The Shire Eco Lodge is extraordinary. Inspired by the desire to create a space truly unique, The Shire will captivate you with its innovative design and magnificent setting.
These luxury chalets rest on the edge of the indigenous Xholora forest in the Amatola Mountains, just a streams hop from the enchanted home of many rare species of plants, birds and butterflies. The perfect getaway for the nature-loving and adventurous types, and the quietude and proximity to town makes it equally ideal for those here on business.
“Reclining in a bubble of wood, the tranquility and otherworldliness of the space will soothe, inspire and rejuvenate.”
The first talk of creating some kind of tourist destination on our property in Stutterheim, started in our cramped little 1 room flat in England. What started off as a wild idea then, quickly became possible when I arrived back home in South Africa.
I found that Charles Claasen who I once worked for at a lodge in Knysna, had taken a job in Stutterheim. We got chatting and it wasn`t long before we decided that there should be a backpackers here…
If your curiosity entices you beyond the bounds of The Shire, the area offers a variety of leisurely pursuits:
Explore the Forest : beautiful hikes to waterfalls, ancient Lemonwood forests and spectacular Anderson Dam; horseback trails; superb bird watching; or visit the wild bulb nursery.
A Spot of Sport: Aquascape Adventures offering a vairety of water sports and leisure cruises on Wriggleswade dam; canoe hire on Gubu dam; excellent trout and bass fishing; archery; rock-climbing & bouldering; abseiling; mountain bike hire; Motorbike tours; golf; tennis; squash.
Cultural Enrichment: Visit local artists and galleries; pottery workshops; the remarkable Stationary Engine Museum; trips to Old Thomas River Historical Village, with a rock art museum and tours, or Mqwali Xhosa Cultural Village.
We offer either self-catering accommodation or B&B just outside Stutterheim. Each elegant open-plan chalet contains a stylish en-suite bathroom with a comfortable shower.
Nestled into the side of curved wooden walls lies a voluptuous queen sized bed or two 3/4 beds depending on your preference. Through the striking curved-glass corner window one can experience the forest and feel at unity with nature.
The fully equipped kitchen contains a stove and microwave. Each chalet has its own braai /barbeque facilities where one can spend time enjoying the outdoors.
There are a number of restaurants close by where one can dine in the evenings if too relaxed to cook. There is a separate ablution facility which contains a bath, if required.
The perfect getaway for the nature-loving and adventurous types, and the quietude and proximity to town makes it equally ideal for those here on business.
From East London:
- Come into Stutterheim and turn left (right if coming from Cathcart) into Hill Street at the traffic lights. At the old age home (on your left) turn right into Chestnut Ave.
- This road runs down past the school and the golf course and becomes a dirt road. At the end of the road (T junction) turn right. About 100m at the next T junction turn left.
- Measure 1.4 km and at the junction turn right (5) Sign saying Hillside Horses. About 100m at the fork, turn left. +- 2km further along this windy road turn right.
There is a far easier alternative to the route above, but it means driving on gravel road instead of tar for the first 1km. Coming from East London on N6, go through traffic lights and turn left at the Big Daddy's store , the last turn before leaving Stutt (first turn right entering Stutt from Cathcart side), follow this road for about 3.5km before reaching (5) on the map.
