Expansion At Fordoun – Fordoun Village
Posted on: February 2, 2017, in News
Expansion at Fordoun
In June or July this year we will hopefully be unveiling the Fordoun Village development. The idea of expanding Fordoun without impacting on the more intimate boutique experience at the hotel was initiated by Fordoun founder Jon Bates. He had built 19 houses for staff close to the road to give all the staff title deeds to their own houses and allow them privacy and independence, which left their old houses vacant. Jon’s idea was to create a country village by converting these houses into self-catering cottages, with farming-related initiatives and wellness facilities. The old barn is to be converted into a multi-functional venue for weddings and conferences, as well as talks, concerts etc. The buildings surround a cricket pitch which will act as the village green, in line with the country village theme. These self-catering cottages (some are already completed) are immaculately furnished in true Fordoun-style and boast magnificent views across to the Kamberg Valley and the southern and central Drakensberg. 
We are aiming to appeal to families, especially those who would like their children to experience farm life. We will offer fly-fishing, mountain biking, and farm-related activities. A mini dairy is being built to milk cows, and our milk will be pasteurised and then used at the hotel. This is just one of the sustainable activities which in turn will become an attraction for guests. The facilities in the converted barn will now be able to cater for larger conference and wedding groups. All bedrooms in the new development have en suite bathrooms, specifically so that we can use these rooms for conference guests and offer them the same privacy that they would enjoy at the hotel. The tranquility and scenic beauty of the venue will be a major attraction and our thoughts are to offer wellness retreats and different courses where we can utilise the multi-functional venue for talks and or demonstrations.