Equidistant from Durban, Johannesburg and Bloemfontein, this beautiful home is situated in spacious gardens with full views of Platberg. Seven spacious en-suite bedrooms are available plus two self-catering units - all equipped with modern amenities. Home cooked meals and unbound hospitality makes this a home from home.
General
For the wedding couple an exclusive, private bridal suite is available. A small Chapel, dwarfed by enormous trees, seats 120 people. In this beautiful setting there is also a venue available for receptions conferences and family gatherings. Close to the Northern Drakensberg, Mount-Aux-Sources, the highest mountain in South-Africa, the majestic Golden Gate, Sterkfontein Dam, the deepest dam in South Africa, Platberg Nature Reserve and down the road the artist paradise, Clarens.
Diverse outdoor activities are available. Across the road are fully equipped gym facilities and an indoor heated pool. A beautiful golf course, squash and tennis courts. Bowling greens are within walking distance. Rock climbing, fly fishing, bird watching and hunting are all within reach.
Rooms
Shady Pines boasts two twin bedrooms, two double bedrooms, two self catering flats, a Honeymoon suite and two Family Rooms in the main section. Shady Pines also has added rooms in the area called the stables which boasts luxury rooms a swimming pool and accommodation for 15 people. Visit STABLES on this site to get more information.
Our History
The Pines is one of the best known of the older homes in Harrismith, a handsome sandstone residence with curved driveway sweeping up to the front entrance. The enduring charm of the Pines is admired by visitors. It is a lovely example of what can be achieved with a very old house without sacrificing comfort or appearance.
This gracious home was built about 1880 for Mr Robert Gibson who was the father in law of Perla Siddle Gibson, the lady in white who won fame singing to the troops during the Second World War. The house of sandstone was originally single storeyed. Later the top floor was added and subsequently the Pines became a boarding house. The old house was bought in 1960 in a very run down state by Koos and Alet de Witt, who started restoration. During the winter of 1961 after which rebuilding started again.
After Koos passed away in 1966 Alet stayed on and raised her two sons in the home - from where they matriculated. After 42 years in the Pines Alet decided on a smaller house and in 2003 moved to her present Townhouse. Something had to be done with the Pines, and the de Witt family put their heads together. A team of hard workers got busy with the job of restoring the house and garden to its former glory.
The garage where the 1964 dodge 880 was kept is now the beautiful chapel that seats 120 people and the outside garage is now a reception area for 200 people.
The old house is loved by the de Witt family and its doors are now open to you as a home away from home.
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