembe Elephant Park lies on the border with Mozambique. The park is managed by Ezemvelo Wildlife, whilst the Lodge is managed by the local Tembe Tribal community. The reserve is home to the Big Five, but also has a wide range of habitat that supports many other animals species and up to 340 bird species. The reserve has a limited number of luxury tented rooms, a central dining area, and bar, and lounge in a rustic setting. Game drives are provided by the lodge, but self drive options are available. The reserve is renowned for its tuskers, one of which was the tusker Isilo with tusks longer than 2.5 metres. (Isilo is now in his happy hunting grounds)
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Royal Natal National Park in the northern Drakensburg has some of the most stunning scenery in this mountain range. The park has hiking, trout fishing and camping facilities as well as the well run Tendele accommodation run by Ezemvelo Wildlife. The park was give a \"Royal\" designation after the visit of the Royal Family in 1947 as guests of Field Marshall Jan Smuts. Unfortunately the hotel burnt down and this national treasure is derelict. The original hostel was built around the home of Walter Coventry in 1903. It was subsequently owned by Messrs FC Williams and then Otto Zunkel, who rebuilt the hotel, creating the hotel that became famous.
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Tugela River Lodge has self catering, dog friendly cottages on the river. The cottages are within easy reach of the battlefield, Spionkop, Mount Alice, Spionkop Dam and Nature Reserve and the Vaalkraans battle site. The cottages are just off the main road and about 5 kilometres below the Spionkop Dam Wall.
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This album features the Drakensberg Garden Hotel and its facilities, The River Bend Timeshare, Fairways Timeshare, Glengarry Country Club and Golf Course and the Castle Gardens Nature Reserve. These resorts are premier tourist destinations in the Southern Berg near Underberg and there are multiple reasons for visiting, including golf, camping, hiking, horse riding and many of the other activities provided by the family orientated hotel.
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Umzimkulu River Lodge near Underberg rests on the banks of the Umzimkulu River. This peaceful lodge has a combination of self catering or full board accomodation. The central facilities include a games room, bar, dining room, and covered shelters overlooking this pristine river. There are plenty of activities , either at the Lodge or in the vicinity, such as fishing, canoeing, hiking and, cycling. This album has images of the facilities and of the river and gardens.
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The quaint cottagey feel of Umhlanga as a remote beach resort is all but gone, to be replaced with a more cosmopolitan brash feel. The beaches remain as some of the premier bathing beaches in KZN,below a long winding promenade of about 2.5 km running from the Hawaan forest in the north to the southern car park. The beach is dominated by world class hotels and resorts such as the Oyster Box, Beverly Hills and many other resorts and apartments. Behind the high rise residential component lies the commercial area with retail shops ,taverns,nite clubs and tourist related outlets. Whatever remains of the old,such as the Umhlanga Country Club are slowly being squeezed out for the new. This being said the Umhlanga beach and surrounds are a valuable and sought after holiday destination. The recent upgrade to the beach front compliments the safe and natural beauty of the beaches on display here. Also included are images of Peace Cottage on the North bank of the Umhlanga Lagoon that is now in a protected estate. This property until recently, was for many generations owned by the Campbell family, one of the early sugar families.
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This album features most of the beach front flats that occur between Durban View Park and Hawaan or Umhlanga Lagoon. All of the apartments are on the beach side of Marine Drive and Lagoon Drive. Amongst the better known are Edge of The Sea, Cabana Beach, Umhlanga Sands, The Oysters and, the Pearls.
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Umhlanga Beaches have a wide variety of moods and lie alongside the promenade which extends for 2.5 km from the south capark to the Breakers Resort entrance. But that is not the end as, especially at low tide one can walk at least another 2 kilometers to the Umhlanga Lagoon. Peace Cottage , which used to belong to the Campbell family lies within unspoiled coastal forest which is protected. Umhlanga Rocks would not be the same without the iconic 'whale-bone' pier and the lighthouse. This gallery celebrates these landscapes .
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