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<\/p>\nIf you\u2019ve a thing for swapping city life for all the charm of an historical getaway in the countryside, put Backworth House, with its generations of tasteful additions, into your Google browser.<\/p>\n
We took a road trip to Mid Illovo recently, where this character-filled guesthouse \u2013 that once housed three generations under its roof \u2013 is nestled. Basking in all its glory and rustic rural charm, this tranquil homestead of comfort and tasteful delights is open to rest-seekers and curious travellers to enjoy its historic architecture, old-world style and beautifully established gardens. Fortunate enough to spend a little time there, we got to learn about all that it once was and soak in all that it is today.<\/p>\n
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Rich in history<\/strong><\/p>\n One of the oldest farms in Eston, dating back to 1902, Backworth House and Farm was first established by internationally renowned portrait painter Peter Leftwich and his family, who named the farm after their family home in Northumberland, England. It remained with them for three generations. Originally planted with wattle, the property was once a significant sugar cane farm. In the late 1990s, it was used as a weekend retreat before being put under pasture and stables and developed into a boutique Thoroughbred Horse Breeding establishment by owners John and Janette Bescoby and Keith Russon and Ian Todd. More recently it was converted into the gorgeous Boutique Guesthouse that we got to explore.<\/p>\n With breath-taking views, the house stands proudly protected in a large manicured fountained garden of abundant hydrangeas and azaleas. The long, but welcoming driveway onto the property is lined with magnificent trees \u2013 some generations old and sewn from the seeds of the Leftwich\u2019s travels. There are yellow wood, liquid amber, plane and deodar trees, and Italian oaks and cedars of Lebanon that stand majestic year round as they withstand the changes of the seasons. On a clear day \u2013 thanks to some stunning 360-degree views – you can look out to the sea from Backworth House, across to Sani Pass and the Drakensberg mountains, or over the Umkomaas Valley.<\/p>\n Architecture<\/strong><\/p>\n The main house is built of part wattle and daub, part stone and brick, and charmingly rambles under thatch, with views – from all sides – of the soft gardens and courtyard. Through generations of tasteful additions, the home tells a story. The oldest part of the current house is large and stately. It has a beamed ceiling with red tiled floor, and is warmed by an enormous open fireplace at one end. Swirls in the old iron banister (initials and parts of a family crest) are small, but significant signs of the family who once lived there before. With its old-English Inn feel, this cosy space does well as a bar and games rooms nowadays.<\/p>\n Each of the generous living spaces in the house is connected by a charming walkway, most notably a glassed-in walkway with a conservatory feel, and a mural painted by Peter \u2013 one of many showcased around the house that depict scenes from the garden and wildlife you can see around the farming area. It\u2019s the perfect place to take in the sunshine, or curl up with a good book on a rainy day.<\/p>\n There are five en-suite bedrooms, each individually appointed with fine art, sitting spaces and comfortable king size beds \u2013 what bliss for those of us longer-legged individuals!<\/p>\n In the main dining room, it feels like every day is a special occasion, with its black lacquered tables and Perspex chairs that are beautifully exaggerated by family silverware and crystal. The Guest House has a dedicated chef who cooks breakfast, lunches and dinners for guests \u2026 all of it artfully presented and truly delicious. It\u2019s no wonder lunches and dinners at Backworth were known to have been famously long!<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/getitmagazine.co.za\/highway-berea\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/23\/2023\/05\/Siting-room-1-330x400.jpg\")
A picturesque place<\/strong><\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/getitmagazine.co.za\/highway-berea\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/23\/2023\/05\/Dining-room-3-400x267.jpg\")
Living spaces<\/strong><\/p>\n
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Outdoors<\/strong><\/p>\n