Royston Hall Historical Guesthouse

–Great location - show map
+37 photos
Scored 8.2
Rated very good

Staff

9.2

You might be eligible for a Genius discount at Royston Hall Historical Guesthouse. To check if a Genius discount is available for your selected dates sign in.

Genius discounts at this property are subject to book dates, stay dates and other available deals.

About this property

Elegant Accommodation: Royston Hall Historical Guesthouse in Umtentweni offers adults-only rooms with private bathrooms, balconies, and sea views. Each room includes a refrigerator, work desk, and free toiletries. Exceptional Facilities: Guests can enjoy a swimming pool with a view, sun terrace, and lush garden. Free WiFi is available throughout the property. Additional amenities include a lounge, 24-hour front desk, and outdoor seating areas. Delightful Breakfast: A variety of breakfast options are provided, including full English/Irish, vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free. Breakfast includes juice and fruits, catering to diverse dietary needs. Prime Location: Located 24 km from Margate Airport, the guesthouse is near attractions such as Port Shepstone Country Club (6 km) and Oribi Gorge Nature Reserve (36 km). Guests appreciate the scenic views and proximity to nature.

Couples particularly like the location — they rated it 8.4 for a two-person trip.

Distance in property description is calculated using © OpenStreetMap

Most popular facilities

  • Outdoor swimming pool
  • Non-smoking rooms
  • Free parking
  • Room service
  • Free WiFi
  • Facilities for disabled guests

Property highlights

Top location: Highly rated by recent guests (8.7)

Breakfast info

Full English/Irish, Vegetarian, Vegan, Gluten-free, Breakfast to go

  • Free private parking available on-site

Sign in, save money

To see if you can save 10% or more at this property, sign in
Sign inCreate an account
Sign in, save money

Availability

Select dates to see this property's availability and prices

—
Room type
Number of guests
 
1 extra-large double bed
1 double bed
1 large double bed
1 extra-large double bed
1 extra-large double bed
1 double bed
1 large double bed
1 large double bed
1 extra-large double bed
Something went wrong. Please try again later.
Something went wrong. Please try again later.
Something went wrong. Please try again later.
Something went wrong. Please try again later.
Something went wrong. Please try again later.
Something went wrong. Please try again later.
Something went wrong. Please try again later.
Something went wrong. Please try again later.
Something went wrong. Please try again later.

Guest reviews

Categories:

Staff
Facilities
Cleanliness
Comfort
Value for money
Location
Free WiFi

Select topics to read reviews:

Guests who stayed here loved

Cat
South Africa South Africa
“What an amazing location, the hosts were lovely and the 3 dogs on site really made our stay! Beautiful hiking trails and the house has such a charm to it. Can’t wait to visit again.”
Lee
South Africa South Africa
“Royston Hall is a hidden gem of a guest house. Do yourself a favour and visit this historical home.”
Nokukhanya
South Africa South Africa
“The view is marvellous never seen anything like it the room is spacious it was like a day in history the breakfast was delicious shout out to the ladies at the kitchen the owner is very kind and funny enjoyed our chats”
Gordon
South Africa South Africa
“Gracious Home with large rooms breakfast was substantial and well prepared”
Lauren
South Africa South Africa
“Ria and Roderick were incredibly warm and generous hosts. They shared some great stories about the history of their beautiful old homestead, which really added to the charm. The rooms were spacious, tastefully decorated, and super comfortable....”
Gavin
South Africa South Africa
“We loved the beautiful old house. It has been well maintained and beautifully decorated. The staff were amazing - friendly and helpful. The dogs who welcomed us as we arrived were an added bonus.”
Newt
South Africa South Africa
“Absolutely beautiful to wake up here and just be surrounded by nature in this valley. This is the perfect romantic gateway, for 1 night, 2 nights, even a week! Would highly recommend it! The breakfast in the morning was phenomenal!!! We really...”
Charmaine
South Africa South Africa
“It is truly beautiful. Loved the 'oldness' of it. The room was very pretty. We took a walk in the forest. The little dachshund was our guide! She did a very good job!”
Vernon
South Africa South Africa
“Beautiful gracious old guest house with a stunning location on the river. Woke up to the sound of a fish eagle - magical.”
Carol
South Africa South Africa
“Beautiful Victorian house - a real gem with loads of history and a passionate owner keeping it relevant.”

