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Thistledown Country House

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Traveler (24)
Room & Suite (9)
Dining (3)

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About

#5 of 12 guest houses in Howick
Location
4.5
Cleanliness
4.8
Service
4.9
Value
4.8
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Good to know
HOTEL STYLE
Charming
Mid-range
Property amenities
Free parking
Non-smoking hotel
Room types
Non-smoking rooms

Location

Colbourne Farm Road, Howick 3290 South Africa
Thistledown Country House
Getting there
Pietermaritzburg Airport
23.6 mi
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King Shaka Intl Airport
55.1 mi
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36Reviews0Q+A11Room tips
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Peter L wrote a review May 2023
Amsterdam, South Africa1 contribution
Norma and co made me feel home from home. I overnighted before the Karkloof MTB race. They got up early to make me a full breakfast which was fab. They lit the fire when i arrived and there was plenty piping hot water for the shower. The bed was super comfortable, linen crisp and clean. I felt safe on the premises. Great hosts. I will definitely return there.
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Date of stay: May 2023Trip type: Traveled solo
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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trenig wrote a review May 2022
Johannesburg, South Africa48 contributions15 helpful votes
We have visited Thistledown Country House quite a few times, and always come away happy. Last weekend was no exception. The setting is beautiful and peaceful. Norma, Norman and Don are wonderful hosts who make us feel like family, feed us incredibly well and are ready to help with special requests. This time the special request was a surprise birthday cake, which the recipient loved. It was made with almond flour and tasted divine, as did the butternut soup, tomatoe and feta tart, salmon salad and gooseberry dessert. The vegetarian amongst us was blown away by the mushrooms while the rest of us tucked into beef fillet with all the trimmings. Norma is an excellent cook! I look forward to our next stay, the crisp linen, comfy beds, roaring fire and memorable food.
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Date of stay: May 2022
Value
Rooms
Service
Room Tip: There is only one room with a bath, the rest have showers.
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Debbé G wrote a review Apr 2022
Greater Johannesburg, South Africa3 contributions
A group of friends and I stayed for three nights at this marvellous gem. The hosts: Norman, Norma and Donald are the dearest souls running a gem of an establishment. The rooms are well equipped with all you need and so very comfortable, spotlessly clean and charming. The food is spectacular. We will never forget our special time at Thisledown. PS: it is a very short distance from Karkloof Canopy Tours.
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Date of stay: April 2022Trip type: Traveled with friends
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Micha wrote a review Jul 2019
Pretoria, South Africa36 contributions9 helpful votes
We stayed here for one night over a weekend. We were received very warmly. The bedroom was warm and comfortable and it had everything we needed. The breakfast was wonderful and it was great watching the birds coming for their breakfast as well. The area is serene and beautiful. Perfect for a total break from the hustle and bustle
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Date of stay: July 2019
Location
Service
Sleep Quality
Trip type: Traveled as a couple
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Graeme wrote a review Jul 2019
1 contribution
I was first introduced to Thistledown in 2015, I have since stayed there on four separate occasions. Summer, winter, spring, autumn, it doesn’t matter what time of year you stay there, every single time Norma and Norman go out of their way to make everything perfect. The rooms are the perfect mix of farmhouse and luxury. The scenery is exceptionally beautiful. The hosts are incredible people, the breakfast is just about the best money can buy. But the dinners, oh my, the absolute highlight are the dinners! It’s a beautiful place you want to tell the world about but keep a secret at the same time.
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Date of stay: July 2019
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Trip type: Traveled as a couple
Room Tip: The outdoor room has the best privacy and is quieter.
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Stuart Morrison wrote a review Apr 2019
10 contributions1 helpful vote
This is my second trip to Thistledown and honestly we will just keep coming back. The accomadation is elegant and very comfortable. The owners Norman and Norma are great hosts who create a very relaxed but service oriented experience. Our highlight though is the food which is out of this world!! The supper alone is worth the trip and Norma is in a class of her own when it comes to preparation. The proximity of this venue is also very helpful and we have enjoyed all the local sightings while staying here. I highly recommend Thistledown even if it's just for the food alone.
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Date of stay: August 2018Trip type: Traveled as a couple
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KDLRJF wrote a review Jan 2019
Rivonia, South Africa35 contributions13 helpful votes
We stayed here for a night so that I could mountain bike at Karkkloof. It is about 10 mins from the start of the trails so very convenient. The breakfast was top class and Norma was super hospitable and accommodating. The room had a bath but not shower but endless hot water and it is a big bath. I would definitely recommend staying here if you want to do the Karkkloof Canopy Tour (very close by) or road cycling or mountain biking. It is also about 15 mins away from Howick for lunch and dinner. Thistledown is great value for money.
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Date of stay: January 2019Trip type: Traveled as a couple
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Heather M wrote a review Apr 2018
5 contributions
I spent a few days of relaxation after meetings in Durban. It was a perfect place to relax on the porch overlooking beautiful gardens and a stream after a day of exploring the countryside. My room was quiet and relaxing and had such country charm. Talking with other visitors as we waited for dinner was lovely. Norman and Norma always made sure everyone had something to drink and had what they needed. They gave me good advice on where to go hiking and even helped me by phone to navigate when I got lost on the back roads. I hadn't planned on eating on site but timing was better the first night to do so. I am so glad I did. I haven't had a more delightful, delicious, fancier meal in South Africa. I stayed for dinner the next night on purpose. I walked to the Canopy tour zipline from their place and had a blast. Artisan shops are not too far away by car. I will be going back with a friend another time.
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Date of stay: February 2018
Rooms
Location
Service
Trip type: Traveled solo
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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CorryHK wrote a review Mar 2018
Hong Kong, China3 contributions1 helpful vote
Thanks to our wonderful hosts Norma and Norman, Thistledown Country House was our best B&B experience in KZN. We loved the tranquil garden setting and watching the birds in the garden. The farmhouse and rooms are lovely; so peaceful. Restaurant quality food is lovingly prepared by Norma and Norman and we ate like kings. Thanks for introducing us to The braaibroodjie (braaied toasted sandwich)! Thistledown was recommended to us, and in turn, we can't wait to share our experience with family and friends. We hope to back soon.
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Date of stay: March 2018
Rooms
Service
Sleep Quality
Trip type: Traveled solo
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Alf1148 wrote a review Jan 2018
Durban, South Africa35 contributions6 helpful votes
Our family have been staying at Thistledown Country House for the past 12 years. This is a very quaint old Natal farm house that has been beautifully fitted out with big comfy beds, fluffy towels and lots of Woolies toiletries in the bathroom. (no miniature bottles of soap and shampoo.) The gardens are beautiful and this is a perfect place to relax and unwind Bela the friendly Rottweiler is there to greet you and together with the big fluffy cat it really is like staying on grandma's farm. Norma and Norman are incredible hosts and are always checking up to see if your are comfortable. The best part of the stay however is the food. Norma prepares the most delicious dinners that are always full of wonderful surprises and certainly up there with the best 5 star restaurants. Breakfast are amazing. A really great place to unwind for the weekend or just to spend a night and enjoy the good food and company.
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Date of stay: January 2018
Value
Cleanliness
Service
Trip type: Traveled with family
Room Tip: All rooms have showers but the outside room only has a quaint old Victorian bath
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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LOCATION
South AfricaKwaZulu-NatalHowick
NUMBER OF ROOMS
5
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THISTLEDOWN COUNTRY HOUSE - Guest house Reviews (Howick, South Africa)

Frequently Asked Questions about Thistledown Country House
Is parking available at Thistledown Country House?
Yes, free parking is available to guests.