A small hotel with heaps of personality.
Had you not driven through the distinctive wheatfields of the Swartland to get here, you’d be forgiven for thinking you’d booked into a characterful English countryside inn. Marrian George, the only “sustainable lifestyle” hotel in the region, is the passion project of Joanne Hurst, who has used this building to tell her life’s story.
A resident of the hamlet of Koringberg for more than 20 years, it all began with a garden vineyard in 2006. Bottled as Wildehurst Wines, her natural wines soon joined the ranks of the acclaimed Swartland independent producers, and today she makes just 16 000 bottles a year. Recently, the old wine cellar was turned into a restaurant, and Joanne built the rest of the hotel and its rooms around it.
Convivial spaces
Guests have exclusive access to The Ivy Room, a light-filled, conservatory-style space decorated with banquettes, upholstered armchairs and antique tables, perfect for a sunny morning coffee, afternoon tea and cake, or a G&T whenever.
The MG Canteen is a country-style restaurant with an ever-changing, seasonal menu (celebrating both British cuisine and our local love of fire-cooking). The eggs come from the hotel’s chickens, the butter from the village and the vegetables from the garden. It also has a bar, with an impressive collection of great South African pot-still brandies, and always well-stocked with Wildehurst’s cinsault cap classique and other wines.
Nightlife in Koringberg is non-existent, so apart from dinner and drinks, guests can enjoy an evening of old-style amusement in the Play Room. On a mezzanine just above the restaurant, it’s a communal space for games like chess, cards or backgammon; there is also a flatscreen TV for catching up on sports matches, favourite series or movies.
Sleep in style
There are four rooms and a suite, each with its own personality and exuberantly decorated. They all have wonderful views over the surrounding fields to the distant mountains; the two downstairs open onto the pool deck, while the upstairs rooms have instant access to the Sky Deck, a balcony that’s the perfect spot for sundowners or stargazing.
The Avon Suite, with its key colour palette of Bristol blue, features a gorgeous bed alcove and a separate lounge with a blue velvet couch. The Marrian Room has touches of family tartan (Joanne has Scottish and English roots).
There’s the floral wallpaper of the Botanical Room, inspired by childhood memories of Durban’s botanical gardens; the windows look out onto the hotel’s vegetable garden and windpump. In the Natal Room, strelitzia motifs and plantation chairs give colonial-tropical vibes (it also has its own private balcony with views over the croquet lawn).
You’ll smile at the ducks flying across the headboard of the George Room, knowing it’s named after Joanne’s dog – an elegant and dapper English pointer (bred for pointing out waterfowl), who helps her run the place and welcome visitors.
The lodgings
- extra-length king-size beds with bespoke linen
- ensuite with LED-lit shower
- tea station and Nespresso machine
- in-room seating and desk (separate lounge in the suite)
- communal conservatory-style lounge
- communal games and TV room
- onsite restaurant and bar
- pool terrace with loungers
Things to do
- swimming in the pool
- play croquet and games (chess, cards, backgammon, etc)
- private wine-tasting on site
- afternoon tea on site
- countryside walks
- hike or bike to the top of Koringberg peak
- watersports at Misverstand Dam (20km)
- Swartland wineries nearby
Good to know Rates include a welcome drink, full English breakfast and dinner. The Avon Suite and George Room can accommodate an extra bed. The entire hotel can be booked for exclusive use.
Child friendly? No, only over 16 years
Pet friendly? No
Wifi? Yes
Sleeps 2 – 3 per room
Cost From R3 150 (single), R4 250 (double) per night
Extra bed R1 250 per night
Where to find it Main Road, Koringberg, Swartland
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