A romantic getaway with colonial charm, Halkett Country House is a hundred year old hideaway, set in naturally beautiful Waterberg surroundings. Here is an excellent opportunity to unwind in a privately booked, fully-catered destination. With good food and good times, we especially suit small groups travelling together. This original white-washed, brick farmhouse, home to the Jackson family, was built in 1902 has a tin roof and verandahs on which to take tea and cake. From distressed walls to parquet and Oregon pine floorboards, the echoes of a bygone era transcend the home. Antique wall sconces, brass lanterns and chandeliers softly illuminate, while furnishings are a delicate reflection of comfort and erstwhile style. A subtle service, attention to detail and a genuine welcome to this wonderful place await. Halkett Country House may be exclusively booked and in doing so, we can cater to you alone, guaranteeing you privacy and the freedom to do as you wish. We are also pet-friendly. The ideal venue for family and friends to gather for long weekends, children of all ages are embraced in this safe haven. Well-suited for overseas visitors seeking true South African hospitality, this is 400 hectares of malaria-free Waterberg bushveld. Wildlife such as warthog, jackal, civet, caracal, kudu, nyala and bushbuck roam freely at this off-the-beaten-track rural escape.
Unpretentious and down to earth, Halkett Country House is fully-catered, offering secluded bushveld breaks allowing you to relax. We maintain an air of romance from a bygone era under the shade of leafy trees. Go hiking on the farm, horse-riding or relax by the pool. Read a book, sip champagne, take a bubble bath... perfect for time-out.
A little of our history... Murray Cosby Jackson came to the Waterberg in 1901 as a mounted soldier with the Royal Hampshire"s. He instantly fell in love with this ruggedly beautiful area and put together enough money to purchase a piece of land known as Rietbokspruit. Farming was a challenge in the poor soils of the Waterberg and livestock would frequently be taken by leopard, but Murray persevered and built his homestead in lavish colonial style. In years to come, the beauty of the Waterberg drew others like Murray to the region, and a community of farmers established itself. The social life was rich with tennis and polo tournaments, and the hospitality of the Waterberg farmers became legendary. Murray's son Eric continued the fine tradition of Waterberg hospitality throughout his life and now three generations on, the Jackson family has restored Halkett Country House to its former glory.
Halkett Country House offers 4 bedrooms, each with their own private bathroom, suiting up to 8 adults. Extra beds can be supplied to accommodate children this does include some children sharing rooms with parents. Maximum occupancy of 14, with bedrooms shared. Suitable for families with children and couples alike, we are also pet-friendly. With no strict regime your days are yours to plan. Make the most of lazy days, relaxing by the salt water pool hearing birdsong, watching the blue sky above and feeling a welcome breeze coming through the trees.
In summer time you will hear the ever-present resonance of toads and frogs chorus, whilst the fiery-necked night jar trills. Bird-watching is effortless with a number of species heard and viewed close to the house. Our salt water pool and summerhouse provide the perfect surroundings in which to unwind, complete with pool towels and a variety of seating and lounging facilities. Bushveld birds are abundant and you needn"t venture far beyond the verandah to quietly benefit from some of the sights and sounds of our birdlife. A little patience and a keen eye may reward you with sightings such as the Olive Bush Shrike.
This is your holiday and children may run freely. Lawns facilitate many outdoor games. You can enjoy a game of tennis on a full-size termite-mound based bush tennis court - with the extra challenge of being in the bush! We also have tenni-quots, volleyball etc and a selection of board games for your use. Throughout the big sitting room and small sitting room you will find assorted reading material we hope you will peruse. Modern fiction sits alongside older classics, ensuring you will have plenty of choice to stimulate your mind. Leisurely horse rides are offered to all visitors. If you have never been near horses, here is an opportunity! We will conduct bush walks to share our knowledge of the environment with you. Nearly 400 hectares of unspoiled bushveld allow us the opportunity to look for tracks of caracal, leopard, porcupine, baboon, aardvark and brown hyena, amongst more.
Indulge in a refreshing cup of tea and some fancy cakes. We will spoil you with home-made sweet treats, giving you just one more reason to sit back and relax. With pride in preparing and presenting delicious meals, we use freshly grown salad and vegetables and locally sourced meats. Bush picnics and breakfasts are gladly arranged. Dine under glimmering starry skies in summer or amongst antique silverware in the dining room. Prepare to be waited on!
