Mills Manor, the latest development in Lalibela Game Reserve, is fast gaining traction in the market, according to Marketing Director, Vernon Wait. The new exclusive-use lodge opened its doors in December 2017.

“The concept of private villas has taken off in recent years and there are a variety of markets that private villas appeal to – larger families, small groups of friends travelling together as well as high-end corporates looking for a getaway place,” says Wait.

Mills Manor has been extremely attractively priced and rates will be kept at these levels for the first two years as part of a strategy to establish the lodge.

“The investment in Mills Manor, which was substantial, is a huge vote of confidence not only in Lalibela, but in the Eastern Cape tourism plant in general,” says Wait.

The Edwardian mansion was painstakingly restored to its former glory as the premier homestead in the entire district. “The decorators tried to bring in a sense of the opulence that prevailed during the wool boom when Mills Manor was originally built,” explains Wait. “Rooms are generously sized with high ceilings and the furniture and finishes are of the absolute highest order.”

Mills Manor has five rooms sleeping up to 10 guests and is positioned on a hillside with endless views of surrounding valleys and distant mountains. A nearby waterhole ensures regular visits from game and guests have already been treated to a variety of sightings.

Facilities include a welcoming bar, spacious lounge and dining room. Outside there is a swimming pool and sun deck, a large fire pit and barbecue area. A wide, shady veranda provides the perfect space for relaxation or spotting game species that are all free-roaming throughout Lalibela.