My Kind of Place
This
is my kind of place – a bold fusion of French chateaux style in a
traditional Cape Dutch manor house. More boutique hotel than guesthouse, the
Neuk has individually decorated rooms done up with sumptuous flair. A gracious
building of interesting architecture, it is conveniently
located in the suburb of Morningside in Durban.
Surprisingly
affordable for such plush luxury, the Neuk has every possible traveler convenience
– air-conditioning, heated towel rails, large flat-screen televisions and
plentiful plug points with varied adaptors. The hosting is friendly and professional
and the hosts are enthusiastic about their corner of vibey Durban.
But
it is the dramatic décor which is the X-factor that sets this guesthouse apart.
Decadent wallpaper, chandeliers, intricate wall-mounted lamps, gilded mirrors
and antique carved furniture grace every room. Silky linen is matched to each
colour scheme. The spacious rooms have original parquet wooden
flooring and pressed ceilings, with soft matt flagstone tiling in the bathrooms.
Accommodation
Experience
I
arrive early and am given free reign to view the house, and every room is lovely. Each room has
unique features and has been lavished with decorative detail. I especially like the smaller,
cosy lounge with its warm red and pink hues.
It
is a tough choice for me between the Palm Room and the French Room, but
eventually I choose the Palm Room for its outdoor location. It is almost a
freestanding cottage, overlooking the pool and pretty garden. It is quiet
within the walled garden, and I don’t hear any sounds of traffic even with the
double doors of the cottage wide open to catch the breeze. Inside there are two
antique French-style beds, a grand wardrobe, elegant desk and lounge chair. The
modern bath is one of the longest I have ever had the pleasure of relaxing in -
I am able to lie down, full length under water, counting my many blessings at
finding such a calm haven.
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