The main building, originally the Haarhoff family homestead, dates from approximately 1827 and has been sensitively restored. The two guest suites are set out around the main garden in a way that allows each unit privacy without sacrificing the enchanting views of surrounding mountains.
Guests stay either in a lovely old cottage, circa 1880 or the new luxury garden suite with its sweeping views of the garden and wild valley in the distance. None lack for character, with polished yellowwood floors, restored old furniture and photographic prints and artwork on the walls.
Graham takes your supper orders when you book so as to have a fresh farm supply at the ready and you are served in your own private dining room with solid silver cutlery and bone china.
Nothing reflects the character of any guesthouse, B&B or lodge quite the way the guest book does.
The one at Abbotsbury is filled with comments like “A balm to the soul – from the tips of my toes, upwards” and “So nice to be back after 3 years, 10 months and 7 days”.
I sense a genuine yearning by previous visitors to return as soon as possible. In fact, it seems as if 70% of all their guests are repeats.
People of all ages, lovers of peace and tranquility, have made Abbotsbury not only a stopover, but a destination. One couple has stayed 20 times, and the record for nights spent by one particular guest is more than a 100 plus nights. What an endorsement!