There's magic in those hills

If this doesn't make your mouth water, you're missing something.

It doesn't surprise me that Africa's largest church meets in the hills en route to Agatha, where Kings Walden Garden Manor is perched upon a hill.

Bridget Hilton-Barber is a journalist who has written a potboiler about her family's life at Kings Walden. She writes about the ever changing hills, a phenomenon I witnessed myself, while looking out, where the dead tree stands.

A symbol of what was

To most, the dead blue gum with its ash white branches that beg to the heavens, is just a tree but to the Hilton-Barber family and anyone who allows the mystery of Kings Walden to touch them, it is a symbol of love; of plenty, now lost; of connection to the ancestors that planted one of the most charming gardens I have seen, and today, of a boutique hotel that is hard to leave.

A symbol of what once was.

You must read Bridget Hilton-Barber's book, Garden of my Ancestors, about the families' ties to Kings Walden, even if you don't visit. Bridget has also written Travel Guide to Maputo and Southern Mozambique, just published by Penguin and I hope to read it soon.

Today, the gardens and original farm house have been restored by European-trained chef and hotelier, Steven Jacobs and his wife Sophie Pierre. There is a wall of images of Hilton-Barber predecessors near the dining room. From what I know of them, after reading Bridget's book, they'd be pleased with the knock-out cuisine Steven serves - the best ingredients cooked with European elegance.

Local is very lekker

We were served avocado, tomatoes and macadamia nuts from a neighbouring farm. That's eating local! Expect baked goods that will make you think you are eating in Paris - Steven had a successful bakery in Europe before coming here.

Key to any establishment is a comfortable bed - like this one here!

The décor is clean-lined and contemporary. Spacious rooms are upscale and comfortable with wood-burning fireplaces, massive showers and large soaking tubs. I was so taken with the garden I had an afternoon bath with the blinds raised, not realising that people can also come to Kings Walden for afternoon tea, and tour the gardens.

I could have stayed forever - truly. This combination of exquisite grounds, excellent cuisine, views that go on forever and the hospitality of Steven Jacobs and his team is seductive. Best part, is that it is affordable, delivering far more than the price tag which, for superb dinner, bed and breakfast at R1800 per couple, per night is hard to beat.

For more information go to www.kingswalden.co.za or call +27 (0) 15 307 3262.