What we Offer:
Malaria-free destination
Privacy & serenity
Exclusive single party bookings
Fully catered weekend breaks
Bed & Breakfast Private Luncheons & Parties
Family & child-friendly
Naturally occurring wildlife & bush sounds
Bird song & bushveld birding
South African-style Sundowners
Unpolluted skies & star-gazing
Old-fashioned colonial charm
Spreading lawns for outside play
Pet-friendly establishment well-socialised dogs welcome!
An authentic one hundred year old homestead
Good food, formal & alfresco dining
Fresh air, rest & relaxation
Off-the-beaten-track experience
Golf & Safari Opportunity (off-site)
Activities:
Outside games:
Play time outdoors is easy for children of all ages this is your holiday and children may run freely. Lawns facilitate many outdoor games, such as tenni-quoits.
Bushveld Tennis Court:
An original termite-mound based, full-size bush tennis court with white-washed lines is the perfect late-afternoon sport in the soft early-dusk light, followed, naturally, by a sundowner on the verandah or by the pool. Rackets and balls supplied.
Games:
We keep a selection of modern board games available and will engage children and adults alike in the traditionally played games of the house such as *Hunt the Thimble+.
Library Selection:
Throughout the big sitting room and small sitting room you will find assorted reading material we hope you will peruse. Modern fiction sits alongside older classics. Be enchanted by great literary works or historical accounts from the vast collection of traditional and contemporary reading material.
Swimming Pool:
The thatched summerhouse provides ample shade for reclining and a hammock for lazing. This pool is fenced so your children are safe.
Darts:
Poolside, a game of darts is always on the ready.
Bush walks:
We will conduct bush walks to share our knowledge of the environment with you. 400 hectares of unspoiled bushveld allow us the opportunity to look for tracks of caracal, leopard, porcupine, baboon, aardvark and brown hyena, amongst more. Nature walks may be arranged for children and adults alike.
Horse Riding:
Leisurely rides are offered to all visitors or view our horses roaming throughout the farm. If you have never been near horses, here is an opportunity! Ride out late afternoon and finish the day with a sundowner in the bush. Hard hats are provided.
Cycle Trails:
Bring your own mountain bike to explore the terrain sandy roads increase the challenge!
Camp-Outs:
Especially in mind of the explorers, the young-at-heart and all intrepid teenagers, we can dine upon a bush feast in colonial-style, set upon a Persian carpet with white linen tablecloth and candles before relaxing in a veldt, where we invite you to share your stories and regale you with our own campfire tales. A comfortable bed in the open air, sleep whilst listening for haunting night sounds of the jackal. Awake at dawn to the scent of coffee brewing over a fire.
Off-site, we can co-ordinate numerous activities including game drives at a local Big 5 Game Reserve, spa treatments, team-building and other activities including golfing at 2 different venues. Advanced booking is essential.
A retreat to Halkett Country House is a fantastic opportunity to reinstate a feeling of calm to heart and mind. After a day of hiking, restoring your soul and rejuvenating your interest in all things bushveld, take time to star gaze under an unpolluted bushveld sky. Fall into pure white 100% percale cotton linen and comfortable pillows for a well rested night.
This is a bushveld area and we are currently without cell phone reception. We are not suited to commuters or business persons requiring consistent access to internetcell phone reception.
Local Area:
The Arend Dieperink Museum, located in Potgietersrus (Mokopane) portrays the history of the town, from the ape-man at Makapansgat, bushman drawings and early activities in the area up to the Anglo Boer War and recent happenings and it is worthwhile spending 1-2 hours looking in here.
Nylsvley Nature Reserve is a RAMSAR recognised Birding Conservancy and is approx. 1 hour from us. We will gladly organize a day trip, complete with picnic for keen birders. Best viewed during the summer months, Nylsvley hosts a number of bird species, particularly of the wetland variety. The food will cost no extra but transportation and entry fees will be charged typically per person per trip.
A Big 5 Game Reserve is 20 minutes drive away and with notice we can organize drives for you and your party to seek white rhino, giraffe, elephant, lion and leopard. Drives are usually charged per person, prices may change.
Spa facilities, golfing, 4x4 trails and more are also available in the local area. Please advise us prior to arrival if you have specific interests and we will find out what is possible during your visit.
To make the most of the experience, we recommend that families and friends take their long weekends here. Perfect for catching up with loved ones by the fireplace with mulled wine in winter, by summertime, outdoor living takes over. A family owned and managed home, here is a place to rekindle old friendships and enlighten your spirit. Our aim is to make your stay memorable. You"ll soon be thinking, it"s like...... coming home.
Special rates apply for group bookings - enquire within!
