AWAY WITH THE FAIRIES
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Date of Stay: March 2016
Room Types:
* All prices quoted in this review were correct during our stay and may be subject to change |
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As we wound our way up the mountain towards Hogsback, mist began to appear. It began in the tall forests framing the road then slowly, it began to creep eerily across the road. By the time we drove down the Main Street in the small village of Hogsback, it was everywhere. A thick fog had settled in and we could barely see further than 100m around us. As we looked around at the variety of magical, mystical and just plain wonderful sights and businesses in Hogsback, the atmosphere was rather fitting! It made our arrival at Away With The Fairies all the more enchanting!
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Rumour has it that Hogsback was the inspiration for the forests and mountain scenery described by J.R.R. Tolkien in The Lord of The Rings and as you begin to discover this wonderful town, it won't take long before you are immersed in this enchanting environment. And just like Tolkien you'll soon find yourself dreaming of hobbits, fairies and goblins. The various rooms and cottages available at Away With The Fairies are scattered over this magnificent property, which is surrounded by hiking trails through the forest and has unbeatable views of the Hogsback-shaped Mountain that gave the town its name. |
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Speaking of views, I simply cannot go on without mentioning the Away With the Fairies bathtub. Imagine lying in a steaming bath of water, naked as the day you were born, with that fabulous view.... Not bad hey?!
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No matter which lodging you choose during your stay, guests at Away With The Fairies will be reminded of Tolkien's connection to the town with Lord of The Rings themed rooms such as - Frodo's Rest, Galdalf Communal Kitchen or the Fairy dormitory. The rooms are spread between the Main House, individual cottages and "Striders" hikers cottage, which is reached by a short walk through the forest or a drive to the private parking area. Both lodgings feature spectacular views and gardens, braai areas and car parking. The rooms in Striders are all private rooms with ensuite and tea and coffee making facilities in the room. The showers are delightfully hot and heaters are also available for those cool winter (or summer!) nights. |
The Main House containing the dormitories, has a charming living area complete with its own fireplace, living area, bathroom and kitchen.
Relaxing in the bar, you'll be whisked away to a world of fairies and flute-playing goblins covering the walls while the fire crackles away in front of a few perfect reading couches. Free Wi-Fi is available in this main building.
The in-house restaurant offers breakfast and dinner with wood fired pizzas available every day, a weekly braai night and a small breakfast menu made to order. We devoured more than one pizza during our stay, enjoyed with a glass of wine by the fire.
Relaxing in the bar, you'll be whisked away to a world of fairies and flute-playing goblins covering the walls while the fire crackles away in front of a few perfect reading couches. Free Wi-Fi is available in this main building.
The in-house restaurant offers breakfast and dinner with wood fired pizzas available every day, a weekly braai night and a small breakfast menu made to order. We devoured more than one pizza during our stay, enjoyed with a glass of wine by the fire.
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As far as activities go the possibilities in Hogsback are endless. There are more hikes and waterfalls than you can poke a stick at, there are art, craft and gem stores and there are fantastic venues such as The Edge where you can stand on the very edge of a cliff face and look across the beautiful valley below. It's also worth stopping along the main road where local craftsmen sell small clay figurines or hand carved wooden hiking poles, both of which are quite unique to Hogsback. After initially arriving on a misty morning and spending our first night huddled by the fire, we were rewarded on our second day with clear blue skies and beaming sun when we jumped at the opportunity to hike directly from Away With The Fairies to the beautiful Madonna and Child waterfall – an activity we highly recommend! |
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Hogsback is unlike anywhere else in South Africa and Away With The Fairies is unlike anywhere else in the world! The cool mountain air and natural surroundings make Hogsback a perfect outdoor playground and the village atmosphere will have you hopping from gardens to viewpoints and into warm cafes after long days hiking this incredible natural landscape.
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