Beacon Vlei

The farm Beacon Vlei, situated centrally on the famed Midlands Meander boasts one of the largest private lakes in the area (55 acres) affording vistas of water and spectacularly beautiful countryside. Excellent birding, trout and bass fishing! Two charming dwellings exist on the farm, The Boat House and The Manor House. Both homes are elegantly, appropriately and comfortably furnished. The farm is a fisherman, hiker and a bird-watchers' paradise, and is a pleasant 10 minute walk (2 minute drive) from the beautiful and famous Michaelhouse school.

Accommodation at Beacon Vlei consists of:

The Boat House, which is situated 20m from the lakes' edge, is a charming thatched home, consisting of 1 bedroom en-suite with its own bathroom, a very large living room with an alcove which has a sleeper couch as well as a bunk bed and sleeps an additional 3 persons. There is a second bathroom and a fully equipped kitchen.

The Manor House is a large elegant and comfortable home which has 3 en-suite double bedrooms and bathrooms which are used as B&B rooms. All the rooms command sweeping views of the lake and surrounding countryside. Breakfast is served in an elegant dining room which in winter is warmed by a roaring fire.

Tea and coffee facilities are provided in each room and guests have full use of the spacious reception rooms in the house. On request and at no extra charge TV can be provided in each room. DVD's can also be hired.

All guests have full use of the lake and available boats and may fish at no charge. Braai facilities are available.

Recreation:

The management of Beacon Vlei is dedicated not only to providing its guests with a relaxing and therapeutic stay in its beautiful tranquil surroundings, but also to providing the more adventurous with challenging and fun activities, such as fishing, mountain biking, canopying, birding, horse riding, hiking, paragliding and hot-air ballooning. The 50-acre Cliffe Dam on Beacon Vlei is home to hundreds of beautiful and interesting bird species as well as large trout and bass. In fact the 1965 Natal Record Rainbow Trout was caught in this dam by Michaelhouse pupil Frank Stacey. The monster trout weighed 10.1 pounds! The managers of Beacon Vlei are very keen adventurers and will advise you on the many outdoor and recreational activities both on Beacon Vlei in the surrounding area. They will also advise you on the myriad of arts and crafts shops to be found on the Midlands Meander. Many excellent restaurants exist in close proximity to the farm and Beacon Vlei can make bookings for these as well.

Beacon Vlei's managers have an extensive network of nature and history guides in the area and will endeavour to create an unforgettable experience for their guests. Please feel free to enquire about these services when making your booking.

Wildlife:

Depending on the season Duiker, Reedbuck and Waterbuck are sighted. Fishermen have reported that while fishing they have come into close contact with the resident otters.

Some of the more interesting bird species that have been spotted are the Paradise Fly Catchers, Blue and Crested Cranes, African Fish Eagle, Crowned Eagle, Marsh Harrier, Black Eagle, Malachite Kingfisher, Giant Kingfisher, Pied Kingfisher, Gymnogene, Golden Oriole and Olive Woodpecker.