About Hartford House

Hartford’s beauty was discovered by the family of the last prime minister of the Colony of Natal, Sir Frederick Moor, when the land was granted to them by Queen Victoria in 1875. Now part of the greater Summerhill Stud estate, which is home to the stallions of the Rulers of Dubai and South Africa’s Champion racehorse nursery. Described respectively by the renowned author Sir Clement Freud and golfing legend Gary Player, as one of the nation’s most beautiful homes, and the most spectacular estate in the country, Hartford house is VISA House and Leisure's Magazine's Best of SA's Restaurant of the Year 2009.

Why Visit Hartford House?

• Hartford House is the only world-class hotel on a world-class racehorse stud in the world.
• Recently ranked by Top Billing in the top six Boutique hotels in South Africa, and housing a national “Top Ten” restaurant
• Within a few hours of the major British, Zulu and Boer battlefields, and a half hour from the capture sites of Sir Winston Churchill and Nelson Mandela.
• Close proximity to Clarens, the art capital of South Africa, and the world-famous Drakensberg Boys’ Choir.
• Gateway to the Midlands Meander, South Africa's leading arts and crafts route
• Situated in the foothills of Giant's Castle, part of the uKhahlamba-Drakensberg, a world heritage site and home to the ancient rock art of the //xwege people (Bushmen).
• Within minutes of the Kamberg Valley, widely regarded as one of the most dazzling scenic drives in the world.
• Arguably the most authentic cultural engagement with working Zulu people in the kingdom.
• Seasonal courses in cooking, food and wine; art, music and literature, and School of Excellence in horse-breeding and husbandry.
  

Amenities:

• New eco-sensitive suites, proclaimed by international travellers among the best accommodation in hospitality
• National Top Ten restaurant; also voted KZN’s Number One by the Federation of SA Hoteliers.
• One of only nine Diners Club Platinum Winelists for six consecutive years.
• Fully equipped mini-conference facility
• Historic chapel provides for weddings, baptisms and memorial services
• Personalised stud tours of the greater Summerhill estate, SA's leading thoroughbred farm, includes stallions of the Rulers of Dubai and early morning racetrack workouts (seasonal)
• Estate tours cover the natural and political history, the amenities and the horses
• Tours into the surrounding mountain, game and nature reserves (accompanied by Hartford's resident local historian, where required
• Horse riding on expansive bridle paths and race tracks (guided by arrangement)
• Fly fishing for trophy-sized trout and bass
• Tennis, swimming pool (including dedicated pools with certain suites)
• Award-winning gardens
• Wellness centre offers a range of massages and therapeutic treatments.
• Laundry and valet service
• All major credit cards are accepted
  

Our Activities

Mountain, game and nature reserves; Zulu and Anglo-Boer war battlefields; Midlands Meander; Golf; Picturesque drives and picnicking; Drakensberg Boys' Choir; Renowned schools
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Experience

Land of Legends
Be the honoured guest of gracious hosts, who will reveal the wonders of luxurious accommodation, excellent cuisine, and share their passion for the...
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