A unique property on the Kwa-Zulu Natal coast, set right on the beach. Take a private path through indigenous dune forest and you'll be on a beautiful clean beach in seconds. Comfy, affordable, well-equipped Hobbs Cottage is a magical rustic getaway for relaxed holidays with family and friends. The peaceful and secure village of Umzumbe is a jewel of the KZN coast, and a prime surfing, fishing & diving spot. The space This laid-back holiday cottage has been treasured by four generations of the same extended family for 63 years, starting when it was first built in the early 1960s . Many wonderful memories have been made here, and we invite YOU to come and experience the special magic of Umzumbe for yourself! Our cottage is ideal for easy-going beach living: the furnishings are washable, the floors are designed for sandy feet, and all the bedrooms have comfortable beds, spotless linen, and ceiling fans for hot weather. A big shady veranda faces the sea and bush, with a 12-seater table, armchairs, cushioned benches, a day bed, a coffee table, and two sun loungers. Close to the veranda, under milkwood trees, there's a secluded braai area with a fire pit - help yourself to camping chairs. There's also a free-standing Weber braai and a cast-iron potjie for making delicious stews. In the main cottage, there are three bedrooms (one with a queen-sized bed, and two with twin beds). Two of the bedrooms have their own basins. In the back wing, there's a spacious new bedroom (sleeping two adults in a queen-size bed plus two under-twelves in a bunk bed). Opening off this wing, there’s a 'dorm' bedroom (perfect for kids and teens!) with a queen bed and two singles. There are three bathrooms in the cottage, two of which are wheelchair-friendly. The bathroom in the main cottage has a bath and a walk-in shower, and there's a separate loo. In the back wing, the new bathroom has a loo, basin and walk-in shower. The third, smallest bathroom has a basic shower and loo, and opens onto a courtyard. The compact kitchen and adjacent scullery are well equipped. We have a modern stove with five gas burners and a large electric oven. There's a double sink, microwave oven, two toasters, air fryer, blender, kettle and Nespresso machine, plus ample pots, pans, utensils, baking dishes, glassware & cutlery. In the scullery, there's a large fridge/freezer, a glass-fronted wine fridge, a 13-place dishwasher, a top-loading washing machine and an ice maker. An iron and ironing board are available on request. The open-plan lounge has a two-seater couch and three comfortable, cushioned day beds, perfect for napping and reading in peace, plus a big wooden coffee table. The adjacent dining room seats six - ideal for card games with the kids! Hobbs Cottage has an excellent security system, with beams, cameras, window bars and instant armed response from a dedicated patrol vehicle in the village, with additional support from an independent guard who patrols the beach and bush every night with his dog. Two 5,000-litre Jojo tanks ensure a back-up supply of water. The cottage has a fast fibre connection. Please note that there is no TV set at Umzumbe. If you're a keen reader, you might be interested to know that we have an excellent small library, which includes works by Jenny Hobbs, the matriarch of our family, and the original creator of Darling magazine's Blossom Broadbeam! Our bookshelves feature award-winning fiction, thrillers, classics, and magical books for kids, tweens and young adults. If you're a nature lover, have a look at the glass-fronted case in the dining room for books about the ocean, bush and birds - this is also where you'll find our non-fiction books, which include autobiographies, memoirs and reference books. You'll find board games in the big dresser in the living room, and outdoor equipment includes hammocks, boogy boards, goggles & snorkels, a boulle set and a lifesaving buoy. Our housekeeper Malungi Radebe is available in the mornings to wash dishes, clean up, make beds, and do personal laundry, at an additional cost - please enquire when you book. There are no shops in Umzumbe, but at Hibberdene, 5 km north, there's a Spar, a small Pick n Pay, liquor store, garages, pharmacy and ATMs. There is always plenty to do and see in Umzumbe. If you'd like to learn how to surf, or would like to rent a board, we'll put you in touch with our manager, Umzumbe local and champion surfer Nick Njapha, who lives next door with his partner Marina. Ask Marina about open-air yoga lessons! A little further afield, about 20 km inland from Port Shepstone, there’s the spectacular Oribi Gorge. For day trips, we recommend the superb Lake Eland Game Reserve, which offers game drives, zip-lining and a suspension bridge. Golfers can tee off at three different coastal courses not too far from Umzumbe: the Port Shepstone Country Club, Umdonipark Golf Course in Pennington, and Southbroom Golf Course.Fcha Guest access You have access to all areas of the property, apart from one bedroom which is not available to guests. Other things to note PLEASE NOTE: All guests are required to agree in writing (via email) to an indemnity/waiver, and also to our House Rules, before they check in. Please carefully read our House Rules before you book, to avoid any misunderstandings.