Name: Cranford Country Lodge
Address: 77 Old Main Road, 3290 Curryʼs Post, South Africa, Balgowan, Balgowan, Balgowan, Balgowan, 3290, South Africa
Rating: 9

Smoke-free property

Heating

Chapel

Garden

Private check-in/check-out

Outdoor furniture

General

Bridal suite

Non-smoking rooms

Room service

Family room

Hairdryer

Shower/Bathtub

Bathtub

Wardrobe/Closet

Linens

Rooms

Iron and board

Ironing

Laundry

Services and amenities

Coffee/tea for guests

Diet menu (on request)

Kettle

Meals

Internet access

Internet

English

Languages Spoken

Barbecue grill(s)

Picnic area

Fishing

Recreation

Parking

Swimming pool

Outdoor pool

Beach/pool towels

Pool and beach

Event facilities

Business

Tennis court

Sports

Family/Kid Friendly

Kids

Pets Not Allowed

Pets

Location

At the hotel

Pietermaritzburg Airport

Cranford Country Lodge

Balgowan

child-bed

child-bed-fee

external-private-bathroom

private-bathroom

shared-bathroom

10-beds

11-beds

12-beds

13-beds

14-beds

15-beds

16-beds

17-beds

18-beds

19-beds

2-beds

20-beds

21-beds

22-beds

23-beds

24-beds

25-beds

26-beds

27-beds

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3-beds

30-beds

31-beds

32-beds

33-beds

34-beds

35-beds

36-beds

37-beds

38-beds

39-beds

4-beds

40-beds

5-beds

6-beds

7-beds

8-beds

9-beds

king-bed

queen-bed

limited-time

lounge

treatment

no-window

bay-view

bosphorus-view

canal-view

city-view

courtyard-view

garden-view

golf-view

harbour-view

inland-view

lake-view

land-view

mountain-view

ocean-front

ocean-view

oceanside

panoramic-view

park-view

partial-ocean-view

partial-sea-view

partial-view

pool-view

river-view

sea-front

sea-view

street-view

sunrise-view

sunset-view

water-view

with-view

annex

basement

main-building

1-bedroom

2-bedrooms

3-bedrooms

4-bedrooms

5-bedrooms

6-bedrooms

not-guaranteed

wired-internet-access

smoking

sauna

duplex

safe

mini-bar

breakfast-for-1

breakfast-for-2

pets-allowed

wi-fi

kitchen

My family's experience at Cranford Country Lodge for a family wedding was horrific. I feel it is my responsibility to share our ordeal to caution others against making the same mistake we made by booking at this venue. Right from the beginning, we encountered numerous issues in trying to secure our accommodation. We had to repeatedly beg for invoices and follow up multiple times just to confirm our booking. This should have been a red flag but knowing the wedding would be held there we persevered.
 
When we arrived there were no staff members to check us in – in fact the groom had to step in to sort his guests out - a clear indication of the lack of care or professionalism. Entering our room was an unpleasant surprise. The room had a strong old, musty smell, as if it had not been aired or cleaned in months. We discovered a hole in the ceiling and black mould on a wall and ceiling, and excessive mildew in the bathroom. It was evident that the room had not been properly maintained. Black mould is a health risk and something that should be taken seriously. Seeking assistance from staff was an exercise in futility. We could not find anyone to address our concerns, except for a single member of the kitchen staff. The manager was nowhere to be seen and not reachable on the number we had been using for her. Given the unsatisfactory condition of the room and potential health risk, we had no choice but to find alternative accommodation. They were hosting a wedding for the weekend with no staff other than grounds and kitchen staff around.
 
We’ve communicated with the manager numerous times via WhtsApp firstly to explain we were not staying there and why as well as to ask how to have this rectified and then to request a full refund. Regrettably, our complaints and requests for communication have only been met with “I’ve referred this to our trustees” who have displayed a complete lack of concern for our experience. Cranford Country Lodge's indifferent attitude and their unwillingness to address the issues we faced is shocking. Their solution is for us to return and stay at the venue despite the appalling experience and instead of giving us a refund what for we in fact never used due to their negligence.
 
I strongly advise against booking anything at Cranford Country Lodge. While this venue has great potential and the website does a good sell please don’t be conned. The owners are not committed to the venue at all. The place is actually falling to pieces and the manager works two jobs which is why she is hardly ever there to tend to matters. Save yourself the disappointment and frustration by considering other accommodations. I hope this review serves as a cautionary tale for others, and that Cranford Country Lodge takes our feedback constructively to improve their services.

