“So
the oaks grow that once were acorns,
So the
grand deeds too, that once were only dreams”
In the
centre of the Lake District of Chrissiesmeer, high on the
northern grass and wetlands of Mpumalanga, lies the beautiful farm – FLORENCE
The
Sandstone and corrugated buildings create a ‘vintage countryside atmosphere’
International
guests often make this classical country venue their first or last overnight
stop
being only a three-hour drive from the Oliver Tambo Airport.
being only a three-hour drive from the Oliver Tambo Airport.
The farm Florence is situated in
the small hamlet of Chrissiesmeer which is the village centre of South Africa's largest Lake
District with some 270 lakes and pans located within a 20 km radius of the
village. Chrissiesmeer is the
ideal stopover from and to KwaZulu-Natal, the Kruger National Park and
Swaziland. The cycling and mountain bike
fanatics would also benefit from a stop-over en route to Barberton.
Chrissiesmeer
Chrissiesmeer is best known for its incredible Bird
Watching and the Chrissie Pans supports 287 species of birds. In the late
summer thousands of lesser flamingos stop over here, one year 18 000 flamingo
chicks were counted on Blinkpan. The first waders arrive in September, so
the best time of year for wetland birding is between September and March.
Cranes can be seen all year round. Both Blue Crane and Grey Crowned Crane breed
in the Chrissiesmeer area, but you may be lucky and also spot
the Wattled Crane.
The annual Frog Night
is the first weekend in December and is a popular event.
It is attended by
wonderful, colourful groups of people who take on the wet, soggy wetland area
at night with torches and gumboots and buckets to enjoy this experience hosted
by Chrissiesmeer Tourism.
The Chrissiesmeer area has a
rich floral diversity. In the summer months from August to February, the
Chrissiesmeer area produce a splendour of field flowers. Boasting 12 wild
orchids. People from all walks of life enjoy outings in the veld hosted by
enthusiasts.
The Chrissiesmeer village is
renowned for its Sandstone Buildings which are really quite magnificent
when you few the quarries at the lake edge and imagine how the sandstone was
cut and carried to build the many village and farm buildings.
Wedding Venue
Florence Guest Farm has become a
sought after venue for weddings and is virtually fully booked for every weekend
throughout the year.
Walking through the
large hundred year old sandstone barn, one realises why!
The venue has character, space, a large bar and catering area with outdoor overflow and a bandstand under the gum trees to dance the night away!
The venue has character, space, a large bar and catering area with outdoor overflow and a bandstand under the gum trees to dance the night away!
Florence Accommodation
Florence
Farm has a full range of accommodation from larger units to a small rondavel
and a tented area which has a charm of its own.
The Rondavel was previously
connected to the old homestead but was separated when the farmhouse was
renovated. The rondavel stands on its
own next to the main house. It was
originally built from stone that the previous owner got from an old municipal
reservoir. The sandstone was cut with a round shape especially to build a round
structure.
The Rondavel is a charming
cottage with the most exquisite view on the Blouwater Lake, ideal for a single
or double occupation and can sleep a maximum of three. It has a little kitchen and en en suite
spacious bathroom with shower.
Private garden with braai
facility, and garden furniture. From your
bed and from the braai area you have a direct view over the lake.
270 pans and lakes in a 15km
radius, it is an undiscovered beauty to be discovered. And nature lovers have identified 7 wild
orchids!
Address: N17 - 5KM outside Chrissiesmeer towards the Kruger National Park and Swaziland.
Florence Farm Chrissiesmeer South Africa
Birder Friendly Accommodation
