Location: South Africa » Kwazulu Natal » Battlefields » Anglo Zulu Wars » LadysmithThatcher's Country Guest HouseThatcher`s Country Guest House Bed & Breakfast accommodation in Ladysmith Kwazulu NatalDescriptionThatcher's Country Guest House is a magnificently thatched homestead situated in the serene splendour of the Biggarsberg in Northern Kwa-Zulu Natal, and offers a tranquil and distinctive getaway. Thatcher’s is ideally situated midway between the Kruger Park/Gauteng and Durban, and also offers the perfect stopover between St.Lucia/Hluhluwe and the Drakensberg resorts. Thatcher’s lies within close proximity to many of the famous battlefields, such as, Isandlwana, Rorke’s Drift, Spionkop and others. John & June Smith, welcome you to their home, nestled on a 800 hectare beef and thatch grass farm. This wonderful setting represents an atmosphere of relaxation and tranquillity. Their lovely home was built on the foundations of the original homestead and is thatched with grass from the Mielietuinspruit farm on which it stands today. Guests can enjoy the spectacular views of the mountains whilst relaxing on the verandah, sundowner in hand and enjoying some of the breathtaking sunsets which Mother Nature creates on her palette in the sky. Stroll around the garden taking in all the beauty of nature. Unwind in the calmness of the lovely and well tendered garden surrounded by the rugged and natural landscapes of the farmlands. If you’re looking for peace and tranquillity, a warm welcome, and being spoilt in a home away from home atmosphere, then Thatcher’s is the place to be! Thatcher’s offers 4 guest rooms, each individually decorated, with a style and a distinct ambience of their own. Heavenly Blue – is just that, light, white and blue. The sweetest en-suite bathroom, nestled into the thatch roof, completes the charm of this comfortable room. There is also an extra single bed for parents travelling with a child. Mother Earth – offers the comfort of a huge king size bed, surrounded by the wonderful warmth of earthy browns and rich gold and bronze, to make you feel pampered and spoilt. It also has a private entrance from the garden. Room-with-a-view, a double room with a huge inter-leading bathroom to a twin bedded room, forming the perfect “Family suite”. Either the double or the twin bedded room can be booked as a unit. Special rates apply when booked for more than 2 persons. All rooms have tea and coffee making facilities. The bathrooms all have under-tile heating to warm the ‘toetsies’ in winter. Unwind around a roaring log fire in the formal lounge on winter evenings after a day's fishing, hiking or simply lazing about, or relax in the TV lounge watching satellite TV wrapped in the warmth from the under-floor heating which runs throughout this spacious home. Delicious meals are cooked with love and care, and served with flair in the warm and inviting dining room. Enjoy a hearty farm breakfast on the verandah overlooking one of the dams, and watch Egyptian Geese, Guinea Fowl and other birdlife frolicking in the water, only footsteps away.   
AttractionsLeisure Activities Fishing
Trout and Bass fishing is available on the dam directly in front of the house. Bass fishing is also available in various other dams on the farm.
Horse riding
Explore this beautiful area of the Biggarsberg on horseback. Wonderful out rides can be arranged with Andrea Cronje from a farm close by. Andrea is passionate about her horses and her guest riders, taking care that every rider and horse are well matched. Andrea ensures that an exciting, happy and relaxed ride will be enjoyed by all.
Bird Watching
Thatcher’s offers abundant bird life for the nature lover and the avid birdwatcher alike. Over 75 different birds have been identified. Come and see if you can add more to our list. The Big 5
Right on our doorstep!! The Nambiti Conservancy, a wonderful new conservancy, in a malaria free area, offers game drives for day visitors. Booking is essential and subject to availability. Early morning, and evening drives are available with teas/coffee and snacks included in the fees. Walking
Both easy and more strenuous walks are available on the farm. Enjoy the breathtaking views of the farm and the outlying areas from various vantage points. Quad Biking
Enjoy the fun and exhilaration of quad biking on a farm close by. Places of Interest Battlefields
Take a step back in time and visit the famous battlefields of Isandlwana, Rorke’s Drift, Elandslaagte and many others. Guided tours by accredited guides can be arranged. Maria Ratchitz Mission
Visit this interesting German Trappist Monk Mission with its beautiful church which has been restored to it’s former grandeur. Stroll through the peaceful and tranquil gardens, with the Twelve Stations of the Cross depicted in beautifully hand crafted mock mosaic. Talana Museum
The only museum in South Africa, situated on a battlefield, where the buildings from the time of the battle still exist.
Talana boasts some of the most beautiful glass and bead exhibits. Spend a day browsing around this interesting and most diverse museum. The Siege Museu
This museum contains fascinating mementoes of the 120 day siege of the town of Ladysmith, during the Anglo-Boer War. Fort Mistake
Admire the unique method of laying stones that has withstood years of weathering.  
Accolades | :Portfolio benchmarked: |
Facilities- All rooms have tea/coffee making facilities
- All bathrooms have under tile heating, baths and showers
- Breakfast served
- Lunch by prior arrangement
- Dinner – suggested as we are approx 50kms from the nearest town
- Fax & Internet Access
- Laundry & ironing service
- Safety deposit box in office
- Secure outdoor parking
- Satellite TV in TV lounge
- Fans
DirectionsDirections from Ladysmith
Travel along the N11 towards Newcastle for more or less 40km. Take the 2nd Collingpass turnoff left on to a gravel road, travel for 8km along this road, turn right at the Thatcher's sign.
From Newcastle
Take the N11 towards Ladysmith for more or less 60km and take the 1st Collingpass gravel road turnoff on your right hand side. Travel for 8km along this road, turn right at the Thatcher's sign. | 
June Smith
+27 (0)34 651 1664
+27 (0)34 651 1664
+27 (0)72 174 0264