Granny Mouse Country House and Spa

Welcome home to Granny Mouse

By Isabelle Luker

Restfulness settled on my soul the moment we entered the gates at Granny Mouse Country Mouse and Spa in the Kwazulu Natal Midlands. Just over an hour's easy drive from Durban, South Africa, the atmosphere changed from humid tropicality to a country scene reminiscent of England without the cold weather.

New Owners

Fountains line the cobbled approach to the reception where Operations Manager Wayne Chislett welcomed us with a delicious cup of coffee served in one of the many quiet lounge areas that overlook the pool, an emerald green meadow and the river below. New owners Gill Bowmaker and Mark Wood have done wonders with the refurbishment of this country icon. Over several months of alterations and additions, the kitchen is now seven times its original size. Every bathroom, bedroom, dining and bar area has been meticulously renovated so that the feeling of comfort is complemented by the efficient yet unobtrusive service from the staff. The Eaves Restaurant is the new fine dining restaurant hidden in the eaves above the Bistro.

Over a simple lunch in the informal Bistro, Mark enthused about the many attractions in the immediate area. Culamoya wind chimes, various leather, Swissland Cheese, Belgian Chocolate outlets and the beauty of the Dargle Road. I had a smoked salmon with wasabi mayonnaise on home-made bread, while my husband had a delicious hamburger and salad. The view from the deck was magical: green meadows and horses lazily browsing behind a white post and rail fence. Buck, Fish Eagles and many small creatures also share this countryside.

Worth coming for the Spa

Fellow guests Reuben and Denise said: "This is the type of place you want to spend time at. We are particularly impressed with the chef who copes in a calm and relaxed manner. Besides the delicious cuisine, it's worth coming for the spa alone." Gill said that 55 per cent of guests come from Gauteng. "They arrive in a totally tense mood, and by the time they leave they are completely refreshed."

Culamoya Wind Chimes

At Mark's suggestion, we took a trip down the road to visit Culamoya Chimes. A simple shopping outing turned into a spiritual experience as Lola Haupt explained how she and her husband Frik got into manufacturing their handmade chimes. Each set of chimes is tuned to play, for example, the bells of Big Ben, Westminster and St Paul's. They boast the largest set of wind chimes in Africa, up to 4m in length. And we came away with these words from Lola: "Singing wind tuned chimes from Africa; when the earth breathes, let the Whispering Wind remind you of the peace, love, beauty and abundance that surrounds you."

After a relaxing massage and a nice nap, we took a walk along the river path with Sheba, the resident pet. Sheba led the way, stopping every few minutes to make sure that we were following. It was so comforting to have her as our guide and companion! (Contact: 033 234 4503 or visit www.culamoyachimes.co.za).

Wine pairing and fine dining

That evening, we had a special surprise in that a wine pairing, fine dining experience awaited us in the cosy atmosphere of the wine cellar. Food and Beverage Manager Leon Hansmeyer led us through the wine pairing to the delightful dishes prepared by chef Lerique Allers. The red pepper 'sushi' starter was enhanced by a glass of Bouchard Finlayson Chardonnay which John Platter gave four stars. Leon explained that this wine is not too buttery so it would not overcome the subtleness of the starter. Our main course, with salmon and sole, was accompanied by Sumaridge Pinot Noir 2008. "This wine has lovely soft tannin and the structure pairs well with fish in particular. Chilling the wine works well with the wasabi mash, and adds crispness, explained Leon. The pièce de résistance was undoubtedly the white chocolate crème brulée dessert. The crunchiness of the brulée with the soft, trembly texture of the white chocolate was complimented by a 2008 Klein Constantia Rhein Riesling. "The initial palate is crisp and acidic but pares down to a sweetness. The sugariness of the dessert and the wine amalgamate to create a very subtle taste," Leon explained. Next morning, our breakfast was fit for a king – and queen.

Eco-friendly

Gill and Mark have rebranded Granny Mouse to reflect an eco-friendly promise. "We are situated in the Balgowan Conservancy which is home to families of reebok and the Midlands Blue Butterfly. The mouse and the butterfly are reflected in our logo, which also contains the colour green." Granny Mouse has a tranquil chapel for wedding functions. "The wedding party can take over the spa and make use of the hairdresser so that no-one need leave the premises, and the catering is superb," said Gill. Granny Mouse arranges wine pairing and wine tasting events, the next event being held in April for about 60 people. They have a Cigar bar (named after the famous American thoroughbred racehorse) which is a single malt and smoking room.

Complete refurbishment

"We refurbished because we would like to be number one in the Midlands. We are surrounded by exquisite properties, strong restaurant offerings, crafts and great shopping, so these other attractions add to the desirability of spending time here."

Perfect peace was our Granny Mouse experience. The fine dining and star-quality service made our stay unforgettable.

Granny Mouse Country House & Spa is situated on the R103 near Balgowan. Tel: 033 234 4071 or visit: www.grannymouse.co.za.

March 2011