A deep sense of tranquility and serenity.
There is no more pertinent way to describe the soul reviving beauty of the Treeferns Trout Lodge, nestled snugly on a vast farm land just outside Belfast.
Treeferns is the perfect getaway for the weary city dweller who seeks a refuge from all the noise and stress.
It also stretches out a welcoming hand to families, to the tourist, to the angler, to the adventurer and to the scribe.
An old farm house, still occupied, stands on the farm to add that magical touch of authenticity as the visitor is transported back to a time of simplicity and innocence.
From the moment one arrives at Treeferns, the magnitude of the stillness embraces you, as you allow for the stressed and worries of life to seep away like the water that runs from the top trout dam down to the many lower dams.
This is not just a trout farm. This is about relaxation. The geese that lazily drift on the water or the dogs that sleep under the baking sun attest to this laid back lifestyle.
Treeferns is about getting back to nature. It is about switching off the cellphone and allowing for quality time with family or friends.
It is about appreciating beauty and nature, with the chalets offering a panoramic view.
Each chalet, built with wood and stone, has a unique quality. Apart from being quaint, cozy, it is comfortable, spacious and caters for all your needs.
The chalets are fully equipped with modern day luxuries, so that in one sense you have one foot in nature and the other firmly planted in the modern world.
Other facilities include a shop that offers the basic needs, and also hires out fishing rods and other equipment.
Indeed, Treeferns offers a welcome break as you kick off your shoes and letting the fresh air invigorate you.
For those with a bit more energy, there are plenty of wonderful sports to tackle, such as fly fishing at the various dams, while there is more than ample opportunity to go for a walk or even to take a scenic drive.
Not to be missed is a trip to the gorge, where a river gentle meanders through it. The hike will appease the appetite of the adventurous at heart.
Treeferns in essence is a postcard picture of rolling hills and calm waters, framed by the chalets and the old farm house, which offers fantastic opportunities for the professional or the amateur photographer to explore the many shades and tones and textures of this peaceful landscape.
And when the winter sets in or when the gentle rains fall, then the fireplace in each chalet offers opportunities for fellowship or romance. Wood on request is supplied.
What are you then waiting for? A trip to beautiful Mpumalanga awaits where Treeferns Trout Lodge will offer the remedy for total relaxation.
Riaan Engelbrecht ( 18 – 20 March 2011)
riaane@live.com
(The foto’s were taken by Riaan himself)
