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A new lady of the manor

By Brian Berkman

8 Oct 2013

The Lord Milner in Matjiesfontein, perhaps the only hotel in the world to have its own village, will soon become the primary destination it was when it was built as a Colonial retreat in the late 1800s.

Under the new management of The Collection by Liz McGrath, I have no doubt The Lord Milner will breathe new life and perfumed air into Matjiesfontein. Fairly near Cape Town (by Karoo standards anyway) and Prince Albert's recent rise in popularity, The Karoo is much closer and more compelling than ever before.

(Image: Janek Szymanowski, via Wikimedia Commons)

Anyone who ever took the train to or from Cape Town into the hinterland would stop and marvel at Matjiesfontein's ancient petrol pumps and time-capsule shops. I've stopped there recently while on The Blue Train and Rovos Rail excursions and while the visit to The Lord Milner is always a charming one, especially if you're as much a fan of the British royals as I am, the creaking floors and stairs sound a sad note. That song, I guarantee, will change.

The McGrath touch

If her tasteful transformation of properties such as The Cellars Hohenort, The Marine or The Plettenberg is any indication, McGrath and her management team will simply add to what is already superb about the property.

The management contract, announced by the Rawdon Family, includes renovations to and management of The Lord Milner Hotel, and the hospitality experiences at Matjiesfontein.

In a media statement, McGrath said that her relationship with the Rawdon family began when she purchased The Marine Hotel from them.

Johan Dippenaar, who has worked for the Collection by Liz McGrath for eight years, has been appointed as General Manager. His wife and chef Tronette, takes over the role of Head Chef. "We are thrilled to have secured the optimism, drive and dedication of Liz McGrath and her team in realising a fitting hospitality experience of which we can all be proud. This partnership will fulfil a shared passion to provide a unique historical and cultural tourism experience for all to enjoy, and build a strong and sustainable hotel business that provides far-reaching opportunities for the small Karoo community to which it is inextricably linked" says Tom Rawdon in the statement.