We will be showcasing some of the TPOs (Tourism Provider Organisations) in and around Hogsback starting with the ones who supported the Hogsback Celebrations fundraising initiatives.
Ilifu is a romantic and cosy home-away-from-home in Hogsback overlooking a wild lush garden and forest, with a spectacular view over the Thyme Valley below, all the way down to Alice. Yes, you heard right, we are living next door to Alice!
The comfortable and quaint self-catering cottage (Hoggie Cottage) and wooden cabin (Jaaps) have been equipped to make your stay unforgettable.
Jaaps is mainly reserved for Maggie’s friends and family and is a large open plan space with a double bed, sleeper couch, lounge, dining and kitchen area. It has 2 toilets and a full bathroom as well as a separate shower.
Hoggie Cottage is a freestanding earth house consisting of 2 bedrooms, lounge, bathroom and a big country style kitchen that house Maggie’s teapot collection and some of her plates, collected from all over the world. The house has a big stoep overlooking the valley, where you can chill on the loungers while watching the resident Knysna Loeries play in the trees below. The stoep and main bedroom have a magnificent view over the forest and valley. The house also has a protected inner courtyard accessible from the second bedroom and through french doors from the kitchen. Here you can read in the sun or have a long table supper. Hoggie Cottage can sleep 4 adults and an additional 2 children on the sleeper couch in front of the fireplace. The main bedroom has a queen size bed and the second bedroom two single beds. The bathroom has a big cast iron bath and overhead shower. Maggie has chosen to keep the olden day, romantic ambience intact for the cottage, while still being comfortable and warm!!
Ilifu is known for being the warmest place on Hogsback when it is cold and misty! All beds have electric blankets and down duvets, making sure that you will be cosy at all times. There is a media centre in the lounge and as long as the internet is not affected by the weather or Eskom, you can watch Netflix, Showmax or DSTV on those rainy days. I also have a great selection of children and chick-flick DVDs.
The 2-hectare garden is wild(ish) with rambling pathways, taking you down to the stream. It is quite steep and has some lovely places to just sit and think about life amid God’s natural splendour. I do have a picnic basket and blanket to borrow if you feel like a picnic down among the trees!!
For more information about Ilifu and how to book:
Your Host: Maggie Verster
Contact number: 0835566962 or 0459621107
Email: info@ilifu.org.za
Website: www.ilifu.org.za
Instagram: www.instagram.com/ilifu_in_hogsback.
Facebook: www.facebook.com/ilifu