Bucklands Boutique Guest House

A little history … The original homestead ~ is in the process of renovation with Bucklands Boutique Guest House due to open its doors in the summer of 2010 ~ thought to have been erected in about 1872 by Alf Buckley, still consists of a house built of green brick, a double-storey stone fort with loopholes and a small pitched roof storeroom with a dung floor. The outside concrete staircase, leading to the upper level of the tower was added sometime after 1936, replacing a wooden staircase, which in its turn, had been put in after the fort was constructed. It has been suggested that Alf Buckley might have built it to protect his family during the frontier wars, but it is not typical of a fortified farmhouse and it seems more probable that it was built as part of a military outpost on the frontier defence line, serving as protection between Fort Brown and Double Drift. This would assume that the fort pre-dates the house which Buckley probably attached to the fortification as a safety measure in uncertain times.

The current renovation of this historic homestead, into what will be Bucklands Boutique Guest House, is of significance to the area as there are many such buildings in need of attention in the district, hence we are proud to form part of the preservation of a cultural heritage that is rapidly being lost to future generations. Bucklands Boutique Guest House will be completely solar powered offering 4 luxury double suites, two of which will be disabled friendly and all will have modern en suite bathrooms. Each suite has been individually designed and will be classically furnished with the highest quality crisp linen and soft furnishings.

Bucklands Boutique Guest House will have a comfortable sitting room, with other guest areas being the formal lounge and dining room, and verandas offering majestic views over the rolling valleys all the way to the Hogsback, Gaika's Kop and the Winterberg in the distance. A huge wild fig tree in the garden is the perfect place to spend a quiet afternoon with a book or you could have a drink with friends and family in our rustic pub in the historical fort. Game can also be viewed grazing on the planes from the comfort of the verandas! Our qualified executive chef will prepare traditional South African breakfasts and will also serve a delicious three course dinner in the elegant dining room each evening. Lunch will be available on request. Take a guided game drive to view our extensive variety of wildlife and spectacular scenery or if you prefer to walk, our rangers will be happy to show you all the special historical sites of interest on Bucklands Private Game Reserve.

What to bring: Bird & mammal books, binoculars, photographic equipment, sun block, insect repellents, hats, books, your own fishing tackle (or you can hire from us) and good walking shoes.

Bucklands Boutique Guest House ~ Rates
Bucklands Boutique Guest House rates are quoted per person per night, DB&B, in South African Rands; should you require these rates in a foreign currency, kindly contact us for assistance. Bucklands Boutique Guest House Rates are valid until the 28th February 2011 and are subject to the Terms and Conditions of Bucklands Private Game Reserve.

R1 400 pppn sharing or R1 750 pn single
Inclusive of:-
Boutique Guest House Accommodation, 1 Activity per day, Full breakfast, Three course dinner, Tourism levy and VAT.

Exclusive of:-
Additional activities, Lunch (available on request), All beverages, Transfers to Bucklands Private Game Reserve, Items of a personal nature.

Child Policy:-
Children 12 years and older are welcome at Bucklands Boutique Guest House.

Please note that our rates are subject to change, without notice.

PHYSICAL ADDRESS:
Bucklands Private Game Reserve, 35kms from Grahamstown, Makana District, Eastern Cape
 
POSTAL ADDRESS:
Postnet Suite #286, Private Bag x1672, Grahamstown, 6140
 
WEBSITE ADDRESS:
http://www.bucklandsreserve.co.za/game-reserve-accommodation.html

WE ARE LISTED UNDER:

• Accommodation: Guesthouse
• Built Features: Historical Building
• Conservation Areas: Game Reserve
• Sport Venues, Clubs, Facilities, Trails: Adventure Sport, Angling / Fishing, Cycling, Hiking, Mountain Biking, Walking