Why visit us?

Comfortable, quiet, far from the madding crowd - but not too far. Nestled amongst the hills of the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands, surrounded by forest and farm, hill and dale. We have our own Bistro onsite, Shazorro, it is German themed, serving eisbeins, schnitzels, German sausages and more. Ilonka, the owner. also bakes an array of breads, Danish pastries, pies and other treats weekly. We have a 9 hole putt putt course for those more, ah, actively inspired that meanders through the garden, an eco pool to cool off in and our own little forest area to explore.

The space

Millgate hosts 6 different accommodation options: 2 family cottages, a one bedroom and a two bedroom, both have large bedrooms, a large lounge with fully equipped open plan kitchen and a stoep with braai facilities. Our three smaller suites consist of Durdledoor, a single bedroom with a double bed, it has an ensuite bathroom and has a microwave, fridge, toaster, and a covered outside seating area with braai. Lulworth Cove is also a single bedroom with two large single beds, ensuite bathroom and a small, fully equipped kitchenette. Next door to Lulworth Cove is the slightly larger Kimmeridge with a bedroom with two large single beds, separate bathroom and a lounge/fully equipped kitchenette . both Lulworth and Kimmeridge have covered outside seating areas with braai facilities. We also have The Workshop which offers basic backpackers type accommodation consisting of two rooms, one with 6 single beds and a adjoining room with a double bed, ideal for a young at heart group or family.

Things to know

Self-catering accommodation over 2 family cottages, 3 suites and a backpackers. All on one level, the only climb is up to out own little forest. The local trading store has everything you may need in a hurry otherwise a Spar is only 20km away.

Meet the owner

Chris Moon, freelance cartoonist and illustrator

Neighbourhood

The are several restaurants close by (we have one of our own), from homestyle cooking through to Cordon Bleu al le cart dining. Coffee bars abound and 4 craft breweries operate within a 20km radius. The coast is only an hour away, the Kamberg and Drakensberg an hour the other way. The Karkloof natural park with its famous canopy zipline and waterfalls is close by. The famous Michealhouse school can be found just up the road next to the old Balgowan station. In Howick itself, one can visit the magnificent Howick Falls and scenic Midmar Dam. The Lions River begins its course in the hills above Balgowan and winds its way over several waterfalls in the vicinity, there is white water rafting and canoeing available.

Good to know

The main town nearby is Howick, only a 20km drive, supermarkets, hospitals, car and tyre repair etc all available. An emergency clinic is available next the Michaelhouse school. The smaller village of Nottingham Road is 20 km the other way.

House rules

1. Our ablutions are all on a septic tank system so please, no foreign objects, nappies or prophylactics are to be disposed of in the toilet, please use bins provided.

2. As a guest please feel free to frequent the swimming pool, it is a natural water pool, using no chemicals, thus not as clear as a chemical pool. Please respect that as a natural pool it has a natural balance please refrain from lotions and sunscreens while swimming. Children must be supervised and not indulge in raucous behavior. The oxygenation pond must not be disturbed and is not a paddling pool.

3. We have dogs, cats, horses and chickens (and the occasional buck), please do not feed or tease the animals. Be aware that the vervet monkeys will access wide open windows if unattended.

4. Please respect other guests and refrain from excessive noise at any time.