It started out as a simple farmhouse, with a humble west-facing veranda. Then came curvaceous Dutch gables and various extensions and additions. Eighty years later, Kurland is a 700-hectare property with multiple faces.
Many people still famously associate Kurland for its lush polo fields, glamourous equestrian events, and accompanying boutique hotel. In the last few years, however, the estate has evolved into an exclusive-use location, boasting private luxury accommodation options and exquisite event facilities.
Whether your visit is for a special wedding, or a corporate launch, Kurland is as perfectly suited for small, intimate gatherings as it is for big, extravagant affairs. Best of all, the estate is easily accessible from the airport in Plettenberg Bay (25 minutes away) and probably boasts one of the most premium properties in the area.
Accommodation: versatile spaces mix old-world charm with modern luxuries
Kurland offers the ultimate antidote to the bustle of city living, with a space and place for every occasion.
The Homestead is a 12-suite and 12 loft-room luxury offering. It sleeps 44 guests in total, but smaller groups wishing to only rent a part of the Homestead on an exclusive-use basis are very welcome. Think breath-taking spaces, sophisticated finishes, art, antiques, a country kitchen and comfortable veranda, all perfectly crafted for memorable holidays and cherished celebrations.
The Villa, on the other hand, boasts 5 bedrooms in the main house and 3 in the cottage (sleeping 16 in total). It’s full of beautiful, breakaway spaces, rooms with extraordinary views, secluded verandas, swimming pool, a chef’s kitchen and wood-burning fireplaces ready to welcome you home.
(Rates for The Homestead and The Villa are adjusted depending on group size.)
Events: From intimate to extravagant, the Estate is your stage
Kurland can host smaller events (up to 30 guests) and big, bold celebrations (up to 300 guests). Should it be required, guests can also request total exclusivity of the estate.
The Homestead gardens are perfect for wedding ceremonies, with the accompanying feasts usually served in the elegant dining room, the al fresco courtyard or on the Homestead’s spacious veranda.
Then there’s Katarina’s – The Barn, one of the estate’s most beautiful spaces. It boasts rustic, atmospheric décor, 200m2 of space, and a gourmet chef’s kitchen which is perfect for boutique meetings.
Lastly, we have The Pavilion, a fairy-tale venue in a majestic setting. The Pavilion restaurant can cater for up to 60 guests, while marquees graciously integrated to the main hospitality areas can be set up to accommodate as many as 300 guests.
Activities: You’re spoilt for choice when it comes to country experiences
Whether you’re exploring the estate on two legs or two wheels, the natural backdrops of the majestic Tsitsikamma Mountains are the perfect setting for long walks, hikes, bike and horse rides, and tennis games.
Alternatively, for those who want to slow down the pace, spend the afternoon fishing at the dam, pack a picnic and find your favourite shady spot, explore the country gardens, and meet up with your group in the early evening to swap stories over sundowners on the stoep.
Visitors are understandably reluctant to leave the luxury of the estate once they’ve settled in, but the surrounding Plettenberg and Nature’s Valley areas offer a spectacular list of attractions and activities to enjoy. From whale watching and wine tasting, to wildlife sanctuaries and picturesque golf courses, there’s an abundance of adventures to keep everyone entertained.
Appetite: Culinary experiences for foodies to enjoy
With a setting as breath-taking as Kurland, it goes without saying that the eating experience has to match the surroundings. Even though the estate no longer runs an on-site restaurant, guests renting the Homestead or Villa can ask for assistance with both their catering and self-catering needs.
From a self-catering point of view, Plettenberg is every foodie’s dream destination, offering a wealth of delectable food and ingredients, with numerous farm stalls, local farms, and specialty delis right on the estate’s doorstep. The Homestead’s vegetable garden is also at your disposal, brimming with lettuce greens, chillies, leeks, and herbs to pick and indulge in.
For those who don’t want to self-cater, the estate offers a range of onsite dining services, such as purchasing a meal from the small, appetising menu, or arranging for Brenda (one of their long-standing staff) to cook breakfasts and family favourite suppers.
There’s also the option for guests to pre-order picnic baskets filled with local delicacies, or request that another one of the estate’s culinary geniuses, Themba, help to get a braai on the go or whip up some home-made pizzas in the pizza oven.
Lastly, for those who don’t want the fuss of even having to decide what to eat and when, the estate can quote on the services of a local chef for the entire duration of your stay. We can even call on our network of qualified chefs to help with event catering, especially if you’re planning something a little bit more lavish.
As our guest testimonials reveal, a stay at Kurland Estate truly is a feast for all the senses, offering luxury country living that leaves you feeling inspired, indulged and invigorated.