Nestled within the protected Dargle Conservancy, Solitude Retreat Centre is a remarkable 22-hectare lifestyle farm that offers the perfect balance of country living, natural beauty and established income. Surrounded by rolling hills, indigenous grasslands and abundant birdlife, this is a property where privacy, tranquillity and opportunity come together in one of the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands' most desirable locations.
Only 20 minutes from Howick and Hilton, the farm enjoys a peaceful rural setting while remaining conveniently close to schools, shops, medical facilities and the Midlands Meander.
The land has been carefully preserved, with approximately two-thirds remaining natural grassland suitable for grazing. A crystal-clear spring feeds the picturesque dam, while mature trees, landscaped gardens and uninterrupted valley views create an environment that changes beautifully with every season.
The elevated farmhouse is positioned well away from the guest accommodation, allowing owners complete privacy while enjoying sweeping views across the countryside. Warm and inviting, the home features Oregon pine flooring, pure wool carpets upstairs and a welcoming lounge centred around a wood-burning fireplace.
The solid oak kitchen is both practical and timeless, complete with a QuickHot water system and generous workspace. The home also offers four spacious bedrooms, two bathrooms, a separate laundry, double garage, trailer port, caravan port, two workshops and an additional bathroom behind the garage. A swimming pool overlooks the valley, providing an exceptional setting for relaxed outdoor living.
The accommodation business is well established, with three fully self-contained cottages positioned around the dam to maximise privacy for guests. Convenient self check-in allows the business to operate efficiently while maintaining the peaceful atmosphere that visitors return for.
Accommodation includes:
• Main House: 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms
• Liquid Amber Cottage: 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms
• Mulberry Cottage: 3 bedrooms, 1 bathroom
• Mahogany Cottage: 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms
Together, the property offers 12 bedrooms and 8 bathrooms, making it ideally suited to boutique accommodation, wellness retreats, family gatherings, corporate groups or multi-generational living.
The cottages currently generate an average monthly income of between R30,000 and R40,000 with very little marketing, providing immediate income with significant opportunity for future growth.
There is further value to unlock. A fourth cottage was unfortunately lost in a chimney fire, but the approved municipal plans remain in place and the foundations, plumbing and electrical infrastructure have already been completed, allowing the next owner to restore and expand the accommodation offering.
The farm has been thoughtfully developed for sustainable country living and includes:
• Reliable stream water supply that has never run dry
• Spring-fed dam
• Recent water quality testing confirming excellent water quality
• Rainwater harvesting tanks
• Grey water recycling system
• Solar and electric geysers
• Eskom three-phase electricity
• Dedicated electrical line with a new transformer and lightning surge protection
• Well-maintained access road
Located within a well-established farming community, the property offers additional peace of mind with no land claims, no tenants and no staff residing on the farm.
Properties of this nature seldom become available. Combining an established accommodation business, reliable income, exceptional natural beauty and an enviable Midlands lifestyle, Solitude Retreat Centre offers a rare opportunity to own one of Dargle's most appealing lifestyle farms.