Cranford Country Lodge A Disaster - A Warning to Potential Guests

We booked our wedding there  as well as all the accommodation for our guests. Right after we paid our deposit all means of communication disappeared! Their emails bounced, their phones we off and their website disappeared!!! There was no way of communicating with them. (And it’s still
All off) we also read their reviews, bed bugs, dilapidated rooms, terrible food, no hot water and electricity for 5 days! 
They won’t give our deposit back. 
Don’t go there! 

Don’t go there

Had our wedding at Cranford two weeks ago and wow... What an amazing venue! Georgie and the rest of the cranford team were superb and made sure our every need was catered for. Wonderful accommodation and food as well! 
Highly recommended.

Amazing wedding venue

Cranford Country Lodge – Curry’s Post Road 
 
The year is 2021, we’re fighting a pandemic and the hospitality industry in South Africa is on its knees. 
 
Yes, it sounds like an intro to one of those end-of-the-world horrors/dramas. You expect to hear dramatic music, the opening scene showing desolate wastelands…okay, we’re getting a touch dramatic here but, the hospitality industry is taking a massive knock in South Africa at this time and it can feel quite ‘end-of-the-world’ lately. But, and there is a but….
 
…we seemed to have tried booking when every single bride and groom in KwaZulu-Natal who had to postpone their wedding since March 2020 was now having their wedding…on this very weekend. Every. Single. Wedding. ON THIS WEEKEND! 
 
We tried booking at Stardam Estate. Fully booked. We tried Brahman Hills. Fully booked. We tried Old Halliwell Country Lodge. Fully booked. The chorus? “Sorry, we’re fully booked for a wedding or, there is a wedding nearby and wedding guests have booked us out.” Okay, okay, I’m going to make this happen. I’m not a quitter! What’s the best way to find out about hidden spots nearby that may have availability? You ask for recommendations! I telephoned Old Halliwell again and asked to speak to Joe Seegers who has been one of the most gracious hosts we’ve had in the past and asked if he could recommend anywhere close by that may have availability. He gave us a list but said “try Cranford Country Lodge first.”
 
Booking
 
Some googling was done before contacting Cranford Country Lodge and it looked to be a beautiful place offering freshwater fishing. The man was going to be happy. We telephoned through and quickly received an email confirming our booking and had some questions answered such as “what type of fish can be caught there?” The man was being a pest. It’s bass fishing in case you’re wondering. We had telephoned on the day that we wanted to check-in so, as soon as we received that booking confirmation, bags were thrown into the Landy and we put foot. We’ve mastered the skill of smart packing and can be ready to hit the road in less than five minutes sans toothpaste, chargers etc. 
 
 
The road there
 
It’s a fairly easy drive from Durban as the road is mostly tarred and with a large chunk of your travel being on the highway we made it in one hour and 30 minutes. We drove through Howick (had to stock up on some wine) and our GPS lead us the rest of the way on Curry’s Post Road. Make some time to explore the area if possible as you have some interesting stops along the way such as  Heavenly Hammocks, Tumble Downs which offers an excellent menu, Groundcover Leather and, for the coffee fans like us there’s Terbodore Coffee Roasters.
 
 
Now we’re here…
 
The first sight that greets you as you drive in are these beautifully patterned horses. I had never seen such markings before and although I’m a bit weary of horses (they are big and scary in my view) I was curious as to why there were so many of them and if they were a bit of a mishmash in terms of breed or if this was a specific breed. Driving through the gates we were greeted by our hostess who was suddenly barged with a million and one questions about the horses. We were fascinated by the replies and after a short conversation were directed to our cottage that we were booked in for the weekend. The Butterfly Cottage. 
 
The cottage caters for 5 guests with a double bed in one room overlooking the expansive lawns and another bedroom in the back with three single beds. The cottage is well appointed and offers everything you need for a self-catering weekend away. Our cottage had it’s own private garden area with a braai adjacent to the kitchen which was were we spent our evenings protected from the elements as it is surrounded by dense shrubbery. It is very private and you forget that not too far away there are other guests staying. We didn’t make any noise. Promise. 
 
I was left to unpack as weirdly enough I quite enjoy nesting (this often coupled with a glass of wine). The men headed out to try their luck at bass fishing and by the time they returned, me two glasses in, there were stories of success. They had caught three bass in the short amount of time it took me to sip my sav blanc with pleasure (Please note that at the time of writing this post, alcohol sales are banned in South Africa and a glass of wine would be heavenly right now)!
 
A successful day for the men, a beautiful setting for all of us and…the fire is started and we relax.
 
 
Day 2
 
We sadly did not get to stay the entire weekend as had to go into Howick to see a relative who was not doing well but, made the most of the time that we did have there. 
 
