Thistledown Country House

Thistledown Country House is known for its warm hospitality, comfortable accommodation and fine dining. This restored farmhouse was built in 1937 and is situated beneath the pristine indigenous Karkloof forest - the second largest in South Africa .

From the wide, covered, L-shaped veranda you can view some of the amazing birdlife, the rare Samango monkey and bushbuck and duiker which sometimes visit the garden. Thistledown is conveniently close to several of the other features of the Karkloof Valley such as the Karkloof Conopy Tour, the Karkloof Conservancy and the Karkloof Club, which is a well-known polo venue. There are also some spectacular mountain bike trails to be followed. The nearby Ben Vie garden is a must-see when in the area.

The five double en-suite bedrooms are comfortable and individually decorated, including many unique pieces. Apart from providing bed and breakfast, other meals - three-course set lunches and dinners - can be arranged. The menu for lunches and dinners can be discussed and should be booked at least 24 hours beforehand.

NOTE: We do not have TV and are not a self-catering facility.

booking enquiry no obligation!

Reviews

"A beautiful Gem"

18 August 2018

"I just wish I could have stayed for a bit longer. Norma, her husband Norman and Normas brother went out of their way to make the stay an enjoyable one. The room was clean and extremely beautiful. Next time I will have to go back on a warmer season to fully enjoy my stay and the surroundings. The breakfast was just too beautiful, well prepared and presented."
"Outstanding"

06 August 2018

"An excellent place for rejuvenation and rest. The meals were exceptional. A huge thank you to our hosts!"
"Great great great"

05 July 2018

"Everything was absolutely bloody marvelous"
"The cleanliness of the Rooms"

11 June 2018

"The place is clean and the owners have taken an effort to make the rooms welcoming. I think it is a good place if one is getting away from the noisy city. The fireplace was great. My only downside is the absence of TV facilities,"
"Friendlyness and devine meals"

27 March 2017

"Very friendly couple,the meals were excellent and too much.If you like friendly people,this is the place to go.It is a little out of the way for visiting other places in the Midlands."
"A lucky find"

01 January 2017

"Thanks Safari for directing me to this outstanding country retreat. Comfortable room, nice country furnishings, gorgeous garden. Norma is an outstanding cook. Will definitely go back if the opportunity presents."
"Home from home"

13 October 2016

"We were warmly welcomed and shown to luxurious accommodation. The dinner lived up to its claim to be "Fine Dining"."
"Lovely and peaceful stay!"

05 September 2016

"We had a lovely stay at Thistledown. The hosts were so accommodating, letting us check in early, so we could get ready for the wedding we were attending nearby. The large garden is beautiful with so much bird life; it created a relaxing, peaceful atmosphere. We had a huge and delicious breakfast in the morning. It's clear that the rave reviews about the food here are well justified. The room was clean and comfortable- a real country room. Overall we had a very pleasant stay and would come back again!"
"Thistledown Country House"

17 May 2015

"Beautifull setting, friendly reception, superb dinner and breakfast, comfortable room. Will recommend it to all travellers."
"A lovely place to stay"

30 March 2015

"A lovely place to stay. The food was excellent."
"Thistledown - ideal country break!"

02 January 2015

"No frills, no fuss - authentic South African hospitality - just like going home to "mum" to truly unwind! Magical secluded setting in the Karkloof Valley. Excellent food and whilst dinners are optional, they should not be missed - make a point of pre-arranging dinners with Norma and be delighted - farmhouse cuisine par excellence!"
"Beautiful setting, friendly host"

17 December 2014

"We stayed one night at Thistledown. It's a beautiful old building with wooden floors and furniture that's been well maintained. Norma, our host, was pleasant and helpful. The garden is magnificent and we enjoyed watching the birds congregate around the numerous feeders outside the dining room while we ate a scrumptious breakfast in front of the fireplace on a chilly midlands morning. The only thing to be aware of is that wooden floors are noisy, so if you're a light sleeper, you may hear other guests if they traipse about during the night. But overall, a lovely spot."
"Peaceful Retreat"

13 May 2014

"Thistledown Country House will appeal to those who are seeking a peaceful and comfortable farm stay with caring host/hostess and are not too concerned about being a bit off the beaten track. It suited us very nicely and we were sad to leave. we enjoyed a wonderful dinner wonderfully served."
"Back in time"

10 January 2014

"A beautiful, peaceful place, with many interesting decorative touches! We enjoyed an annual planning session on the verandah, overlooking the beautiful garden alive with butterflies, a superb candlelit dinner prepared by our host, and a comfy night falling asleep to the sound of rain on the zinc roof. Highly recommended!"