Hacklewood Hill Country House

Hacklewood Hill Country House, constructed in 1898, is located in a lush English garden setting in the leafy suburb of Walmer. It is one of the few remaining Victorian Manor Houses in the city, retaining much of the elegance and grace it would have boasted when its first inhabitants, a young doctor and his family, lived there.

Guests are welcomed by intricately stained glass doors, gleaming wooden floors, and the gentle sheen of wooden banisters that have been lovingly buffed and polished for more than a century. The house's two reception rooms feature fascinating period pieces that capture the eye. A black and white checkerboard tiled veranda overlooks a sparkling swimming pool, perfect for leisurely dips on hot summer days, while the well-established garden invites a quiet stroll or a civilized game of croquet on the lawn. More energetic guests can opt for a game of tennis or find a secluded spot to enjoy the abundant birdlife that calls the grounds of Hacklewood home.

The manor house's eight luxury en-suite rooms are equally enticing, each individually decorated in palettes ranging from pastel blues and rose-bedecked pinks to more masculine browns and reds, capturing the essence of the Victorian Age. Each room has its own unique character, and returning guests delight in experiencing them all.

To truly experience Hacklewood Hill at the height of its stately Victorian glory, guests are encouraged to dine at the house's five-star restaurant. The dining room's magnificent chandelier illuminates the cut glass, crystal goblets, starched linen, and full silver service on the tables below, while superbly trained waiters serve an array of cordon bleu dishes from the kitchen. The restaurant has garnered numerous fine dining awards and has become a firm favorite on the Port Elizabeth dining scene for its exquisite dinners, full English breakfasts, High Teas, and light lunches.

For a thoroughly enjoyable trip back to a time when days were long and unhurried, furnishings were beautiful and handmade, and every meal was an occasion to use only the best china and silverware, Hacklewood Hill Country House is an ideal destination. Small, intimate weddings for up to 20 guests can be hosted, with a complimentary night's accommodation for the newlyweds in the honeymoon suite. Day safaris at Big 5 Pumba Private Game Reserve, including welcome drinks, a 2.5-hour game drive, and authentic African cuisine around the Msenge Boma, can be booked. Guests can also enjoy a round of golf at the nearby Walmer Country Club or Little Walmer Golf Course. Located just 7km from Beach Road, Hacklewood is conveniently situated for enjoying the beach during a holiday. The magnificent, individually decorated bedrooms invite guests to explore the breathtaking garden views from the private balconies and verandahs. With distinctive decor and fine attention to detail, the comfort of the eight en-suite bedrooms is enhanced by air-conditioning and heating. The large Victorian bathrooms, featuring separate showers and heated towel rails, are a particular highlight that adds to the distinction of this home.