Forest Hall Manor, Private Nature Reserve

There is an option to book The Manor House and Cottages which together sleep 18. There are four cottages which each sleep two people. Please enquire for the rates of the Cottages as there is a set fee for them. The Victorian Manor House, built in 1864, was one of the first homes built in the Crags and Plettenberg Bay area of the Garden Route and had been declared a Historical Monument by the South African Heritage authority in 1992. The space The Manor House is situated within a large area of smooth green lawn, surrounded by indigenous forest. From each of the windows, guests are treated to uninterrupted and breath-taking views over the forest, mountain range, and the Indian Ocean. The original nineteenth-century yellow-wood and stinkwood floors, stairs, and doors of the home have been beautifully restored to show off the features that made these woods so prized for interiors and flooring. This and many other original aspects of the home, including the very close proximity of the same forest from which the wood was sourced, impart not only a sense of time and history but lend the house a uniquely natural and authentic feel. The atmosphere of a grand old family home still pervades and with it the peace and tranquillity of a time gone by and a slower, gentler experience of a less explored Africa. The indigenous forest that covers much of the Estate is home to vervet monkeys and baboons; bush-buck and wild pigs can often be seen at dawn on the border between the forest and the lawns. Guest access The 220ha Forest Hall Estate lies in the heart of The Crags – a spectacular part of the Garden Route situated between the town of Plettenberg Bay and the Stormsriver bridge on the eastern border of the Western Cape and nestled between the foothills of the Outeniqua mountain range and the Indian Ocean. Home to the world-renowned Kurland Pavilion & Polo Estate, just a couple kilometers from Forest Hall ‘as the crow flies’ and the Bramon Bubbly Estate, between Forest Hall and Kurland, The Crags has a unique rural character that blends fynbos, Afromontane forest, farmland, vines, wilderness, and fine living. The Estate also forms the western border of the Tsitsikamma Forest and runs along the coastline, predominantly at elevation, to the eastern border of Keurbooms – 2km of private coastline. Some of the most spectacular beaches in the world are within a 10-minute drive, and the town of Plettenberg Bay, with all its fabulous shops and restaurants, is barely 20 minutes by car. Plettenberg Bay has a small airport and is designed to cater to private aircraft in addition to scheduled carriers. Helicopters can be landed directly on the Estate. George airport is a two-hour drive past Plettenberg Bay, and the airport at Port Elizabeth is only an hour and a half in the other direction. Other things to note Our fully equipped gym offers keeping in shape in-between all the eating, drinking, relaxing, and having fun. A small animal farm on the property has sheep, lambs, chickens, and Nguni cattle which children can watch and feed. A well-tended vegetable garden provides a wide range of organic vegetables for everyday use at the Forest Hall tables, and an indigenous nursery and re-aforestation laboratory on the Estate is part of a local reforestation initiative in association with SANParks. Facilities in the grounds of the 220 ha Estate include a pool and pool house: The 25-meter infinity pool is heated with solar panels, and is kept sparkling with an environmentally friendly salt-water cleaning system that does not require the use of chlorine. The pool house is fully equipped with a professional-style kitchen, wood-fired pizza oven, fireplace and barbecue, and a table for 12, ideal for long summer lunches and dinners. The Manor House is situated on the edge of 10 hectares of smooth lawn and paddocks, perfect for walking and exercising. Several deck areas are perfect for outdoor pastimes, breakfasts, lunches, and romantic dinners looking toward the Indian Ocean. The sun deck is the main deck, with a linen shelter overlooking the Indian Ocean. The orb deck overlooks the Outeniqua mountains and is perfect for sundowners. The pool deck is ideal for sunbathing. Mickey’s deck is on the way down to the private beach. This is the perfect spot for whale watching and sharing romantic moments. Walks into the pristine Tsitsikamma forest right on the property to learn about this ancient and unique African ecosystem – the home of the prized Yellow-wood. The Tsitsikamma is a true ‘fairy forest’ and the name is an ancient Khoi word meaning ‘place of many waters’ due to the abundance of waterfalls to be found in the greater Tsitsikamma area. Barbecue (or ‘braai’)! There are several perfect spots – each equipped with a deck, table, and barbecue, near the beach, in the shade of the trees, where the children can play safely, bathe and wait for the grill to be ready. Sleep-over at the grotto. A night in the very large natural grotto overlooking the sea is a unique experience, and a great outdoors experience to share with your family. To facilitate any such pursuit, or purely in the interests of maximizing the relaxation factor of your holiday, we can arrange massage and Spa therapists, yoga & meditation instructors, and astrologers. We will be happy to assist in procuring the services of whatever professionals you have in mind. The Garden Route is known to have many such practitioners, drawn to live in this part of the world by the same energies and peace that makes a stay here so special. Guest Responsibilities Guests agree to comply with all safety and property protocols listed below. Failure to follow these obligations may result in damages being charged to the guest and may void any claim against the owner or property manager. Wildlife and Baboons As the property is located adjacent to a nature reserve, we are fortunate to share our surroundings with a variety of wildlife. However, this also means that there is a presence of wild animals in the area, particularly wild baboons. Guests must keep all doors and windows closed when not in the room. 1. Food, toiletries, and loose items must not be left unattended anywhere baboons can access them. 2. Guests must not feed or interact with baboons or any wildlife. 3. Any sightings of aggressive wildlife must be reported immediately to the property manager. 4. Guests accept full responsibility for loss or damage to their belongings caused by wildlife. Children and Pool Safety 1. Children must be supervised by a responsible adult at all times while on the property. 2. No child may access the pool area without an adult physically present. 3. Running, diving, or dangerous play around the pool is prohibited. 4. All pool gates, covers, or barriers (if present) must be kept closed or secured after use. 5. Guests assume all risks relating to the pool area and agree that supervision is their exclusive responsibility. Dogs on the Property 1. Guests must not approach, touch, or feed the dogs unless explicitly permitted by the property manager. 2. Guests must keep all gates and access points closed to prevent animals from roaming into unauthorized areas. 3. Any concerns or incidents involving the dogs must be reported immediately. 4. Guests accept full responsibility for interactions with the dogs and any resulting consequences. General Conduct and Damage Prevention 1. Guests must use reasonable care when handling furniture, appliances, keys, and equipment. 2. No flammable materials may be used near structures or vegetation. 3. Guests must report any breakages or hazards immediately. 4. Any intentional or negligent damage will be charged to the guest at full repair or replacement cost. 5. Guests must follow all written and verbal instructions provided by the property manager. Wooden floors 1. The property features beautiful wooden floors. To ensure these floors remain in excellent condition for all our guests, we want to bring an important policy regarding potential damage to your attention. 2. While we understand accidents can happen, any damage to the wooden floors that requires repair (such as sanding and polishing) will incur not only the cost of the repair itself but also an additional charge for the loss of value to the floor. 3. This additional charge is necessary because sanding and polishing reduce the thickness of the wood's top layer. Over time, this reduction in thickness diminishes the overall lifespan and value of the flooring. 4. By continuing with your reservation, you acknowledge and agree to this policy regarding potential damage to the wooden floors. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation in helping us maintain the high quality of our property.