Special places to stay

La Provence D’Afrique

With the real Provence many kilometres away from hot and sunny South Africa, there’s a little bit of Provencal magic in the Magaliesberg region of South Africa.

Called La Provence D’Afrique, it’s the brainchild of sculptor Charles Gotthard and his wife Marguerite. The third hospitality string to their bow (they own and manage the Out of Africa cottages and Goblin’s Cove restaurant in the area as well), La Provence has been built as a typical medieval street within Charles’ old studio.

En-suite rooms branch out from the centre street. Each of the seven suites are individually decorated and furnished true to the Provencal style, however, Marguerite’s eclectic heritage pops through now and again with some traditional decor.

Outside Charles has renovated an old Chevvy truck (no suitable De Chevaux could be found, apparently) and acts as a bar and serving hatch for breakfast.

Keeping up with the juxtaposition of cultures, there is a spa on the property where qualified masseuse’s and beauticians can make it a pamper weekend.

If you can’t face the prospect of multiple body searches, airline security abuse and erratic airways timetables, pop on down to La Provence D’Afrique for a weekend in France.

For rates and more details, call Marguerite on +27 14 57 71 12 6 or go to www.goblins.co.za