LYNTON HALL- KWAZULU NATAL:
Now in its third century and host to Royalty, Prime Ministers, men of letters and captains of business, Lynton Hall was the sanctuary of sugar baron, Sir Frank Reynolds whose yeoman farming family migrated from Devonshire to South Africa in 1852. Graced by the regular visits of Prime Ministers Louis Botha and Jan Smuts and Nobel Prize laureate, President F.W. de Klerk, "Lynton" hosted King George V's sister, Princess Alice and the Earl of Athlone during the Royal tour of 1922. Just two years prior, Sir Frank commissioned the building on the estate's north-east boundary of Botha House, South Africa's equivalent of "Chequers" or "Camp David" and entrusted it to the Nation for the use of its Prime Ministers.

During this time, Durban's "A list" families, as they were somewhat quaintly regarded, were privy to a choice of rare plant material imported mainly from Kew by the City's Botanical gardens, and today Lynton's historic acreages are home to one of the finest private collections of exotic specimens in Africa.

Sir Frank's son Lewis, member of Parliament for South Coast and Private Secretary to General Smuts, founder of the United Nations, was a generous patron of literature and the arts, and the writer's cottage was the font of many of the works of Roy campbell, Eward Rowarth, Noel Langley, Sir Percy Fitzpatrick and Sir Laurens van der Post.

Resting at the head of Umdoni Park, the land's most picturesque golf course, which meanders through pristine coastal forest and throngs of game and birds, this grand property tumbles down to the warm waters of the Indian ocean. With the Empire to choose from, King George VI and his family selected Lynton Hall for his recuperation in 1952; sadly, His Highness passed away just three weeks from sailing though the buildings of the Hall had been suitably altered to accommodate the Royals by them.

Lynton Hall's incorporation into the Hartford House fold brings together two of Southern Africa's few remaining great properties of the Colonial era and provides travellers with the rare combination of the magnificent golfing estates of the KwaZulu Coast and the majestic environs of the Midlands and the Drakensberg.

Our creed is simple, Our reputation is our most important asset. It does not belong to us; it is the legacy of our children and that is your guarantee of an unforgettable visit.

"God's own paradise... A dream come true"

ACCOMMODATION:
The accommodation is renowned for its nine incomparably styled superior suites all equipped with state-of-the-art sound system, airconditioning, heated towel rails, free standing baths and a choice of fireplaces. Each suite is individually decorated in the Indian Colonial style which characterised the Sugar industry of KwaZulu in the late 1800's, and includes a telephone, TV (with DSTV) and mini-bar.

* We are fully serviced
* Room service available 16 hours a day
* Laundry and valet service
* Fully equipped mini-Conference facility
* Prime wedding and functions venue
* All major credit cards welcome

"A time to lose yourself in all that inspires you"

One of the most famous aspects of Lynton Hall is its individually appointed rooms ... While many have returned to the estate for its superb cuisine, most of the guests return again and again because "their" room provides a sense of comfort and luxury in the grand old traditions of a manor house.

Being one of South Africa 's leading boutique hotels the 5 Star luxury offered to guests provides for a memorable stay. Whether it is purely a luxury holiday, a vacation with special friends, a golf tour with a difference, a once-in-a-lifetime honeymoon or that private and discreet get-away with a very important someone - Lynton Hall offers tranquillity and beauty in all the important things you need, and want.

With nine beautifully appointed rooms, and two luxury suites open for bookings from 2006, why not browse the options below and select the setting most fitting for your stay?

All our rooms have the finest linen and perfectly made beds, something for which Lynton Hall has become recognised. We believe nothing makes one feel more special than sinking into a comfortable, clean, well made bed.

Through the dedication and commitment of our entire staff we have been fortunate to be recognised with the following awards:

- AA Award: The Best Country Estate in South Africa (2004 and 2005)
- Condé Nast Traveller magazine: Voted in the top 80 Hot Hotels in the World.
- Spanish Tourism Board: Voted Best Small Hotel in Southern Africa (2003 and 2004)

TOWER SUITE:
Named for its location, this suite is inside one of the most recognizable aspects of Lynton Hall's architecture. The suite was originally designed to provide protection in the event of an attack from the Zulu Impis of the time. Access is via a narrow staircase and is definitely for the more adventurous! Further up the stairwell is the turreted roof-top viewing area where romantic evenings can be spent sipping sundowners with views out over the Indian Ocean. A separate walk-in dressing room with loft bathroom adds unique character to this historic apartment.

