Historic Lodge
Questionnaire
What is the history of the property?
The original homestead of the Spion Kop Lodge was commandeered by the commander of the British troops, Sir Redvers Buller in 1899 to become his headquarters during the battle of Spioenkop. This was one of the major battles of the South African War of 1899 to 1902 and his troops camped on the farm for several days prior and during the battle. The British suffered heavy losses during this battle and also in their subsequent efforts to relieve the town of Ladysmith, where Boer commandos besieged the British forces for 118 days. At the time the historical old farm house hosted the 23-year-old war correspondent Winston Churchill, whilst the stretcher-bearer Mahatma Gandhi as a stretcher-bearer and Boer General Louis Botha, who was to become South Africa’s first Prime Minister in 1910, both participated in the battle that took place on that fateful day,24th January 1900.
When Raymond and Lynette Heron, decided to purchase the rather run down colonial farmhouse adjacent to the Spioenkop Nature Reserve and Dam, in 1998,to establish Spion Kop Lodge. Creating jobs and to encourage International and National interests in the South African War and to uplift rural education.
Now, beautifully restored, the Herculean task which the Herons undertook involved major reconstruction of the original buildings, scraping down and varnishing the Oregon pine ceiling boards and rafters that had been whitewashed, and cleaning the paint off the granite building blocks of the walls of what is now the reception area. The gravel road leading to the lodge is part of the original wagon trail that led from Ladysmith into the Drakensberg, crossing the historical old stone bridge built by a Scotsman 140 years ago.
Situated on a 700-hectare thorn veld working farm, Spion Kop Lodge has become the perfect base for exploring the many historical battlefields of the area, it also offers conference facilities. The lodge has an extensive historic library, a natural rock swimming pool and a host of other activities available to the visitor from Sunset Boat Cruises or Game Drives on the Spioenkop Dam, to horse riding amongst the rhino and giraffe, and fishing. For birder we are a Bird Life member, there are some 298 bird species in the area. The waterhole, in front of the lodge dining room has a self-guided trail displaying very impressive specimens of Aloe marlothii. This is one of the best areas in the district to find the elusive white throated robin; some interesting bush birds can be seen and of course most of the Herons are to be found in the area. The Drakensberg Boys’ Choir recitals on Wednesday afternoons are a must! The Falconry Birds of Prey display daily at 10h0 and an interesting reptile centre.
As the Farm is of great historic significance, Raymond and Alastair specialise in trips to the Battlefields, Spion Kop, Colenso and Ladysmith to name a few. Raymond has lectured at the Royal Geographical Society in London and Alastair who is a Battlefield and Cultural Guide, will bring the battles alive in the theatre of your mind, with their ability as raconteurs and passion for the story and the area. They will also instil an interest in birding and nature as you meander through this historic valley on your journey into the past, as you relive the events of that fateful battle! The past which changed our future, as you walk in the footsteps of great men!
Please do not hesitate to speak to any member of staff should you require any further information regarding tours or in fact regarding the development at the Lodge, there are still some plots available .
Community Project, we are involved with Schitsdrift School, where we upgrade the teaching and facilities.
Raymond, Lynette, Alastair Heron and our wonderful staff hope that you enjoy your brief time with us.
What was the era and/or the architectural style in which the property was built?
The homestead and barn were built about 1889 in early colonial English style with white buildings and green roofs.
The original homestead of the Spion Kop Lodge was commandeered by the commander of the British troops, Sir Redvers Buller in 1899 to become his headquarters during the battle ofSpion Kop / Spioenkop. This was one of the major battles of the South African War of 1899 to 1902 and his troops camped on the farm for several days prior and during the battle.
Is the property surrounded by other historic buildings?
Yes, the property is on the Original Farm, Woodlands Farm, known as Spearman's (in the history books) during the
South African / Anglo Boer War of 1899-1902.
Has restoration work taken place?
On some buildings.
Are there any important guests or previous owners worth mentioning?
George Spearman
Winston Churchill
General Sir Redvers Buller, Commander-in-Chief of the British Force.
Are there any significant events that took place at the property in the past?
The British Forces camped here during the Battle of Spion Kop /Spioenkop, 1900.
Would you describe your property as (or has it ever been in the past) a: Farmhouse