An early breakfast of bacon and eggs was followed by a walk around the grounds to work off the breakfast. The men went fishing which the young man quickly tired of and went on his own mission towards the horses. They were extremely gentle but I was still keeping a fence between us and them. Afterwards, It was back to camp, pack up and head to Howick but, we made ourselves a promise that we would definitely return as the fishing is excellent, the scenery spectacular and the history of the area fascinating. 
 
It is no wonder that this is a favourite venue of brides and general visitors as well. The beauty of the area is captivating and there is a hum of romance in the air with a sense of old-world charm. 
 
Cranford Country Lodge…we will be back and this time we’re staying the entire weekend! 
 
 
Post Script
 
For those curious about the horse breed, they are known as Appaloosas. But, don’t take our word for it…go on, hit google, hit book, and have the best holiday ever!
 
 
#AfricanTravelBird
  
RATING: 10 out of 10
 
Pros
Rich in History
Well stocked bass dams
DSTV Hotel Bouquet for those not wanting to miss the sport
Self-catering with a well-appointed kitchen 
Coffee and tea supplied but bring your own filter coffee as they do have a plunger
Braai facilities
Tennis court on grounds
Salt Water Swimming pool on grounds
Stud Farm
Wedding Venue
The Midlands Meander
 
Activities
Birding
Bass Fishing
Scenic Walks
Midlands Meander
Tennis
Tours and Educational talks
 
 
 
 
 


Cranford Country Lodge an idyllic setting for weddings, family and set in the heart of the Midlands Meander. Highly recommended.

Cranford has to be one of the most special venues we have ever been to. We looked at several wedding venues and our search ended quickly when we met Alex at Cranford.

We are so very happy we found them as our venue to host our magical day.

Cranford has beautiful views, the friendliest horses that make for spectacular photos. The staff are friendly and go out of their way to help you. Their food is delicious and cater for a wide variety of dietary requirements. Rooms are well kept,  comfortable and peaceful!

Overall a magical place that we can't wait to visit again.

A special place!

We attended a wedding at Cranford and stayed in one of the chalets facing the lake. We were really taken by the beauty and tranquility of the place.
We woke up to the sound of cows, sheep and a rooster and we had a lovely walk around the property,visited the horses,Magnificent old trees, cherry blossoms and a rose garden.

The wedding was special and memorable and the staff at Cranford are super friendly. 
Would visit again for a weekend of peace and quiet, fresh air, star-filled skies and the morning animal sounds.

Beautiful Tranquil Place

The search for a wedding venue was quickly stopped when we came across Cranford! When we first visited the venue we were in awe as to how beautiful it was! This was where our wedding day dream was going to come true! 

This was the most beautiful, wonderful, stunning Wedding Venue any couple could hope and dream for! Such good service, always helpful and friendly and so accommodating to our every need! We knew from the start that we could enjoy our day here with our family and friends! 

We needed a venue that could not only accommodate a one day event, but a weekend spent with family and friends! Cranford made every possible request a reality and we are truly thankful for this!

Every bridal couple dread the thought of rain on their Wedding day, and getting married in the Midlands always carries this risk. We had the fortunate situation of having a rainy, misty Wedding! I say fortunate because the rainy, misty weather was accommodated so well by Cranford, and due to the natural beauty of the space, the misty weather will make for the best, most beautiful photos! 

Thank you for the best day ever, from the bottom of ours hearts, it really was perfect!! It was our Magical, Misty, Fairytale Wedding!! 

With Love, Janine and Heini

Magical Misty Fairytale Wedding

We recently attended a family wedding weekend at Cranford, and we were so impressed by the friendly staff at the venue, they were so helpful and so professional. The food was also amazing, at the wedding, and through the course of the weekend. I would definitely recommend Cranford to anyone, the views and setting is absolutely stunning! 

Awesome venue for a wedding

We recently attended a wedding at this wonderful venue. The setting is beautiful and lends itself to awesome photography. The food was delightful. All in all a fabulous experience where we will forever hold lasting memories.

Wedding Venue

We were married at Cranford Country Lodge May 2019 and we were absolutely thrilled with so many aspects - the attention to detail, the comfortable, cosy and clean rooms, the facilities, the fantastic service from every single member of staff. The surroundings are breathtaking and picturesque and so the list goes on. No request was too much of an ask for the Cranford team. If you're looking for a wedding venue - Cranford has EVERYTHING you're looking for and so much more. Ask for Claire, she is fantastic and will help you with every detail of your weekend stay.

An absolutely perfect wedding venue and weekend get away for couples and families

Cranford Country Lodge

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