Location: South Africa » Kwazulu Natal » Drakensberg » Drakensberg (East Griqualand) » KokstadManora Guest HouseManora Bed & Breakfast accommodation in Kokstad Kwazulu NatalDescription No, it's not "like the Razor Blade"? That's MIn . Nor is it "like the Jewish Candlestick". That's MEn. And that ends ORAH, with an H. It does not even, (as our daughters fondly imagined) signify that this is a "Little Manor". So what does it mean? Actually it doesn't really mean anything. It is just a nostalgic memory of a special place. A place on the West Coast of India where Pixie and Keith would escape briefly from the horrors of the Second World War and Keith's time on the Burma Front. A place that they would bring back to South Africa; by naming their first real home after it. Pixie and Keith Hammond lived on the sub-continent for over 30 years. And in all that time they lived in rented homes or army barracks, albeit it Officer's quarters. Their final flat in Calcutta was both spacious and comfortable, but it wasn't HOME. And Keith never stopped dreaming about the prime piece of ground he had successfully bid for among the plots in the new Kokstad Extension when this was opened up in 1948. No 54 Strachan Street was a gently sloping corner plot, knee-deep in veldt grass, with nothing between it and Mount Currie. Except, still clearly visible, coming down from the original site of Kokstad Town, the deeply grooved tracks of the early Griqua ox-wagons; evidence of the final trek from the original site to the present-day town after the devastating blizzard of 18..? Keith took personal pride in the way they crossed the bottom corner of the garden and would delight in pointing out this route to all visitors. Finally, in 1952 the foundations were laid and building began. Pixie was South African, Keith a Londoner, born and bred. The little thatched house, acknowledged their combined backgrounds as it grew and grew. If an Englishman's home is his castle then it goes without saying that he will often grace it with a name and from the start the choice was clear. From the time it existed only on a rolled-up plan, the new Hammond family seat was known, in memory of their favorite holiday spot on the West Coast of India as - "Manora". Accommodation ROOMSRooms 1 and 2 with lovely mountain views are known as "Ingeli" and "Mount Currie". They are the only rooms that are not en-suite as they share a bathroom, Bookings are never allowed to overlap here, unless it is a family or close colleague situation."Ingeli" has a double bed and "Mount Currie" two singles, they are equipped with TV, kettle, iron and board, hairdryer and electric blankets. Whatever the weather you will always be comfortable here. Room 3, "The Suite"is a large, very comfortable en-suite room with a kingsize bed, it also has a double sleeper couch all the electric appliances as well as DSTV. For the people who cant leave their work at the office, there is a small desk. Rooms 4 and 5 are both spacious optional self-catering suites, with small kitchenettes and en-suite bathrooms. The kitchenettes are equipped with a fridge, microwave, toaster, kettle and all the necessary crockery, cutlery and pots and pans. In addition 4 and 5 have outdoor eating options. No 4 " Cascades" has a very popular "back to nature" double shower and has hosted many honeymoon couples. Decor includes many items sourced in Pondoland. No 5, "Nostalgia" is decorated in a traditional style, has a double bed and sleeper couch. As in the other rooms DSTV, fans, irons, electric blankets and appliances are standard. No 6, "The Loft", is fast becoming a second honeymoon suite. With it's spacious double shower and romantic mezzanine bedroom under the thatched eaves, it has a rather "private" feel. It is the newest addition and increasingly popular. "Upstairs and down". No 6 also has a fully equipped kitchenette and all the necessary appliances. "Welcome Cottage" consists of No 8, "Benvenuti" (Italian inspired decor) and "Wamkelikile", which means, "Welcome" in Xhosa. No 8 has a three quarter bed and a small fire place, very romantic....... No 9 has a double bed and very cozy. Each has a small verandah and have every convenience, including DSTV.
AttractionsLocal Activities: - Fishing
- Hiking
- Bird Watching
- Golf
- Climbing
- Cycling
- Horse Riding
*Manora is only an hour away from the
magnificent Drakensberg Mountains.  
Accolades | :Tourism Council of SA Star Grading |  | :AA Guides quality assured |
Facilities Contact Details:
Reservations
Tel: 086 127 6237
Int. Tel: +27 51 924 0585 |
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