Moontide Wilderness Guest Lodge
Moontide Wilderness Guest Lodge
Completed around 1928, Moontide was one of the very first residences to be built in the romantic enclave of Wilderness (so named, it is said, when a young bride insisted her husband take her away to live in “the wilderness”, and the enterprising you man promptly named his farm “Wilderness”). It was host to a string of illustrious guests during its hey day until unexpected tragedy struck in the latter half of the last century, when a passionate love triangle resulted in the tragic death of the then mistress.
The house was abandoned and by the time it was finally put on the market it had become unliveable, and in need of serious investment. Thankfully it was purchased by Mrs Maureen Mansfield, who decided to restore the homestead to its former glory rather than tear it down. Besides maximising the potential of the main house, the roofs of the outbuildings were replaced with thatch to create a coherent and charming identity, and an additional home, ‘Moonshadow’, was built on the adjacent erven to accommodate her many house guests.
In 1994 Maureen threw open her doors to her first paying guests with just four rooms. Inspired by the response of her guests, she has subsequently created another three suites, and updates biannually. Despite its small size she is forever finding new ways to improve the property and facilities, like the newly completed reception office, refurbished lounge area, new plunge pool and two new sundecks overlooking the Wilderness lagoon.
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