Majestic Transformation
Once a beloved community Anglican church dating back to 1901, St Andrew’s has been saved from disuse through insightful restoration and transformation by custodians Paul and Jennifer Hindle. With views across lush pastures to the lilac foothills of the Drakensberg, it offers four beautifully appointed en-suite double bedrooms, a fully fitted kitchen and dining area, nooks and snugs for a quiet moment with a book, fountain-filled gardens for open air reflection, and even a majestic bell tower.
Luxury Comfort
Every comfort for a truly unique and restful getaway is at your fingertips. Perfect for a quiet, soulful retreat, an adventure, a romantic interlude, an anniversary or special occasion, a stay at St Andrew’s is a celebration of tranquility, nature, love and the greatest of life’s gifts and bounty.
Come … and count your blessings.
The History of St Andrew’s Retreat
One of the most beautiful churches of the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands, St Andrew’s was built in 1906 to serve the Anglican farmers west of Mooi River as well as the scholars and staff of Weenen Country College, which moved to a nearby site on the Giant’s Castle road in 1901.
Built in the style of the legendary Sir Herbert Baker, the church echoes the design of a church in Kent in the United Kingdom, the birthplace of Percy Simmons, a prominent farmer in the area who was a central character in the building of the church. St Andrew’s is set on two acres of land donated by John Evan Oates. The church is built of sandstone, laid over two years by a Mr Nelson and his sons of Hlatikulu. The woodwork was the handicraft of the carpentry instructor at Weenen County College, Mr JD Owen. The round stained glass window above the alter was added in 1907 in memory of Mr and Mrs Thompson of Weenen County College, both closely associated with the church-building efforts.
It’s Not Our Retreat, It’s Yours to Enjoy.
We love our historical gem and so will you.