The suite, situated on the 2nd floor of the Manor House comes equipped with heated towel rail, hair dryer, television (with DSTV), mini bar and private safe. It also has air-conditioning and fans. Teas, coffees and other hot beverages are personally served to suit your convenience.

INKANYEZE SUITE:
Our crème de la crème of all rooms is the Inkanyeze suite. Often used for honeymooners or those celebrating special occasions, this stunning and spacious suite offers an antique king size bed and beautiful furnishings, providing a romantic and exotic feel.

Opening onto a large en-suite bathroom equipped with double basins and separate bath and shower, this suite is definitely for those who deserve a little extra pampering.

The suite, situated on the 1st floor comes equipped with heated towel rail, hair dryer, television (with DSTV), mini bar and private safe.
It also has air-conditioning and a fan. Teas, coffees and other hot beverages are personally served to suit your convenience.

UMHLALI SUITE:
Named after the small town of Umhlali on the North Coast of KwaZulu Natal where Sir Frank Reynolds was born, this suite is tastefully decorated with an Indian Raj-period antique bed.

North-facing, with views across the northern lawns, this suite also contains a beautiful bathroom with double hand basins and separate bath and shower.

The suite, situated on the 1st floor of the Manor House comes equipped with heated towel rail, hair dryer, television (with DSTV) and mini bar. It also has air-conditioning and fans.

Teas, coffees and other hot beverages are personally served to suit your convenience.

UMDONI SUITE:
This suite is named after the golf course, which it overlooks. With breathtaking views of the grounds, tennis court and onward to the Indian Ocean , the Umdoni is a suite for those who fancy an absolute treat. The bed itself is in the Indian colonial style of being very elevated, needing a stepping stool to climb up onto it. It has a comfortable sitting area for those who need time to relax indoors and opens into a spacious, open plan bathroom containing bath/shower and double hand basins.

The suite, situated on the 1st floor of the Manor House comes equipped with heated towel rail, hair dryer, television (with DSTV) and mini bar. It also has air-conditioning and fans. Teas, coffees and other hot beverages are personally served to suit your convenience

SEZELA SUITE:
Definitely something unique, and much photographed, this suite opens a whole new dimension in room décor.
The magnificent antique Indian teak arch dominates this superior suite, separating the bedroom from the lounge and fireplace.

It has a king size four-poster South Indian antique bed, made with only the finest linen in Lynton Hall's signature style.
The spacious bathroom is fitted with double hand basins and separate bath and shower.

It has magnificent views of the western and southern garden, carriage house, labour bell and water gardens.
Sezela is named after the village where Sir Frank Reynolds built his sugar mill.

The suite, situated on the 1st floor of the Manor House comes equipped with heated towel rail, hair dryer, television (with DSTV) and mini bar.
It also has air-conditioning and fans.

Teas, coffees and other hot beverages are personally served to suit your convenience.

UMGAI SUITE:
The Umgai is a very special, large and spacious suite with a king size four-poster Indian Raj bed. Its outlook is South down the expansive grounds towards the new luxury suite building and on towards the stables. The large bathroom has double basins with a separate ball and claw bath and shower. Named after Sir Frank Reynolds' daughter's estate, which was renown for its magnificent gardens, but unfortunately was bought by a sugar company and no longer exists, having been turned into cane fields. The Umgai suite provides a very special luxury stay for those who appreciate the unique blend of Colonial and Indian traditions.

This room can accommodate an additional ¾ bed should you prefer this option. The suite, situated on the 1st floor of the Manor House comes equipped with heated towel rail, hair dryer, television (with DSTV) and mini bar. It also has air-conditioning and fans. Teas, coffees and other hot beverages are personally served to suit your convenience.
PS: Sir Frank's daughter, Molly, was the first lady pilot in South Africa , although she never drove a car. She also bred a winner of the Durban July, a world renowned horse race still held annually!

