BLINK AND YOU’LL MISS IT
THE LITTLE CHURCH – LLANDAFF ORATORY QUAINT TEA GARDEN & GIFT SHOP VAN REENEN’S PASS, KWAZULU-NATAL The Little Church Tea Garden
You may have heard of, or even visited, the so-called “smallest church in the world” atop Van Reenen’s. While, in fact, it cannot lay claim to being the smallest in the world, it is the smallest in SA – and it’s the dinkiest little Roman Catholic oratory you’ve ever seen! Privately owned by Geraldine Johnstone, amazingly, you can hire it for weddings and other Christian services. Its history is quite fascinating… built by an eccentric retired magistrate who later became a priest, in memory of his son, Llandaff Mathew, who lost his life in an endeavour to save the lives of other miners at Burnside Colliery near Natal on 19 March, 1925. His body was never recovered after another massive rockfall. The fully consecrated Roman Catholic church seats only eight – the number of lives, we’re told, Llandaff saved – so it’s an ideal venue for those with small families and minimal friends! It was declared a national monument in 1960. Another noteworthy mention is the adorable tea garden (and antique gift shop with reception dining room alongside), with its delish homemade food, friendly owner-run service, and the magnificent view – great for wedding photos or quiet contemplation after your halfway stop, which makes for a refreshing change from the usual roadside offerings. Accommodation can also be sought out here at Llandaff Lodge and Mike’s Cottage. www.littlechurch.co.za; 058 671 0106/072 156 1401
The Little Church
WOOLLY BUGGER FARM SECRET TROUT-FISHING COUNTRY ESCAPE TONTELDOOS, MPUMALANGA
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The luxury stone self-catering cottages are far enough apart to ensure solitude and tranquillity, with a fireplace inside and a braai outside. Guests can also utilise the lapa with braai, splash pool and ablutions. Whether you’re looking for a romantic getaway or family gathering, Woolly Bugger Farm is just what you need to feel like a fish back in water! Tonteldoos (meaning ‘tinder box’) is located in a peaceful valley near Dullstroom, a popular fly-fishing destination. Surrounded by farmlands, Tonteldoos town has a pub, a cheese farm, a country kitchen and a few places to stay.
www.woollybuggerfarm.co.za; 079 103 0949
Woolly Bugger Farm
Images courtesy of Woolly Bugger Farm
www.onroutemag.co.za
You might think this farm’s cool name originates from its pet-friendly policy, but if you’re headed to this part of the world for fly-fishing you’d know it’s, in fact, the name of a lure. But it’s not just the name that reeled us in, it’s the fact that at seven kilometres outside Tonteldoos, and 22 kilometres due north of Dullstroom, this fantastic 270-hectare farm is far enough away from any real civilisation that you can walk extensively with your dogs, fish for giant trout or 4x4 to view sites overlooking spectacular expansive landscapes.