A few weeks ago, my husband and I decided to take some time out for ourselves. We are so busy juggling all the balls that we often forget to put ourselves first. So we sat down one night and decided to scour the internet for a B&B nearby.
That’s when we discovered Morrells Boutique Estate, which is 5km down the road from our house. We didn’t waste a moment and booked ourselves in for a night of relaxation.
On arrival, I was mindblown that this venue was in the middle of a busy suburban area. Walking into reception, it felt like we were worlds away, which is just what we needed.
The History Of Morrells
A romantic and luxurious getaway in the suburb of Northcliff in north-west Johannesburg, this estate is split into two parts – Morrells Farmhouse, and Morrells Manor House located on the opposite side of the road.
The farmhouse traces its roots to the very earliest days of Johannesburg and until recently was still the private residence of Bernice Morrell, the brains behind the building’s spectacular transformation.
Inspired by a love of Provençal aesthetics and the country lifestyle, she redesigned the farmhouse building and its gardens into a romantic, vintage-chic events venue and boutique guest house with courtyards shaded by olive trees, beds of roses and clipped lavender hedges.
Stepping into Morrells’ walled gardens is a trip to rural France, in glorious detail, from the antique silverware and crystal glassware to the exquisite flower arrangements atop the fireplaces and candlelit lanterns hanging from the trees.
Following from the success of the farmhouse, the Morrells bought the Cape Dutch-style building across the road, transforming it into the beautiful Morrells Manor House, where spacious guest rooms look out onto beautiful gardens and breakfast is enjoyed on the terrace surrounded by the sweet sounds of tweeting birds and rustling trees.
Altogether the two buildings offer 14 unique guest rooms, conference facilities, a number of private dining rooms and terraces and the Luxe Spa. – Gauteng Tourism Authority
We spent an hour or two walking through the winding gardens sipping on a glass of red, exploring our surroundings. Every turn brings you a new little walkway filled with the sweet scents of a perfectly manicured landscape.
Retiring to the Patio, we sat and relaxed in the afternoon sun. It was truly spectacular, but mostly, it was quiet, calm and serene.
Morrells also boasts a gourmet restaurant and we thoroughly enjoyed feasting on creamy seafood pasta, mouth-watering lamb shank finishing off with a decadent chocolate dessert.
What truly stood out for me were all the unique little touches that surrounded us. So much effort has been put into the aesthetic feel of this “secret” garden getaway.
One truly feels as if you are the only person on earth. The staff are incredibly welcoming, making every endeavour to give you the true experience of rural France.
After a good nights rest in our exquisite suite, we were ready to go home, refreshed and re-energised. I believe that it is vital for parents to take time out for ourselves. After our time at Morrells, we realised that we should be doing this more often. We will be visiting again.
*Disclaimer – this is not a sponsored post, all opinions expressed are my own.
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