Unlike any stay I have ever experienced before, ever.
As a frequent traveller who has travelled quite my fair share across South Africa more than once, with the privilege to have stayed at multiple diverse destinations amongst vastly different cultures, I can honestly say, with no doubt in my heart, that I have never come across a spot quite like this. Here’s my God honest opinion about this magical little (humongous) place called La Grande Maison. There are extremely rare moments in life when a place becomes more than just an overnight stay to rest your head at and forget about the day’s troubles; it becomes an unexpected memory etched in the soul for the rest of your days. La Grande Maison in Ermelo is the epitome of such a place. From the very moment I stopped at the front gate, I got a call from Abe apologising for running a tad late because he had to do a quick trip to Woolworths to round up a couple of things for my breakfast the next morning because I booked last minute. After that call, I just instantly knew I had arrived somewhere special, never to be found anywhere else. It is not simply the elegant decor or the meticulous attention to detail that sets this guesthouse apart from literally all the other guesthouses across the nation, but the unmistakable warm embrace of the beautiful people who keep this place in such divine order. To say that they are “hosts” would be such a wild understatement; they are the heart and soul of La Grande Maison, weaving unmatched hospitality into every corner, turning what could have been an ordinary stay into an otherworldly experience, never to be forgotten. From their genuine smiles and pure hearts to their ever tender care, it felt as though they welcomed me not into their home, but into their family. There is a certain kindness in their every gesture, a thoughtfulness in the way they anticipated my needs before I even realised them myself. The house itself is a literal masterpiece of grace. Everything fits so harmoniously in place; I haven’t seen anything quite like it before, nevertheless felt anything like it before, where old-world charm meets modern comfort. Every room whispers of stories told and untold, wrapped in a timeless elegance that is both inviting and serene. I could feel the history in the walls, the love in every curated detail—an atmosphere so soothing that it lulled me into a sense of peace and contentment I haven’t felt in years, or even ever, for that matter. And yet, beyond the beauty of the space, it is they who made my stay simply unforgettable. There is a certain magic they possess—a magic in the way they connect with whoever comes across their path, in the warmth of their presence, and in their passion for creating a home that feels like a sanctuary. They are more than just innkeepers; they are the custodians of comfort, the keepers of tranquillity, and the bearers of an unparalleled sense of care, and they made me feel like I’m the only boy in the world. During my stay, I realised something profound: this is not just a guesthouse; it is a place where the heart can genuinely rest, where weary souls find solace, and where strangers leave as family. Not only that, but Abe is a genuine world-class cook; his 2-plate breakfast special brought me close to licking out the plate as soon as he disappeared around the corner to bring me my red cappuccino. I was simply blown away by how he could fit so much passion into so little plate. You have created more than a refuge for travellers—you have built a home that radiates love and warmth beyond measure. You have touched my heart deeply, and I can only hope that these words convey the immense gratitude I feel after having the absolute pleasure of spending time with you. In La Grande Maison, you have crafted a legacy of world-class hospitality that lingers far beyond check-out time. You have genuinely set a new bar, unreachably high for all the millions of other hosts out there, comically trying to compete with you. The best of luck to all of them; they’re going to need it. So, with all this being said, if you consider yourself to be an extremely perplexing customer with only the absolute best standards in mind with an entire scroll that rolls down to the floor of demands and check boxes, bring the entire list along with you. My guarantee is that they will most definitely tick all of those boxes of yours; they’ll even add a couple more check boxes to your list and damn right tick them too. So, if you’re travelling to Ermelo, don’t you dare look any further; La Grande Maison is the only place to consider. Travelling to Hammanskraal? First, book yourself in at La Grande Maison. Maybe you’re considering checking out Cape Town? Check yourself in here. Going to check out the Eiffel Tower in France and want a beautiful place to stay to round everything off? Give them a ring; they’ll take care of you! Maybe you even want to go explore the Amazon rainforest and hang out with the local tribes in the jungle, but you need a place to crash when you consider the day done? You guessed it, La Grande Maison is where it’s at, baby! It may not be economical in that sense, but it’s damn sure worth the travel! Thank you, from the depths of my heart, for opening your doors and sharing a piece of your world with me. It is not every day one finds a place that feels like home more than your own. I left with a full heart, a filled stomach, a lifted spirit, and faith in humanity restored. I’m counting the hours until I return, and I know you are too.