Quality rating

Booking.com rated the quality of this property as 4 out of 5 based on factors such as facilities, size, location and services provided.

Managed by Ria Hackland

Company review score: 9.2Based on 177 reviews from 1 property
1 managed property

Company information

Exactly 50 years later, after many sad years of intermittently lying derelict, the now beautifully restored mansion was bought by Roderick & Ria Hackland, who promptly prayed the Blessing of their Heavenly Father over the house in the name of Jesus Christ and humbly invited Him to stay as a Guest of Honour in their home. So: Mildred dances no more…! Only love, music and much happy laughter prevail. Now, when people ask with bated breath: “So….IS there a ghost in Royston Hall?” We smile cheerfully and say: “Yes! The Holy Ghost lives here!”

Property information

The Building of the House Captain Hitchens commissioned the house to be built by George Sinclair and his son Colin circa 1899 – 1902 for his wife as a weekend beach cottage. It is said that Mrs Hitchens arrived from Durban by Steam Ship, transferred to a horse-drawn trap, crossed the mighty Umzimkulu by ferry, gave the house a critical overview and rejected it outright! She felt it was too remote, not on the beach and far too much of a task to take on in addition to the responsibilities of her home in Durban. She never took up occupation and returned to Durban forthwith. Therefore the enigmatic Brigadier John Robinson Royston was not the original owner of the property now known as Royston Hall. However, the property remained in the possession of his family for the longest period of some 41 years, and he was by far the most colourful person to have lived here.

Neighbourhood information

Port Shepstone Country Club and the Mzimkulu River mouth are under 5 minutes’ drive away. Many restaurants, bars and museums are located along the Hibiscus Coast from Hibberdene to Port Edward, all within 40 km.

Languages spoken

Afrikaans,English,Zulu

Property surroundings

House rules

Royston Hall Historical Guesthouse takes special requests - add in the next step!
Check-in
From 14:00 to 18:00
Guests are required to show a photo identification and credit card upon check-in
You'll need to let the property know in advance what time you'll arrive.
Check-out
From 09:30 to 10:00
Cancellation/ prepayment
Cancellation and prepayment policies vary according to accommodation type. Please enter the dates of your stay and check the conditions of your required option.
Curfew
Entry to the property will be closed between the hours of 23:00 and 04:30
Children and beds

Child policies

Children are not allowed.

Cot and extra bed policies

Adult (18+ years)
Extra bed upon request
ZAR 650 per person, per night

Prices for extra beds are not included in the total price, and will have to be paid for separately during your stay.

The number of extra beds allowed is dependent on the option you choose. Please check your selected option for more information.

There are no cots available at this property.

All extra beds are subject to availability.

Age restriction
The minimum age for check-in is 18
Pets
Pets are not allowed.
Cards accepted at this property
VisaMastercardMaestro Cash is not accepted
Smoking
Smoking is not allowed.
Quiet hours
Guests must be quiet between 22:00 and 07:00.

The fine print

Need-to-know information for guests at this property

Guests are required to show a photo identification and credit card upon check-in. Please note that all Special Requests are subject to availability and additional charges may apply.

Please inform Royston Hall Historical Guesthouse in advance of your expected arrival time. You can use the Special Requests box when booking, or contact the property directly with the contact details provided in your confirmation.

Payment before arrival via bank transfer is required. The property will contact you after you book to provide instructions.

Dear Visitor, this region is currently experiencing drought conditions. Please be aware that certain properties are subject to comply with local water usage restrictions.

Quiet hours are between 22:00:00 and 07:00:00.

In response to Coronavirus (COVID-19), additional safety and sanitation measures are in effect at this property.

In accordance with government guidelines to minimise transmission of the Coronavirus (COVID-19), this property can only accept bookings from essential workers/permitted travellers, during dates where such guidelines exist. Reasonable evidence must be provided on arrival. If it isn't provided, your booking will be cancelled on arrival.

In accordance with government guidelines to minimise transmission of the Coronavirus (COVID-19), this property may request additional documentation from guests to validate identity, travel itinerary and other relevant information, during dates where such guidelines exist.