The Folie

The Folie on Gowrie Farm in the KZN Midlands

Description

TheFolie, which means “favourite abode” in modern French, is the inspired creationof Gowrie Farm developer Guy Smith, whose vision has seen the establishment ofGowrie Village, Gowrie Golf Course and Gowrie Farm Golf and Fly-Fishing Estateas the hub of an upmarket country lifestyle, central to the hub of theKwaZulu-Natal Midlands. In conjunction with leading architects and designers,Guy has made The Folie the dream home-from-home for almost anyone needing torelax, to mend, to savour the area’s unspoiled spaces and sometimes-misty-sometimes-sunnydays. Every luxury has been included, from under-floor heating and double-sidedfireplaces to televisions in every bedroom (with king-sized, extra-length beds,sumptuous in crisp white percale linen), to deep baths and huge-headed showersin every bathroom.

Thefeel of The Folie is of space, of freedom to breathe, to expand and stretch, togrow. Light pours in through 360 degree glass walls, topped with raw woodeneaves and metal support structures that hint subtly of a barn and nod to thefertile farmlands that roll away for as far as the eye can see, withtrout-filled dams on all sides and the surrounding lush greens of the golfcourse. The balance between casual and plush echoes throughout the house, withraw wooden table tops a mirror of the wooden ceilings and the wooden doors thathide away the fridge and dishwasher, while crystal chandeliers glitter overheadand vibrantly-coloured fabrics and rich carpets stun the senses in the formallounge area.

Attractions

The Folie is situated alongside Gowrie Farm Golf course.  This course has been built in the classic style, with tees close to the ground, gently undulatingfairways and push-up greens.  The coursehas the feel of an inland links course and, while it is testing for the goodplayers, it is also enjoyable for the average golfer.  It is a par 70, 9 hole course which has twoadditional holes.  As a result, thisgives the course variety and interest and the golfer has the feel of playing an18 hole rather than a 9 hole.

Being nestled within theheart of South Africa’spremier arts and crafts routes of the Midlands Meander, Gowrie Farm offers aplethora of activities for those looking for somewhere to while away thetime.   Visitors who relish the idea ofthe relaxation and pampering that only a Health Spa can bring, there is also achoice of quality Spas available within close proximity.

For the outdoorenthusiast, Nottingham Roadoffers wonderful cycling with quiet roads out in the Camberg, Loteni and Darglevalleys.  There are also a number ofmountain bike routes and wonderful hiking trails in the nearby foothills of theDrakensberg.  For keen birders, over 200birds have been identified on Gowrie Farm itself.

Situated alongside thegolf course is Gowrie Village. This authenticvillage comprises of 134 residential units, a variety of shops, a gymnasium, a bowling green, aninviting coffee shop and the local sports club where visitors are welcomed.

Directions