WINING AND DINING:
The cuisine and wine at Lynton Hall are legendary. The kitchen, headed by Richard Carstens, one of South Africa 's few 5 Star rated Chefs, produces some of the finest cuisine found in South Africa.
Their renowned avant garde cuisine, with elements of deconstruction and molecular gastronomy takes hours (and sometimes weeks) of preparation and the techniques utilized always produce a gourmet sensation where the emphasis is placed on food flavours and textures.

Whether you join us for breakfast, lunch or dinner we know you will leave having experienced something new and unique.
Our dinner menu is a five-course affair taking you through a journey of soup, fish, starter, main and dessert, each one building on its predecessor and leaving you completely satisfied at the end of the evening. We cater for all dietary requirements and requests.
For guests staying a number of nights we can also tailor our menu to suit your palate.

Our wine list is often requested as a souvenir due to the amount of information and the selection it contains and who better to lead you through it than our very own Sommelier, Germain Lehodey.

FACILITIES:
Lynton Hall is located just 45 minutes south of Durban airport in KwaZulu Natal , South Africa. A pleasant car journey on well-maintained national roads, it is situated a short distance from the East Coast and Indian Ocean.

KwaZulu Natal is home to the world famous Zulu nation and is the region most notable in the East for its importation of indentured Indian labour centuries ago. The Indian population has subsequently gone on to become respected entrepreneurs and business people throughout South Africa who make a unique and valued contribution to the diversity of cultural South Africa. Steeped in history KwaZulu Natal has much to offer the luxury traveler with many cultural and heritage sites within easy traveling distances.

Chartered planes are available from Durban airport (45 min away) or Margate airport (40 min away), and helicopters can land at Lynton Hall on position: S 30 23'3" E 30 40'24".

Access to the famous game reserves, beaches and mountains of the region can all be gained within a leisurely 3-hour drive and the area boasts 21 golf courses within a 1hr radius.

The KwaZulu Natal Coast has a lot to offer with flying, fishing, scuba diving, golf, sailing, surfing, nature walks, arts and crafts outlets and adventure activities available all year round. There is a casino a short drive South towards the Eastern Cape and for the nature lovers the area has abundant bird, butterfly and plant species on show year round.

Lynton Hall itself has recorded some 185 bird varieties, 60 butterflies and over 90 exotic and indigenous trees, making it a unique coastal ecosystem.

The mild climate has a summer rainfall and the temperatures generally fluctuate between 8-20degC in Winter and 15-35degC in Summer.

The Indian Ocean, just 10 minutes away from Lynton Hall, provides a warm current off sandy beaches. The area is also malaria free, provides first world medical care with private hospitals a short distance away, and no cholera/typhoid immunizations are required.

The grounds themselves offer guests many options with beautiful gardens, tennis courts, swimming pool and many beautiful walks. Also in the vicinity are a plethora of destinations to cater for everyone's leisure pursuits:

- Mtamvuma and Oribi Gorge Nature Reserves (rare fauna and flora, ancient an rock art and engravings)
- Vernon Crookes Nature Reserve (a variety of game and birdlife)
- Hibiscus Coast Arts and Crafts Ramble, Pubs and Restaurants
- 21 Golf Courses within a 1hr radius
- Easy access from major centres (6hrs by road from Jhb, 45 minutes by road from Durban airport)
- John Gaze Gallery with work by ceramist Barry Dibb
- Royal Africa Pottery
- Beaver Creek Coffee Estate (the most southerly coffee farm in the world)
- CrocWorld
- Durban city life: Durban July and Gold Cup horse racing; Absa International Rugby - Stadium; Kingsmead International Cricket Grounds; the Winter Philharmonic Orchestra; the - Durban Playhouse, uShaka Marine World etc

ESTATE FACILITIES AND PURSUITS:

