Discover the Charm of Barberton’s Gold-Rush Guesthouses!

If you’re tired of Pilgrim’s Rest and its touristy vibe, why not give Barberton a try? This quaint little town in the heart of Mpumalanga’s Lowveld still retains its rugged charm and offers affordable accommodation options that won’t break the bank. Plus, during winter, it’s even warmer than the rest of the country!

Step back in time and immerse yourself in the rich history of the gold rush era by staying at one of Barberton’s delightful three-star guesthouses. Each guesthouse has its own unique tale, closely entwined with the brave and daring adventurers who sought their fortunes in this untamed wilderness, located just a stone’s throw away from the Swaziland border. It’s worth noting that reaching this extraordinary destination back then was an adventure in itself!

Let me introduce you to the first gem in our list: The Old Coach Road Guesthouse.

I remember the days when old stagecoaches and ox wagons from Delagoa Bay and the north used to rumble right past this very spot. It’s hard to believe, but the previous owner of the Old Coach Road Guesthouse told us that you can still hear the sound of horses passing by at night. At first, we didn’t believe her, but one night our dogs went crazy and we heard what sounded like horses trotting along.

On Adriaan and Lili’s property, which slopes gently towards Barberton, there is an old road from Delagoa Bay that stretches for about half a kilometer. As I gazed at the grassy surface, I noticed a few flat rocks jutting out. Adriaan informed me about some grooves present, uncertain whether they were created by the wagon wheels of the old transport riders like Percy Fitzpatrick from the famous story Jock of the Bushveld, or if they were simply the result of natural erosion.

If you hike for four hours in the Barberton Mountainlands Nature Reserve, you’ll come across remnants of the gold rush days. Adriaan maintains a trail that takes you through these diggings, offering breathtaking vistas of the De Kaap valley, vibrant veld flowers, and refreshing river pools to cool off in during the last few kilometers.

Back in the day, lots of stagecoaches would make a pit stop at what used to be the Jacaranda Hotel. All of that is history now, and all you can see are a few steps and the remnants of its foundation, which have been incorporated into the carport. But don’t worry, even though the guesthouse we have today is newer, the warm and welcoming spirit of the Nels has remained the same.

Our guesthouse is a three-star establishment with eight comfortable rooms, each with its own private bathroom and separate entrance. We also have a delightful swimming pool, a cozy pub, a TV lounge, a dining room, and a lovely deck where we serve our delicious meals. The cost for a bed and breakfast reservation is R365 per person per night if you’re sharing a room. And don’t worry if you’re bringing little ones or planning an extended stay, we offer discounts for children and long-term guests. If you’re just visiting for the day and want to go for a hike, the fee is only R20 per person.

Welcome to the William George House Bed and Breakfast!

This old-fashioned, charming house is a reminder of the early days of Barberton. It arrived from England in 1896 as a DIY kit and was put together like a puzzle. Jenny Scott, the owner of William George House B&B on Sheba Road, describes it as “building by numbers.”

The house was originally constructed for an assayer, and his office has been transformed into a cozy cottage. Inside, you’ll find two single beds, a shower in the room where rocks were once cleaned, and a small bathroom. Each room has its own entrance from the veranda. The original name of the house was Tiger Trap, named after one of the mine shafts at Agnes Mine, which is located to the east of Barberton.

Over the years, the house has gone through some changes. The old kitchen has been transformed into one of the guest rooms, providing a cozy and comfortable space for visitors. When you wake up in the morning, a delicious breakfast awaits you on the front veranda. From there, you can enjoy a stunning view of the garden hedge and Barberton’s Makhonjwa Mountains. These mountains are famous for being some of the oldest rocks on Earth, preserved beautifully.

Staying at this three-star guesthouse is a steal, costing only R250 per person per night when sharing a room.

Welcome to Fountain Baths Guest Cottages!

Back in the 1880s, Fountain Hotel & Baths made a name for itself by becoming the first place in the old Transvaal to have a public swimming pool. This pool was unique as it was supplied with crystal clear water from Rose’s Creek. It brought great joy to the gold miners who spent their days searching for the precious metal. Many of these miners lived in tents and spent their time digging around in the dirt in the hopes of striking it rich.

“Back in 1884, if miners needed a good wash, this place was the go-to spot,” shares Sue Hicks, the current owner of Fountain Baths Guest Cottages on Pilgrim Street.

The water from Rose’s Creek would trickle down the mountain, go through a filter, and fill up the pool before flowing back into the stream. To add a touch of luxury, there were even six private baths made of brick and cement, complete with hot water.

An article in The Lowvelder from 8th January 1985 revealed that Fountain Baths Hotel was constructed by a Mr. Hillary in 1884, way before the days of planning and approvals. The original proprietor was Mr. JW Rose, who gave his name to Rose’s Creek. Tragically, he succumbed to malaria in 1890 and now rests in peace at Barberton cemetery.

