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Luxury Defined
LUXURY DEFINED
Most of our luxury rooms were converted from the original farmstead’s sheds that date back to the 19th Century. Our luxury rooms have king-size bed, bathroom with bath and shower, under floor heating in the bathroom and bed rooms, tea and coffee making facilities and mini bar area. All rooms have DSTV and DVD player.
There is also a double suite with wheelchair access and specially adapted bathroom.
We have designed our rooms to offer practicality as well as being aesthetically pleasing.
AMENITIES
WI-FI
AIR-CON
KING SIZE
MINI BAR
DSTV & DVD
TEA & COFFEE
#4
THE CRANE ROOM
Part of Fordoun’s land has been donated to the Crane Foundation for, in particular, the rehabilitation of the endangered Wattled Crane. This is the theme for Room 4. Cranes mate for life, so we use this room on romantic occasions.
#5
PANORAMA’S PALACE
Panorama was an Aberdeen Angus bull bought by Sir George and Lady Usher. When he won the Grand Champion Bull prize at the Rand Show, they were so proud of him that they built him his own barn, called Panorama’s Palace.
How things have changed!
#6
THE SECRET GARDEN
Micheline Bates, who did all the interiors of the rooms, is an avid gardener. There are beautiful gardens at Fordoun and in the surrounding Midlands, so it is a fitting theme. The stones are from the original walls.
#7
THE WILLIAM NKABINDE ROOM
William Nkabinde was one of the most incredible gentlemen that we ever had the pleasure of meeting.
He was employed by Sir George Usher as butler/chauffeur, and would accompany Sir George on most of his activities.
William would be sent ahead on Sir George and Lady Usher’s travels to Europe to arrange their itinerary, and would fetch them when they docked or landed. He learnt to speak numerous European languages, had impeccably gracious manners and earned the respect of all at Fordoun. We saw it only fitting to dedicate a room to him.
#8
THE AVIARY
One of our larger rooms, the Aviary room has a lot of original features. It celebrates the wonderful bird life that we have at Fordoun and in the Midlands.
#9
THE TREE HOUSE
If you take a walk around Fordoun you will see some very old trees, many planted by the first people to settle in the area in the 1850s. The bar in Skye Restaurant was made from an old Cedar Pine tree. We counted the rings on the tree when it was felled and it revealed that the tree must have been planted before William Taylor (the first recorded settler) had arrived at Fordoun.
We assume that Afrikaans settlers had settled here briefly before moving off, but we have no record of this.
#10
THE BUSHMEN ROOM
The Bushmen are the original inhabitants of Southern Africa and although they never settled permanently in the Midlands they certainly used to hunt in the area. Over 150 years ago the Midlands looked like the Serengeti with vast herds of grazing animals making yearly migrations through the lush grasslands. In winter after the frosts most of the herds moved off to new grazing. Not too far from here in the Kamberg Nature Reserve are magnificent
Bushmen rock paintings which can be visited on guided walks.
#11
THE NGUNI ROOM
Farming and the country are strong themes throughout Fordoun. There is a herd of Nguni traditional African cattle on the property, so it made sense to utilise the very interesting and beautiful coat patterns of the Nguni as a theme for one of our rooms.
#12
THE FISHING ROOM
Since we can remember trout fishing has been the major pastime at Fordoun. Years ago the South African record trout was caught in one of the Fordoun dams. The couples that seem to be happiest at Fordoun are ones where the wife spends a couple of days in the spa and the husband succeeds in catching a beautiful trout.
#14
THE ROMANCE ROOM
A lot of couples come to Fordoun for a romantic getaway, honeymoons and anniversaries,
and so the Romance Room personifies these special moments.
#15
THE CONSERVATION ROOM
Bill Barnes, Peter Brown, Betty Jonson, and Lady Usher amongst others were early eco-warriors fighting on behalf of conservation. Land situated between Fordoun and the village of Nottingham Road has been donated to conservation and named the Bill Barnes Conservancy. The room is dedicated to their achievements.
#16
THE DAIRY PARLOUR
The main industry at Fordoun used to be dairy; Lady Usher developed a pedigreed herd of Jersey cows that on a yearly basis won prestigious awards at the Royal Show. Sylvia (in charge of housekeeping) used to manage the dairy, and worked there from a very young age. This was a sustainable family business.
#17
THE INDIAN ROOM
The Indian community of Nottingham Road has been around for a long time, at the forefront of trade in the village.
Sylvia’s family has been based at Fordoun since she was born. It made sense to utilise the beautiful rich colours and fabrics that an Indian theme deserves.
#18
THE WILLIAM TAYLOR ROOM
William Taylor was the first permanent settler at Fordoun. He arrived from Perthshire in Scotland in 1857 and Room 18 was part of the original homestead that he built. The original title deeds can be seen in our Skye Restaurant.
GUEST REVIEWS
Fordoun is a flagship Midlands property, and the ambience you have all created, along with the staff, service, Spa, food, rooms combines into a product you should all be justifiably very proud of. Your clients, including us are all very grateful for that, and the generosity extended to us.
We look forward to our continued association.
Rob and Karen Caskie
Fordoun has recently won an award for ‘Best value for money’ and while this is undoubtedly true, it is so much more. Fordoun is five star luxury in beautiful surroundings with cheerful staff, a top class spa and exquisite cuisine. Verandas overlook the beautiful trees, immaculate lawns and a herd of fat, contented cows, ducks, sheep and Hadedas. In all seasons, Fordoun charms and delights guests."
A Little piece of Midlands Paradise
Truly amazing! Exceeded all expectations
Jaco Van Beek
Great service, relaxing atmosphere, I'll be going back soon!
Thembeka Tshabalala Lewis
WOW!
Rest, relaxation and rejuvenation.
The spa, the staff and the food were all outstanding.
Allyson Schartman
What a splendid stay. Thanks to the amazing staff who made the visit memorable.
Zakir Khan
Fantastic hotel with beautiful people and very high standards. Thoroughly enjoyed our stay and hope to return one day. Lovely to meet the family running the hotel who made you feel relaxed and welcome.
Linda Warner
A very special place with wonderful people. Fordoun's new wedding village is unique, offering a stunning venue, chapel and accommodation in an ideal setting. Certainly a choice destination to get married in the Midlands.
Nikki Sinclair
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Excellent weekend spent, beautiful English countryside setting, safes walking trials, awesome food, excellent service, all the staff are very well trained and nothing is too much trouble . Spa treatments excellent . Very comfortable and exceptionally clean rooms. Jon Bates The owner himself even takes the time to meet you and find out if you are enjoying your stay.
Ann O'Gorman