At "The Edge" in the village of Hogsback, we have self-catering cottages and non self-catering en-suite garden rooms, in a fifteen acre garden.
From the edge of the cliff, which runs along the side of the property, there are spectacular views of surrounding mountains and a deep gorge with beautiful, unspoilt indigenous forest and fascinating swirling mists and cloud formations.
The Edge offers:
- Spectacular views
- A beautiful, tranquil environment
- Accommodation with lots of character
- Fully equipped self-catering cottages from R400.00 to R1200.00 per couple per night
- Non self-catering en-suite rooms from R310.00 single to R385.00 double per night
- Beautiful gardens
- Honeymoon Specials
- "Tea Thyme Restaurant": Our cosy, informal lounge and dining area where guests can relax around a log fire-place, read a book, play a game of cards, chess etc.
- "The Labyrinth": Come and experience walking our acclaimed Chartres design Labyrinth, one of the largest in the world.
- "Wedding and Function Venue": This venue has a spectacular view over the labyrinth and for a 100 miles beyond. Although we specialize in weddings, our functions venue is also the perfect space for conferences, yoga classes, meditation classes, painting, writing and poetry workshops, etc.
About Hogsback
Hogsback is situated in the Amatola Mountains of the Eastern Cape Province, about 1300m above sea-level. By road from Queenstown (to the north), Grahamstown (to the south) and East London (to the east), it is approximately one and a half hours drive. Hogsback was recently voted (by Getaway Magazine) as one of the top ten most beautiful destinations in South Africa. Hogsback, with its wonderful mountains, spectacular views, mystical forests, swirling mists, beautiful birds, butterflies and mushrooms, and its often glorious sunsets, has an air of enchantment and tranquillity all of its own. It is the ideal holiday destination for nature lovers. Hogsback is well known for its beautiful spring, summer and autumn gardens. It often snows in winter and this is always a reason for much excitement and celebration!
Once in Hogsback, you are surrounded by mountains and indigenous forests with waterfalls and magical streams. You can explore Hogsback by means of hiking trails, short or long walks, leisurely drives, or by mountain bike. We can organise horseriding and mountain bike hire. There are superb hikes and mountain bike rides through beautiful indigenous forests, along magical forest streams, past some stunning waterfalls, with spectacular views of the mountains and the valley below. We can organise trout fishing in various dams in Hogsback. There are two game reserves within 60kms of Hogsback. At the local hotels there are swimming pools, a tennis court and bowling green which may be used with permission.
The village has a small grocery store, a post office, a quaint chapel, local craft venues, the award winning Ecology Shrine and some local artists have their studios open to the public.
Tea Thyme Restaurant
"Tea Thyme": Our cosy, informal lounge and dining area where guests can relax around a log fire-place, read a book, play a game of cards, chess etc. And have a scrumtious breakfast, tea with homemade scones and cakes, light lunches, and delicious evening dinners with superb wines (please book for evening dinner before 5pm). In Tea Thyme we use mostly fresh and organic produce and we bake fresh Ciabatta and Seed bread every day.
On cold and snowy days we serve hot chocolate, made with real chocolate, and gluhwein next to the log fire. On lovely summers days, you can enjoy tea and scones in the shade of the old oak trees.
Our Functions Venue
Although we specialize in weddings, our functions venue is also the perfect space for conferences, yoga classes, meditation classes, painting, writing and poetry workshops, etc.
Weddings at 'The Edge' - 2010
Hogsback, recently voted as one of the top 10 most beautiful places to visit in South Africa , is situated 1300m above sea level in the picturesque Amatola Mountains of the Eastern Province . It is well known for its pristine indigenous forests, waterfalls, clear mountain streams, walks and trails. As a result of its unique climate, Hogsback is famous for its beautiful gardens with their azaleas, rhododendrons, silver birches, maples, liquid-ambers etc. It often snows in Hogsback so the village is a popular destination for people looking to spend a romantic few days in a cosy cottage with a log fire! Because of its clean air and tranquil surroundings Hogsback is also favoured by those looking for a peaceful, spiritual, healing environment.
Surrounded by spectacular views and indigenous forest, 'The Edge' is a small retreat with 16 self-catering cottages (some perched on the edge of the cliff) and 10 en-suite rooms (sleeping a total of 56 guests), all set in 15 acres of beautiful gardens. We can also arrange extra accommodation within a few kilometers of 'The Edge'.
Our restaurant 'Tea Thyme" offers delicious meals with superb wines to match!
Since our aim at 'The Edge' is to provide a gentle, peaceful and relaxing environment for our guests, we regretfully can only accept functions that will not disturb the tranquil environment we wish to preserve. 'The Edge' is therefore more suitable for smaller, daytime weddings.
Please note: Unless your wedding party has booked out all our accommodation at The Edge , w e unfortunately cannot allow loud music after 11pm.
We will be happy to show you around the venues and discuss your wedding details on your visit to The Edge.
Our Wedding Venues
We offer two options for weddings: our restaurant 'Tea Thyme' for smaller groups, and our larger venue 'The Tyhume Room'.
'Tea Thyme'
For smaller groups of up to a maximum of 40 people, we offer a reception (breakfast, brunch, lunch or dinner) in a section of our restaurant 'Tea Thyme'. It is a bright and spacious restaurant with beautiful views, two fireplaces, a small bar, and outside there is a lovely shady area under the large oak trees. If you would like to book the entire restaurant exclusively for your wedding reception, the rate will be R1500 for the venue. The price of the venue includes chairs, tables, off-white tablecloths and serviettes, crockery, cutlery and glassware, and one barman and two waitresses. We can quote for any other decor, seat covers, extra staff etc.
If your wedding party is less than 20 and you don't mind having the restaurant open to other guests, there will then be no charge for the venue.
'The Tyhume Room'
Our second venue has a spectacular view over the labyrinth, the Tyhume Valley and for a 100 miles beyond! This venue can cater for up to 80 seated guests. If a dancing area is required the venue can seat approximately 60 guests. The venue is light and spacious and is approximately 15 X 7 meters. It has a large log fireplace, ample ventilation and excellent lighting. It has ablution facilities and is wheelchair friendly.
The Labyrinth is one of the largest in the world, and couples often choose to use it as part of their wedding ceremony.
The cost for "The Tyhume Room" is R4000.00 per day or part thereof. Should your reception continue after midnight, there is an additional cost of R500 per hour or part thereof. The price of the venue includes chairs, rectangular tables, white tablecloths and serviettes, crockery, cutlery and glassware, and two barmen and two waitresses. We can quote for any other decor, seat covers, extra staff etc.
Menus:
'The Edge' must supply all meals and beverages. We have lists of interesting, delicious dishes (available on request) for wedding breakfasts, brunches, lunches, high teas, and dinners from which you can choose. All dishes are individually priced. This is to assist you in making up your own menu to suit your budget. All meals are served as a buffet.
Any special dietary requirements must be discussed with us in advance.
We are fully licensed and also have a good wine cellar from which we can supply an interesting range of wines and sparkling wines/champagne at reasonable prices. We can also recommend wines to complement your menu.
Service Fee:
Please note that a service fee of 10% on the restaurant and bar tab will be added to your final account.