A country escape to settle that rumble in your tummy
The KwaZulu-Natal-based Summerhill Guest Estate is situated in the upmarket residential suburb of Cowies Hill, Pinetown. A mere twenty-minute journey from Durban, this is the perfect destination for a staycation, a beautiful romantic weekend away, or even the place to plan those intimate gatherings for special occasions.
The Richter family who owns and runs Summerhill Guest Estate are all as wonderfully warm and charming as the enchanting estate itself. In fact, they welcome you into their home as if you are a relative. Summerhill – which has been operating as a guesthouse and restaurant since 1997 – was initially their family home, and that is exactly how it feels when you walk in. It’s the perfect home away from home.
Upon our visit, we took a stroll around the grounds and learned a lot about how the family has come to create this magical retreat. Head Chef, Johannes Richter’ philosophy – one of crafting a menu worthy of a Michelin-star, using mainly locally sourced ingredients or products grown on the property – plays a vital role in this guest experience. At Summerhill there is a big focus on sustainability. All the purchased produce comes from local farmers they know by name, and whose practices are well understood and trusted. And the supply chain works full cycle; everything is used.
Inspired by nature, all dishes are seasonal, and ingredients used include those which are in season – veggies from the vegetable patch, or fruit ripe for picking from trees all around the grounds. Even the eggs are fresh from chickens that freely roam the estate.
Stay a while
The epitome of country elegance, Summerhill’s rooms are beautifully designed. They are light and spacious with warm wooden flooring and high thatched ceilings, and each of the fourteen rooms feels like a private country home in itself. They all come with a lounge area and a bathroom with a tub perfect for long, luxurious bubble baths. The rooms are named after Jazz musicians who have previously stayed at Summerhill; some even gracing guests with a performance or two.
LivingRoom style dining
The main event – true fine dining in Durban – happens at the on-site restaurant, The LivingRoom, which has just been awarded Restaurant of the Year at the Eat Out Woolworths Awards. This restaurant’s menu has given new meaning to the Durban culinary scene, with a French foundation and Japanese influences. Simply exceptional.
Sitting in The LivingRoom with a warm, crackling fire and local music in the background, the dinner service is like a well-choreographed dance. Under the thatch ceiling with high wooden beams and a wrought iron chandelier, we were enveloped in timeless elegance.
Tall candle holders and fresh Proteas in a glass vase adorned the table. Each course from the fine dining tasting menu was paired with exceptional local wine and the team is clearly well-practiced in their craft. Johanna – a renowned sommelier – has an abundance of knowledge and hand-picked each wine to match the food to perfection.
Our dinner kicked off with sourdough bread and sardine butter, sweet potato and macadamia, truffle, cauliflower, and dahl miso. We also had gourmet Greek feta, lemon pickle and Mexican oregano. Not to mention Midland’s chicken, pear and tamarind. Mains included succulent duck and lamb, and there were also vegetarian options available. Finally, dessert was a trio of unbelievably delicious options. Think lemon curd and strawberry, mascarpone panna cotta, vanilla pudding and sorghum ice-cream, as well as Tanzanian chocolate and tree tomato.
Summerhill’s The LivingRoom offers fine dining without pretense. Here, it is all about the true love of great food and outstanding wines. It brings you a dining experience that will heighten all senses, leaving you satiated and with lasting memories of an incredible experience.
