King's Grant Country Retreat

Here is a professional summary of King's Grant Country Retreat:

King's Grant Country Retreat is a historic property nestled in a tranquil valley near Ixopo, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Originally established in 1891 by German Trappist Monks as the St Isidor Mission and Millworks, the property served as a mission station and mill for over 100 years under the management of the Mariannhill Monks. In 1996, the Biggs Family acquired and transformed it into a charming country retreat while carefully preserving its historical character.

The retreat features authentically restored red brick buildings that now house tastefully appointed bed & breakfast and self-catering accommodation options, with capacity for 24-26 guests. The original quarters once occupied by German and Dutch brothers and sisters have been thoughtfully converted into comfortable guest rooms while maintaining their historic ambiance.

The property boasts several amenities including the St. Isidor Conference Centre and Lounge, St. Isidor Mill Museum, a Tuscan-style banqueting hall, and the intimate St. Isidor Chapel suitable for weddings. A licensed restaurant offers country cuisine that can be enjoyed either indoors or in the flower-filled courtyard gardens. Recreational activities available to guests include walking trails, bird watching, fishing, canoeing, and a 15-kilometer mountain bike trail through the surrounding valleys and thornveld.

The retreat has earned several accreditations, including a three-star lodge grading, and comes highly recommended by various South African tourism organizations. King's Grant continues to offer visitors a unique blend of historical charm, natural beauty, and modern comfort in a peaceful countryside setting.