Surprisingly, an old advertisement for Fountain Hotel and Baths, found in the 1896 edition of De Kaap Annual, still rings true today. It boasted:

“Welcome to The Hotel! We pride ourselves on our convenient location, just two minutes away from the lively Market Square. Nestled among trees, our hotel offers a serene and peaceful atmosphere with beautiful surroundings. To ensure your comfort, we have recently redecorated and improved our entire establishment.

At The Hotel, we prioritize the satisfaction of our guests. Our staff pays close attention to every detail to guarantee your comfort. Our dedicated team also takes cleanliness very seriously, so you can enjoy a spotless environment throughout your stay.

When it comes to dining, you’re in for a treat! Our skilled chefs prepare delicious meals that will satisfy all your culinary desires. Whether you prefer a hearty breakfast, a hearty lunch, or an exquisite dinner, our culinary creations are sure to delight your taste buds.

In addition to our outstanding hotel amenities, we also offer exceptional bathing facilities. Our baths have undergone extensive repairs and are now in excellent condition. We provide hot and cold baths at a moment’s notice, and our swimming bath is open from 5 am to 7 pm. So, whether you need to relax or energize, our convenient bathing options have got you covered.

Lastly, our charming gardens are a true gem. The Fountain garden is a highlight, with comfortable loungers where you can unwind and enjoy your favorite beverage. Whether you prefer a glass of light wine, a refreshing beer, or a comforting cup of tea, our garden provides a perfect setting to savor your drink of choice.

At The Hotel, we strive to offer you a memorable and enjoyable experience. Our prime location, attentive staff, excellent dining options, rejuvenating baths, and tranquil gardens make us the perfect choice for your stay. So, why wait? Book your stay with us today and discover the true meaning of relaxation and comfort.”

Once upon a time, there was a fascinating figure in early Barberton history – a woman affectionately known as Granny Klok. Back then, everyone simply called her Granny Klok. She came to our town as Louisa Guthrie, a widow who tragically lost her husband while he was fixing their wagon on the journey from Greyton to the Barberton gold fields. This incident happened in the year 1884, and they had their six children with them at the time. The wagon was propped up, but it suddenly collapsed, causing a devastating injury to her husband’s back.

With immense courage and resilience, Louisa continued the journey to Barberton, despite the immense challenges awaiting her. They had to trek the last 32 kilometers through treacherous terrain, enduring sleepless nights under the open sky. Determined to make a living, she managed to secure a job as a chambermaid at the Phoenix Hotel and saved up every penny she could.

Her relentless efforts paid off, and soon she had gathered enough money to invest in a share of the Fountain Baths Hotel. But her journey didn’t end there. Fate had more in store for Louisa. She met a man named Cornelius Klok and they fell in love. Not only did they marry, but Cornelius also joined her in managing the hotel. From that day forward, the Hotel was known as Fountain Hotel and Granny Klok became a beloved part of Barberton’s history.

I want to tell you about Louisa, an amazing woman who didn’t have any formal training but became well-known as a nurse and midwife. She was always ready to help, no matter where or when she was needed. During the Anglo Boer War, she cared for both British and Boer soldiers, as well as the children in the Barberton concentration camp during a terrible measles outbreak. Louisa even took charge of the Fountain Baths Hotel in 1898 and managed it for many years. She was truly remarkable! Unfortunately, Louisa passed away in 1919 at the age of 75, but she left behind a wonderful legacy, with nine children and 54 grandchildren.

After Louisa, the hotel was taken over by Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Lee in 1908. They made some improvements to the place, like renovating the swimming pool. In those days, women were only allowed to swim on Wednesday afternoons (men and women couldn’t swim together back then). According to Eric WG Howard in his book “Nostalgia for Barberton,” the pool was quite impressive. It was 15 meters long and 5 meters wide, with a depth of 165 centimeters at the deep end.

Hey there! Can you believe it? The original pool that used to be here got filled in by the new owner. But guess what? Now we have a fancy new pool in the same exact spot! And let me tell you, the room I stayed in used to be the laundry room. How cool is that?

Sue, the owner, told me a fascinating story. She said that the pool here used to be the public bath for the whole town! Can you imagine? People would come here to take a relaxing dip until the 1960s, when they built a new pool in town. Times sure have changed!

This place is top-notch. It’s a three-star establishment that offers all kinds of rooms. They have self-catering family rooms and cozy chalets with lots of privacy. Oh, and did I mention the beautiful garden with ancient greenstone rocks? It’s so peaceful, you won’t believe it. And guess what? The price is a steal! It’s only R250 per person if you’re sharing a room, and just R150 for kids under 12. Plus, if you’re hungry in the morning, you can get a tasty cooked breakfast for just R45.

If you’re interested in staying here, you can reach them at 013-712-2707 or shoot them a text at 083-700-8825. And if email is more your thing, you can drop them a line at [email protected]

Make sure to give them a call or send them an email for more info. Trust me, you won’t regret it!