Magical Matjiesfontein & the Lord Milner Hotel Accommodation
Are you looking for a magical winter weekend getaway? Consider the Lord Milner Hotel for your accommodation, located in the charming village of Matjiesfontein, named after the local rush that was utilized to create early floor mats. The village is situated off the N1 in the Karoo, a two-hour drive from Cape Town, en route to Johannesburg, and near the turnoff to Sutherland. The village boasts breath-taking views and a serene atmosphere with plenty to explore. It is the ideal choice for a memorable winter vacation. The village boasts breath-taking views and a serene atmosphere with plenty to explore. It is the ideal choice for a memorable winter vacation.
Places of interest in Matjiesfontein
The Marie Rawdon Museum
The museum is situated in the railway station building and covers the basement and ground floor. David Rawdon, the Laird of Matjiesfontein, was a frequent collector of Victorian artifacts. From personal and household items to antique war souvenirs, he collected a variety of objects. The museum is known as one of the most comprehensive privately owned museums and Matjiesfontein’s second oldest.
The Railway Station
Visitors can visit the Station Master’s office and Signal Room dating back to the late 1800’s. The station is no longer used as a formal railway stop, except for the Blue Train and Rovos Rail, allowing passengers to browse through the village.
The London Bus
The red Leyland double decker bus was purchased in 1976, restored and used for tours of the village. Johnny, the village entertainer, took us on one of the shortest bus tours, which departed at 17:15 from the Lairds Arms. Johnny brought his bugle to summon everyone to the bus. The route goes along the main street, turning left past the Transport Museum, Court House and Jail, Pink Church, and the field that hosted the International Cricket Test between England and South Africa. Johnny’s one-liners kept us all in good spirits. Since our visit we heard Johnny has passed away. A sad loss for all at Matjiesfontein.
The Coffee House
Logan’s General Store was constructed in 1888 and is now home to the Coffee House. The menu includes daily servings of freshly made breakfast and lunch. Seating is provided indoors and in the courtyard in the summer months.
Logans Masonic Lodge, The Losieshuis
Constructed in 1887 by James Logan as a hostel for travelers. The Farm Stall is currently located here.
The Old Post Office
Olive Schreiner posted many letters from this post office and Edgar Wallace sent his Anglo-Boer War dispatches. The Gift Shop now occupies the building and supports the local small businesses and communities.
The Old Bank Building Museum
The bank building was purpose-built by James Logan and in June 1897 the African Banking Corporation (the predecessor to Standard Bank) opened for business.
The Lairds Arms
The interior of the place is remarkable with wooden paneling and well-worn floors that evoke a timeless feel. The bar counter displays a 1902 cash register, and a large fireplace radiates warmth. Johnny sat at the piano, entertaining everyone and encouraged them to sing along.
Matjies Motel and Mews
The motel rooms offer alternative accommodation to the Lord Milner Hotel, cozy and comfortable rooms with beautiful views of the gardens and the Monument River, ensuring an enjoyable stay for guests. Room rates listed on the Matjiesfontein website.
The Lord Milner Hotel
Built-in 1899 and renovated between 1968 and 1970. The Lord Milner Hotel has a variety of rooms to accommodate a varied stay experience. The accommodation is comfortable, and the food served is entirely Karoo style. Dressing up for dinner is recommended. The dining room ceiling has four ornate wooden panels. The dining room has a cast iron pillar that supports the ceiling. This pillar is one of only two in the world, with the other one located in Buckingham Palace. Room rates listed on the Matjiesfontein website.
The Transport Museum
The museum is situated on the edge of the village and holds a collection of vintage cars from the 1930s to the 1960s. The cars on display range from Chevys, Dodges, and a Jaguar MK8. 2 Royal Daimlers used for King George VI’s 1947 tour of South Africa. Antique bicycles, a fire engine, and fireman’s outfits are on display. A walk through the courtyard is a steam engine and carriages.
The Courthouse and Jail
The jail held the notorious Commandant Gideon Scheepers whilst waiting for his trial in Graaff Reinet in 1901. The jail proved its worth with two cells and an exercise yard that was protected by high walls with embedded broken glass. David Rawdon, the previous Laird of Matjiesfontein, had his residence here.
The Pink Church
Built in the early 1900s, was the original school and concert hall for the village, continuing this function through to the 1960s until the establishment of a new community school elsewhere in the village. The church is a popular wedding venue.
Monument River
Taking the stepping stones across the Monument River, you have arrived at the Raymond Cowley Gardens, which is where one locates the graveyard a water reservoir, and the pool.
The Travellers Chapel
The chapel is in the Hotel Garden on the bank of the Monument River and was first used as the power plant to illuminate the village. After the decommissioning of the power plant, it was transformed into a chapel and dedicated to George Rawdon. The chapel is now a popular wedding venue.
The history of Matjiesfontein
Matjiesfontein owes its existence to the Cape Government Railways who decided to construct a railway line to connect Kimberley and Cape Town at the time of the Kimberley diamond rush. On the 1st February 1878, the Matjiesfontein railway depot was opened.
At this time James Douglas Logan was the superintendent of this stretch of railway which he then purchased land surrounding the depot. Due to his weak chest he moved permanently and opened a refreshment station for the passing trains. He secured catering contracts from the Railways Company. The climate of the region was conducive for people with lung issues, and Logan established a renowned Victorian spa and health resort.
Points of interest in Matjiesfontein’s history
Matjiesfontein was a stronghold for the British Army throughout the Anglo-Boer War. In 1899, James Logan constructed The Milner Hotel and used it as a military hospital for the British Army’s 10,000 troops in the vicinity of the village.
Served as headquarters of the Cape Command. A variety of British Military Regiments, including the Seventeenth Lancers, The Coldstream Guards, and Middlesex Regiment, resided at Matjiesfontein.
Matjiesfontein was a refuge for the Jamieson Raid reformer Sir Leander Starr Jameson who led the abortive raid into the Transvaal to overthrow Paul Kruger’s Boer Government in 1895.
Commandant Gideon Scheepers was one of the prisoners who were held in jail for controversial war crimes hearings.
The 1st International Cricket Match between South Africa and England was held. James Logan was one of the founding fathers of South African cricket. The English cricketer George Lohmann (1865-1901) is buried in the graveyard.
In1947 the Royal family embarked on a 6-month Royal Tour of South Africa, of which one of the stops was Matjiesfontein and the Royal Daimler cars were used during this stop are displayed in the Transport Museum.
In 1975 the village was preserved as a Heritage Site
Owners of Matjiesfontein and famous visitors to Matjiesfontein
James Logan died in the year 1920 and he is buried in a small cemetery 10km from Matjiesfontein
Famous visitors to Matjiesfontein included Cecil John Rhodes, Rudyard Kipling, Olive Schreiner, and the Royal Family on their South African Tour in 1947
David Rawdon was Laird of Matjiesfontein from 1968 to August 13th, 2010. From 1968 to 1970 he restored the property focusing on the hotel changing the name from Milner Hotel to The Lord Milner Hotel.
The village is now owned in a trust.
Some of the photos in this blog are available for sale on PICFAIR or purchase the flipbook available at our STORE