* Personalised Estate Tours cover the history of early KwaZulu-Natal, the development of one of the Province's most famous properties and its family's association with the Prime Ministers of South Africa and the British Royal family.
* Tennis
* Swimming pool
* Historic gardens and pre-arranged garden seminars
* Walks on the extensive Umdoni Park Estate and Golf Course; several rare wild animal and
bird species inhabit the estate, whilst the 'Chequers' of South Africa, Botha House,
granted by Sir Frank Reynolds to the Nation for the use of its Prime Ministers rests at its eastern edge overlooking the warm waters of the Indian Ocean.
* Golf on the Umdoni park Estate (part of the same original property)
* Horse riding
* Whale watching (the largest variety in Southern Africa), excellent fishing bathing.
* Deep sea and rock and surf fly fishing
* Aircraft and helicopter landing facilities nearby
* Airport transfers (Durban International and Margate Airports) as well as transfers to and
from Hartford House in the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands

IN THE VICINITY:
* Golf: Umdoni, Selborne, Wild Coast, San Lameer, Southbroom, Royal Durban and Durban
Country Club: the "Golfing Capital of South Africa"
* Just 45 minutes from the home of Africa's greatest horseracing and sporting eveny, The Vodacom Durban July and the Gold Cup; Absa International Cricket Ground; the Winter
Philharmonic Orchestra etc.
* Diving on the world-renowned Aliwal Shoal and Prospect reefs
* The annual sardine run: "the greatest migration on earth" National Geographic
* Hibiscus Arts and Crafts Ramble, Pubs and Restaurants
* John Gaze gallery with work by celebrated ceramist Barry Dibb
* Royal africa Pottery: good quality tableware produced
* Beaver Creek Coffee Estate: the southernmost coffee farm in the world
* Mtamvuma and Oribi Gorge Nature Reserves (rare fauna and flora, exquisite nature trails)
* Vernon Crookes Nature Reserve (varieties of game and birdlife)
* Easy access from the major cities and airports (just 6 hours drive from Johannesburg and
30 minutes drive from Durban International and Margate Airports)

"To touch, To admire, To attract, To beautify..."

CONFERENCE PACKAGES:
Half Day Conference:
Includes: Tea, coffee and pasties, 3 course lunch, Conference room hire and equipment.

Day Conference:
Includes: Tea, coffee and fruit juice on arrival, Tea, coffee and pasties mid morning, 3 course lunch, Tea, coffee and scones mid afternoon, Conference room hire and equipment.

Fully Inclusive Conference Package:
Includes: Accommodation, Breakfast, Coffee, tea and pastries mid morning , 3 course lunch,
Tea, coffee and scones mid afternoon, 5 course gourmet dinner, Conference room hire and equipment.

Equipment available includes:
- Flipchart / whiteboard
- Overhead projector
- Screen and digital projector
- Note paper and pens

GOLF:
Situated on the South Coast of KwaZulu Natal, this area is often referred to as the "Golfing Capital of South Africa!"

We offer you access to 21 courses within a 1hr radius and a professional level driving range due to be unveiled during the first half of 2006.

Two courses, Umdoni and Selborne, are neighbouring properties so one can actually walk onto the course - although we do provide transport for your comfort and ease.

Very few places in the world can provide a luxury golf vacation in a small 5 Star boutique hotel setting, with so much course variety right on its doorstep. Lynton Hall is a place where you can stay in the finest luxury, away from the hubbub of on-course activity and truly have the best of both worlds.

We are not your normal golf hotel. Our ability to deliver golfing variety in a private and discreet environment is becoming legendary. From arranging packages for small groups to organising fine-tuning lessons for professional players - let us assist you in creating a memorable luxury golf holiday. This truly is a location for real golfers looking for great golf variety every turn.

Located just 45 minutes south of Durban airport, Lynton Hall offers exclusive luxury golfing opportunities for those who like the option of being able to play different courses without having to spend hours in a vehicle travelling to and fro. And, with many of the courses offering world-class facilities this really is golf paradise.

We'd like to introduce you to just five of the 21 courses available within a 1hr radius of Lynton Hall. Selborne Golf Course is one of the most scenic courses in South Africa. Umdoni is the course originally built for the staff of the sugar mill and is challenging with onshore winds. The Wild Coast Course has dramatic and memorable coastal features. Southbroom is generally sheltered from the coastal breeze and supports abundant flora and fauna. Finally, host to numerous SA Open Championships is the Durban Country Club, a magnificent course in the heart of nearby Durban .

Join us for your next golf holiday ... you'll have so much more to tell the people back home!