Fancy exoticism, vast plains and safari? In the heart of the most elegant and peaceful district of the South African capital, discover the Fashoda Lodge, a former mansion turned hotel. Luxury, calm and pleasure …
In Pretoria, in the Waterkloof district, a former hunter’s house has become a sumptuous hotel thanks to the will of its owners, Sophie and Dominique. Fashoda Lodge today offers its visitors six luxurious rooms and three suites divided between several small traditional houses with thatched roofs. First tenants, Sophie and Dominique fall in love right away when the estate is put up for sale. The rehabilitation works to be undertaken are colossal, but they are not discouraged. Their key words: sobriety and simplicity. Bricks, exposed beams and thatched roof are preserved: the house, with an obvious colonial heritage, must keep its identity with wood as the main material. As for the furniture, it will be gleaned, like certain decorative elements, during their travels on the African continent and in South-East Asia. And with success! The atmosphere of Fashoda is neither ostentatious nor flashy: balance, harmony and well-being await you. The owners have won their bet: the atmosphere of the old bush house is preserved, while having the charm of a family home on 750 m2 for 2300 m2 of land. The “Fashoda Lodge” estate opens to visitors in July 2006. This is where Anne, the couple’s long-time friend, comes into the picture. Until then a television producer, this is the challenge she was waiting for to turn her life upside down. “The desire for a change of scenery and the beauty of Fashoda” did the rest. Today, she is the one who welcomes guests and turns their stay into a fairy tale. For Anne, “every morning, rediscovering Fashoda is a real pleasure (…) everything is beautiful, simple and warm there.” And she says: “a few days ago, a customer forgot to take her key from reception. When she realized it, she confessed to us that she had totally forgotten to be in a hotel. best compliment? ” This is what we told you: luxury, calm and pleasure … To discover Fashoda, click on next … Fashoda Lodge 405 Victoria Street Waterkloof-Pretoria South Africa T. 00 27 12 42 50 660 www. fashodalodge.com
” Fashoda Lodge ”: African meeting …
Arrival at Fashoda
fashoda entrance gate
When getting off the plane, a Roll Royce awaits the visitor to take him to the estate. Fashoda, a name inherited from a small town symbol of African resistance to colonialism.
Arrival at Fashoda
Jungle – ” Fashoda Lodge ”: African meeting …
jungle fashoda © JPD-DR
Upon arrival, we are struck by the lush vegetation. Acacias, palm trees, jacarandas, black arum, cicad, cacti, lemon trees and passion fruits: the gardens of the estate, a true paradise for birds, designed and created by Sophie and Dominique, conceal the treasures of the flora of Southern Africa. There are rare and fragrant essences.
Jungle – ” Fashoda Lodge ”: African meeting …
Idleness – ” Fashoda Lodge ”: African meeting …
fashoda bar and pool © JPD-DR
In the distance, the swimming pool, designed to blend in with the landscape, and the Lapa bar, under a thatched roof, appear as so many promises of lazy days and evenings.
Idleness – ” Fashoda Lodge ”: African meeting …
Magical evenings – ” Fashoda Lodge ”: African meeting …
lappaout at night bar Fashoda © JPD-DR
The bar, in the evening … to enjoy a piece of Braaï grill, the traditional barbecue or just have a drink by the swimming pool.
Magical evenings – ” Fashoda Lodge ”: African meeting …
The cottage – ” Fashoda Lodge ”: African meeting …
back fashoda path © JPD-DR
In the heart of the garden, a luxurious cottage, recently built, accommodates two suites, Nile and Okavango. For the construction, Sophie wanted to find the exact shade of the bricks used for the main building, some 60 years earlier. It is only after having traveled the entire region that she finds the ideal supplier, who will tailor her.
The cottage – ” Fashoda Lodge ”: African meeting …
Okavango – ” Fashoda Lodge ”: African meeting …
okavango room © JPD-DR
Inside, large rooms (here okavango), living rooms furnished with taste and tradition, embroidered linen … everything gives the visitor the maximum comfort … not to mention modern technology (air conditioning, high-speed internet access. – speed, satellite TV)!
Okavango – ” Fashoda Lodge ”: African meeting …
Nile – ” Fashoda Lodge ”: African meeting …
Nile fashoda room © JPD-DR
The Nile room. Each room is named after an African river.
Nile – ” Fashoda Lodge ”: African meeting …
Terrace – ” Fashoda Lodge ”: African meeting …
terrace room Nile fashoda © JPD-DR
Nile’s terrace, overlooking the swimming pool and its palm trees, allows you to spend romantic romantic evenings. Note: the two suites Nile and Okavango can be combined in a family apartment.
Terrace – ” Fashoda Lodge ”: African meeting …
Congo – ” Fashoda Lodge ”: African meeting …
Congo © JPD-DR
In two small independent houses, the Congo and Zambezi rooms, again offer the luxury of large and very pleasant rooms. The headboards were designed by Sophie. As here: a simple braided straw mat, glued to a wooden support and framed.
Congo – ” Fashoda Lodge ”: African meeting …
Volcanic bathroom
fashoda bathroom © JPD-DR
Each bathroom is paved with basalt stones …
Volcanic bathroom
Limpopo – ” Fashoda Lodge ”: African meeting …
limpopo fashoda chamber © JPD-DR
In the main house, Limpopo and Kunene. Limpopo, with private terrace overlooking the garden and including a jacuzzi …
Limpopo – ” Fashoda Lodge ”: African meeting …
At table ! – ” Fashoda Lodge ”: African meeting …
fashoda restaurant © JPD-DR
The restaurant reminds visitors of the estate’s primary nature: a hunter’s house. The trophies adorn all the walls, alongside African art. At the restaurant’s piano, a French chef. But also trained in African cuisine!
At table ! – ” Fashoda Lodge ”: African meeting …
Take care …
fashoda lodge giraffe safari © JPD-DR
Fashoda also offers many services. For example, if you feel like moving to South Africa, long-term rental is to be negotiated. We can even help you find your home or your little one’s school! Ask: nothing is too much trouble for the staff!
Take care …
