On my recent two day trip to Darling I booked in at Disa Lodge for its convenient location and proximity to the Main Street and local attractions.
Warmly welcomed by owners Pat and Bobbly Beckman, I soon realised that Disa Lodge is the quintessential home away from home. Nothing was too much trouble and immediately felt right at home.
I was appointed one of the three double en-suite rooms in the main house, two of which open onto a private patio. There is also a fully equipped self-catering cottage with a separate entrance which is ideal for longer visits or those wanting a little more privacy.
Before venturing into town I needed to check my email (they have free WIFI) and do a little work and I was shown the ideal spot – a spacious covered terrace in the tranquil landscaped garden. The terrace also boasts braai facilities guests are welcome to use and there is a plunge pool in which to cool off. Making use of the free wifi on offer I got a little work done then headed off to explore the town to try my first olive tasting, explore the restaurants and pop in at Ormonde, a wine estate right in the heart of Darling.
I returned to Disa Lodge with two fabulous bottles of wine and happily accepted Pats offer to join them for dinner, where Bobby and I managed to drink the best part of the wine as we all chatted well into the evening. I awoke the next morning to the very welcome aromas of breakfast being cooked and joined Bobby and Pat for a wonderful meal with all the trimmings.
As I still had several things to do in Darling before heading back to the city, I had to check out early and was surprised to find myself feeling rather sad at bidding my wonderful hosts and my comfortable and cosy room farewell.
Built in 1890, the beautifully restored Victorian house is one of the very first to be built in Darling and, by the turn of the century, it was one of only 15 homes in the town. During the Anglo-Boer War (1899 – 1902) an annex was added, which housed the only police station in the area. When the Boer commando advanced to Darling on 10 Nov 1901 and entered the town on the 11th they found the town guard had withdrawn so released the jail’s sole prisoner, a Mr Loubser, who gladly fled the confines of his cell.
Situated in what is known as the “old part of Darling”, Disa Lodge is also part of a self-walk historical tour which begins at the museum and encompasses a 5 x 6 block radius. A gentle stroll for the whole family, maps can be purchased for a mere R2 at the museum.
Should you want a little more excitement than on your walk, then ask for the Darling Mystery Tour instead and challenge your mind on this innovative treasure hunt.
Disa Lodge
• Accommodation • Child Friendly • Braai Facilities • Pool • Trip Advisor • WiFi •
Where: Lang Street, Darling
Coordinates: -33.377771, 18.377267
Contact: +27 (0)22 492 3561 | [email protected] | www.disalodge.co.za
Darling Tourism Bureau & Museum
• Child Friendly • Info • Walking Tours • Wildflower Society
Open 7 Days a week | Booking Essential
Where: Pastorie Street, Darling
Contact: +27 (0)22 492 3361 | [email protected] | www.darlingtourism.co.za
For more information on accommodation in the Cape West Coast click here
Call us for a FREE West Coast Way Tour Plan on +27 (0)861 321 777 | [email protected]