Nottingham Road, The Midlands, Kwazulu Natal

Welcome to Hawklee Country House, set in 35 acres of undisturbed beauty on the banks of the Lions River, near Nottingham Road, in the heart of the Midlands Meander.

Described by renowned travel writer T P Bulpin as “one of the most amiable portions of the Natal Midlands”, the region remains one of South Africa’s most popular getaway destinations.

At Hawklee there are no demands. You are simply invited to escape the fast lane and unwind at your own pace in a country setting that remains glorious all year. There are over a hundred inviting ports of call within easy driving on the Midlands Meander – the internationally acclaimed arts and crafts route - and a host of natural attractions and leisure pursuits on the doorstep.

With the grandeur of the majestic Drakensberg mountains dominating the horizon to the west, and the green and gold of the sub-tropical Indian Ocean coast an easy 90 minutes drive to the east, Hawklee is a haven of tranquility, set in lush undulating countryside.

Hawklee Country House offers thatched accommodation in ten spacious freestanding double rooms or cottages, including four with self-catering facilities. All accommodation is en-suite and every accommodation unit features a private Jacuzzi spa bath. Four intimate en-suite luxury suites - including the dedicated Owl and The Pussycat honeymoon cottage - ensure guests experience a most memorable Midlands getaway. Each thatched cottage overlooks the Lions River, and each offers couples the luxury and privacy of their own jaccuzzi.

The catered, spacious, individualised thatched double rooms are:
Gilbert and Sullivan: Set in the gardens of the country house, this large rondavel is dedicated to the Savoy operas.

Mallard: Named in honour of the famous A4 steam locomotives of the 1930s, the room offers superb river views and features a mezzanine lounge area, complete with a model train set.

Guinea Fowl: A more secluded thatched cottage, with a garden outlook and a balcony overlooking the Lions River.

The Owl and the Pussycat: A spacious cottage set in the gardens, and dominated by an impressive eponymousmural, this is a favourite choice of honeymooners.

The Otter and the Kingfisher cottages: both of which offer private lounge areas and private Jacuzzi spas with unmatched views of the river.

The rate for these cottages is R375.00pp sharing B&B, dinner in the evening is R115.00pp if required.

Recently completed, the four thatched self-catering cottages, sleeping 2 each, are situated within an easy stroll south of the main country house. They are fully equipped and serviced and have a jacuzzi spa bath en-suite. Eclectically named Chelsea, Great Western, Copper and iKwela (Zulu for the man who whistles) they boast stunning views of the river rapids and surrounding countryside and guests have the option of self-catering or taking advantage of the menu in the main house.

Our Self Catering rate is R285.00, dinner in the evening is R115.00pp if required.

The country setting and solitude of Hawklee Country House is the perfect setting for couples wishing to celebrate a special time - or to rekindle very special memories - in a very special place.

Hawklee offers diners hearty country cuisine, prepared and cooked in an authentic farmhouse kitchen. Full English breakfasts, Midlands-style luncheons and traditional full course dinners are served on the terrace overlooking the Lions River, or in the intimate dining room, depending on the weather and the preference of guests. 
Country teas served on the terrace are a speciality and guests can order a picnic basket lunch to enjoy on the riverbank or while exploring the attractions of the surrounding countryside.
The traditional Sunday roast at Hawklee - with all the trimmings - has become a firm favourite with both guests and day-trippers, but its popularity requires advance booking. There is a wide selection of fine wines, spirits and locally brewed lagers and ales at competitive prices.

There are scenic riverside walks and lazy swimming in crystal clear rock pools, amiable country rambles and splendid birding opportunities.The more energetic will indulge in cycle touring, horse trails and nearby golf courses.
For the fly-fisherman the area offers numerous opportunities - remembering that it was at nearby Balgowan that trout were first introduced to South Africa. And there is the challenge of Hawklee's nine-hole riverside pitch and putt course.

For those on a self-drive getaway, Hawklee Country House is the ideal base from which to set out and explore further afield. There are the military memories of the Anglo-Boer War battlefields, the arts and crafts attractions of the internationally recognized Midlands Meander, the natural splendour of wildlife reserves, the fascinating traditions and culture of the Zulu nation, and the natural beauty of a lush and inviting land.