Stablewood Lodge

The property offers a unique escape into a peaceful farm setting, characterized by its tranquil atmosphere and private, standalone chalets. This makes it an ideal destination for couples seeking a romantic and quiet retreat, families looking for spacious accommodations and a natural environment, and pet owners who appreciate the welcoming policy for their furry companions. It also serves as an excellent overnight stopover for travelers on longer journeys, providing a comfortable and serene break from the road. Guests consistently highlight the sense of calm and the opportunity to unwind under breathtaking night skies. To ensure a smooth stay, it is advisable to bring all necessary supplies as the property is located a short drive from town, and guests should be prepared for potential power outages by having a lighter for gas stove ignition.

Facilities & Amenities
The accommodations are primarily standalone units or chalets, each thoughtfully equipped to ensure a comfortable stay. Guests consistently praise the fully equipped kitchens which include kitchenettes, ample utensils, and often gas stoves, making self-catering convenient. Many units feature a private patio or deck with a braai area, perfect for enjoying the outdoor setting and sunsets. For comfort in varying temperatures, air conditioning is widely available in the units, and electric blankets are a welcome addition during colder months. Other useful amenities include irons, adapters for charging devices, and adequate lighting even during power outages. While the property offers a jungle gym for children, a recurring concern among guests is the Wi-Fi connection, which is often reported as weak or non-existent in the rooms, impacting access to streaming services. Some guests also noted a lack of certain DSTV channels.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Guests consistently commend the cleanliness of the units, describing them as "spanking clean," "neat," and "cosy." The beds are frequently praised for being comfortable, often enhanced by the provision of electric blankets during colder periods, ensuring a warm and restful night's sleep. Rooms are generally spacious and well-equipped with thoughtful touches like coffee and utensils. The bathrooms are noted for their cleanliness, with many featuring large showers and ample hot water. However, some guests have experienced issues with water pressure in the shower, and a few minor maintenance concerns were mentioned, such as a loose towel rail or a missing shower door. While the overall environment is peaceful, some reviews indicate that thin walls can occasionally lead to noise from neighboring units. Additionally, a few guests reported issues with insects like ants or flies, and one mentioned a lingering smoke smell in a room.

Dining & Food Quality
Feedback on dining options is mixed, primarily due to the restaurant often being closed or under construction during guests' stays. While some guests who experienced the available meals praised the food quality as "fantastic" and "delicious," noting generous portions, many reviews indicate that the property primarily caters to self-catering. Guests are advised to bring their own food and drinks, as meals are not consistently available. For those who do self-cater, the fully equipped kitchens in the units are highly appreciated. Some minor suggestions for self-catering provisions included providing a wider variety of tea options, better quality coffee, and basic seasonings like salt and pepper. The availability of braai areas at individual units also allows guests to prepare their own meals outdoors.

Location & Accessibility
The property is praised for its peaceful location on a farm, approximately 9-10 km outside of Kimberley, offering a true bushveld experience away from city noise. This makes it an excellent stopover point for travelers on routes like the N12, particularly those heading to the Western Cape. While secluded, guests note it is still conveniently close enough for access to shops and for work-related travel. The cellphone signal is generally good in the area. However, some guests have highlighted issues with the access road from the main gate to reception, describing it as being in a poor state of repair. A recurring concern is the lack of clear road signs from the N12, making the property difficult to find, especially at night. On the positive side, there is plenty of parking space, accommodating even trailers or caravans.

Staff & Service
The staff and hosts at the property consistently receive glowing reviews for their exceptional friendliness, helpfulness, and accommodating nature. Guests frequently highlight their warm welcome, even for last-minute bookings or late arrivals, and appreciate the smooth check-in and check-out processes, often facilitated by simple phone calls to the owners. The team is noted for going "out of their way" to ensure guest comfort, including proactive gestures like pre-cooling rooms with air conditioning before arrival. Guests also commend the staff's willingness to assist with requests, such as preparing last-minute meals or servicing units at convenient times. The overall sentiment is one of outstanding hospitality and attentive service, contributing significantly to a positive and memorable stay for many visitors.

Additional Information
The property is notably pet-friendly, with many guests appreciating the ability to bring their dogs, who also enjoy the bushveld surroundings. However, some pet owners suggested that small fences around the cottages could enhance the experience by allowing dogs more freedom without disturbing other guests. Guests should be aware of loadshedding, or scheduled power outages, though the units are equipped with energy-saving lights and gas stoves to mitigate inconvenience. It is recommended to bring a lighter for the gas stove ignition during these times. The property is consistently highlighted as offering excellent value for money. Unique amenities that enhance the stay include the option of a fireplace in some units, creating a romantic ambiance, and the mention of a sunset hot outdoor bath experience as a potential offering. Guests are also advised to be mindful of thorny trees near the entrance to avoid scratching vehicles.