The Drakensberg mountain range erupts magnificently from the horizon forming the lip of the Blyde River Canyon, the third largest in the world . The mountains are just a few kilometres past the end of Zuleika's garden and the view warrants a good glug of wine at sunset while seated on the wooden deck - meals are also served out here. You can either venture off to the dam at the base of the canyon (a twenty minute drive) where you will feel insignificant in the lea of so much towering rock; or just less than an hour's drive will put you on top of the world, overlooking the vast green-filled chasm.

The building is brand new, thatched, with earth-coat concrete floors. Colours are rich and dusky; smoked blue, sand yellow and terracotta red. The seven spacious, air-conditioned guestrooms, which are both private and comfortable, conjure up the latest word in contemporary organic design. All have en-suite bathrooms, done in slate and earthy hues; satellite TV, large built-in king size beds, lofty ceilings and wooden stable doors opening onto the garden or canyon views. There are also two self-catering units with wooden ceilings, tiled floors, cherry-wood blinds and a kitchenette. The best room is an open-plan suite with private balcony with views for romantic quiet evenings and listening to fish eagles in the mornings.

We now have 14 rooms - their breakdown as follows:

A whole range of outdoor activities are available. There's the fish pond behind the garden with carp, bass and yellow fish. For the bird watching enthusiast: the fish eagle and various colourful louries and humorous hornbills find their habitat here. A path takes you to the river in 10 minutes on foot for some hippo and croc spotting. The old farm dam, converted into a huge, elevated swimming pool offers great tanning ops and next to it is a thatched lapa for braai's and shade under the indigenous Marula tree.

How about a hot-air ballooning expedition, micro-lighting or white-water rafting on the tumultuous river? One can go on a hike down the canyon slopes, or go on a cruise. We can arrange horse riding in one of the private game reserves, at sunset or under a full moon.