|
Nothing excites me more than finding a super amazing hidden gem in Jozi – especially when it’s in a rather unassuming place like Randburg! Not that Randburg isn’t awesome (I mean, the Joburg’s Darling headquarters are in Randburg) but it’s not too often that you find something as cool as today’s find in this suburb. If you are a lady who lunches or you are busy planning a kitchen tea for your Bridezilla of a best friend then this place is about to become your new-favourite Joburg spot. Here’s why I have fallen hopelessly in love with Burkleigh House.
When I first visited this spot it took my breath away (seriously I was so in love I could not breathe!) From the moment I drove through the black gates at Burkleigh House Guesthouse I was in awe – the property is the perfect place to host an event of note and I can’t stop dreaming about hosting a fabulous event there. So what’s so special about this place? Firstly, the guesthouse and its rooms are decorated with the most beautifully restored antique furniture and secondly their gardens are nothing short of stunning. If ever there was the ideal venue for a garden party it is this place! But I’m getting ahead of myself so it’s probably best that I go back and start from the very beginning.
My colleague Kim and I were lucky enough to be invited to the guesthouse for breakfast one weekday morning and after seeing the stunning photos on their website I jumped at the chance. We were ushered to the tiny dining room area which houses just a few tables (talk about intimate) and were left to our own devices while we waited for the owner and chef to return for a chat. I’m not one of those people who sits and waits (especially when I’m in a beautifully decorated room) so I began to explore the sitting room area adjacent to the dining room. The pretty antique arm chairs, old school chest set and fireplace in this area immediately stole my heart and I wanted nothing more than to sit there all day with a cup of tea in hand and a good book (a girl can dream).
Alas my dream world came to end when it was time for us to eat – luckily the sadness didn’t last too long because the food Chef Abo had prepared for us was divine! We started breakfast off with a selection of fresh fruit, fruit juices and yummy home-made muesli and yoghurt cups and a pot of tea while all the while taking in the beauty that surrounded us. Once we had whet our appetites it was time to tuck into our specially prepared Herb Crumpets served with bacon, poached eggs, avo, chives and basil pesto, accompanied by a tomato and mushroom skewer. The dish was absolutely heavenly and I can only imagine what the chef could do with an entire ladies’ breakfast!
We spent a little while chatting to the chef who informed us that her speciality is ladies’ lunches, breakfast and high teas which guests can enjoy in the comfort of the dining area, outside on the rather large patio or in the stunning gardens of the property. As she spoke I looked around the property and outside at the garden and immediately got the urge to host a super fabulous girly high tea with all my closest girlfriends at Burkleigh House.
After breakfast we went on a little tour of the property and got to see the magnificent gardens up and close and personal. I was amazed to see that the garden I had been ogling from the windows of the dining room was just the half of it! Owner Pat led us up a few stone steps and through a cast-iron archway into the back garden area where we found a shed which had been repurposed as a Shebeen for events, and the most beautiful lawn and event space. Pat explained that the area could be used for product launches, birthday parties and any other special event that you can dream up.
If you are planning a shindig of note very soon and are looking for the perfect venue to host it then this is definitely worth a look! Burkleigh House is able to host parties of 10 or more (but no more than 50) for lunch, quiet dinners (perfect if you want to host a large dinner party for an anniversary or a special birthday) and high tea.
Say Hi to .
By Crystal Espin
Visit my Profile.
 
|
|