We are solar power driven, so do not feel the effects of load shedding or power outages, although cell and wi-fi signals can be very poor during these events. We have Eskom backup in case the solar batteries are drained by guests. However, should guests overuse high energy using appliances like hair-dryers, the electric blankets in winter or any other high energy use appliances and drain the batteries during load shedding the electricity will be cut until load shedding / power outage is over.
ABOUT US
UP-MARKET RUSTIC VACATION RENTALS ON SPACIOUS FARMLAND
River Bend Farm is a self-catering holiday accommodation lodge situated on the Midlands Meander in the ever scenic Kwa-Zulu Natal Midlands. Our closest village is Lidgetton (3,5km) and our closest town is Howick (18km). We offer our guests value for money accommodation in well-appointed suites.
The farm is nestled at the end of the road on a bluff overlooking the Lions River as it meanders in a horseshoe around the farm. The views overlooking the river and the forests are spectacular and the country air is refreshing. There is abundant bird life and look out for our many buck that roam in and through the forests.
HISTORY
In the 1980’s Mondi owned the farm Aboyne 16757, of which River Bend is a small portion of 25.5ha. Around 1990 they started a sawmill to process their own timber and built 10 buildings on River Bend Farm as a compound to house their staff. The farm was sold to Chris Griffiths around 2000 and he decided to close the sawmill and all the staff vacated the structures.
Squatters from the nearby Lidgetton informal settlement then occupied the empty structures and totally vandalised the buildings, rendering them useless for occupation. Added to that, over the past 15 years the buildings have steadily fallen into further disrepair due to lack of maintenance. Chris Griffiths in the meantime sub-divided the farm into smaller portions that he sold off, River Bend Farm being portion 4.
RIVER BEND FARM DEVELOPMENT
Errol Simpkins was keen to leave the humidity of the South Coast behind and in June 2021 saw the advert for the sale of the farm. As a seasoned property developer he recognised the opportunity of renovating the buildings into various combinations of residential accommodation, vacation suites, service and entertainment facilities.
He purchased the farm and moved up in September 2021 and begun the challenge of rejuvenating the buildings. The farm now boasts 12 up-market vacation suites, a 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom fully equipped family cottage, a central entertainment area, The Clubhouse, a workshop, a laundry and 3 residential dwellings.