The Aloes Farm - The Studio & The Gallery

Here's a professional summary of The Aloes Farm:

The Aloes Farm is a picturesque 10-hectare property located in the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands, South Africa, bordering the Hilton College estate. The property features two luxurious self-catering cottages, The Studio and The Gallery, which opened in 2018. The Studio accommodates up to six guests, while The Gallery can host five to six guests, with both cottages offering three bedrooms and two bathrooms.

The farm, owned and operated by Richard and Shelagh since 2013, sits on a main dolerite ridge offering spectacular panoramic views of Albert Falls Dam, Wartburg, and the Drakensberg mountains. The property is conveniently located just five kilometers from Hilton village and the N3 highway, combining rural tranquility with urban accessibility.

The establishment operates on strong sustainability principles, incorporating solar power, borehole water, and wetland filtration systems. The owners have undertaken extensive indigenous tree planting and rehabilitation projects, with Richard, a consulting grassland ecologist, maintaining an on-site nursery. The property also functions as a working farm with rotational beef grazing and arable pastures.

The cottages feature tastefully decorated interiors with mid-century design elements and original artwork by Shelagh, who is an artist and facilitator of creative ladies' retreats. Each cottage includes an open-plan kitchen, dining room, and lounge area extending onto large patios. The accommodation is pet-friendly and equipped with fireplaces and modern amenities, offering guests a sophisticated country living experience while maintaining easy access to local attractions.