Question 1

What is the nightly rate?

Accepted Answer

1–2 guests R950 per night (one double bedroom). 3–4 guests R1,250 per night (both double bedrooms). 5 guests R1,500 per night (both double bedrooms plus the single bed). 6 guests R1,750 per night (both double bedrooms, the single bed and the sleeper couch). Children under 12 years stay free. Maximum occupancy is 6 guests.

Question 2

Is the rate for the whole cottage?

Accepted Answer

Yes. You always have the entire cottage to yourselves. The rate simply reflects how many guests are staying: one double bedroom for one or two guests, both double bedrooms for three or four guests, and the single bed and sleeper couch for a fifth and sixth guest.

Question 3

How many guests can stay?

Accepted Answer

The cottage accommodates a maximum of six guests in total, including adults and children. Main bedroom: 1 queen bed. Second bedroom: 1 double bed. Lounge: 1 single bed and 1 sleeper couch.

Question 4

How are children counted?

Accepted Answer

Children under 12 years stay free. They are not charged for accommodation, but they must still be counted towards the maximum occupancy of six guests and included in the booking details.

Question 5

How do I make a booking?

Accepted Answer

Click BOOK HERE, choose your check-in and check-out dates, enter the number of adults and children, and review your total. Continue to your booking details and pay securely through PayFast to confirm your stay.

Question 6

When is my booking confirmed?

Accepted Answer

As soon as your PayFast payment is completed successfully. You will see a confirmation page and receive a confirmation email with your booking details.

Question 7

Can I ask a question without making a booking?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Use Send an Enquiry to reach Paula without selecting dates or making a payment.

Question 8

How do I pay for my booking?

Accepted Answer

Bookings are paid securely online through PayFast. The exact amount payable — deposit or full — is shown before you are redirected to the secure payment page. For stays more than 14 days away you may choose a 50% deposit; within 14 days full payment is required.

Question 9

Will the dates be held before payment?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Once you continue to payment, the selected dates are held for 20 minutes while you complete PayFast. If payment is not completed in time, the hold is released automatically and the dates become available again.

Question 10

What if my payment is cancelled or unsuccessful?

Accepted Answer

Your booking will not be confirmed and the dates are released. You can return to your booking details and try the payment again.

Question 11

Is secure parking available?

Accepted Answer

Yes — safe, off-street parking is available inside the farm gate.

Question 12

Is Wi-Fi available?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Free Wi-Fi is included and reliable for streaming, video calls and everyday use.

Question 13

Are pets allowed?

Accepted Answer

No. Pets are not allowed at the cottage.

Question 14

Is smoking allowed?

Accepted Answer

The cottage is strictly non-smoking inside. Guests are welcome to smoke outside.

Question 15

Is the cottage serviced?

Accepted Answer

Additional servicing may be arranged in advance. Please ask Paula for details.

Question 16

What are the check-in and check-out times?

Accepted Answer

Check-in is from 2:00 pm. Check-out is by 10:00 am. Early check-in or late check-out may be available by prior arrangement.

Question 17

How far is the cottage from Pietermaritzburg?

Accepted Answer

Holly Cottage is at Ghyllwood Farm in Bishopstowe, within easy driving distance of Pietermaritzburg, schools, sporting facilities, wedding venues and everyday conveniences.

Question 18

Which schools are nearby?

Accepted Answer

The cottage is within driving distance of Central School, St John's Diocesan School for Girls, Maritzburg College and Pietermaritzburg Girls' High School. St Anne's Diocesan College is in Hilton and is farther away than the central Pietermaritzburg schools.

Question 19

How do I receive directions?

Accepted Answer

Please use the Google Maps link provided on the website. Some navigation apps may suggest unsuitable gravel shortcuts, so guests are encouraged to follow the recommended route. Detailed arrival instructions and the farm gate code are shared with guests after a booking has been confirmed.

Question 20

Are the reviews genuine?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The reviews displayed on this website are genuine feedback received from guests. Some reviews were sent privately through Facebook Messenger and are shared with permission.

Question 21

Where were the reviews received?

Accepted Answer

Reviews were received directly from guests, through Facebook Messenger, WhatsApp, email or other platforms. The source of each review is shown alongside it.

Question 22

Can I share the website link with someone else?

Accepted Answer

Yes. You are welcome to share the Holly Cottage website link with family, friends or anyone who may be interested in staying.

Question 23

Why can I not find the website through Google?

Accepted Answer

Holly Cottage is shared privately through its direct website link and is not promoted through public search-engine results.

Everything you might wonder before booking

Pricing

Bookings and availability

The cottage

Location and directions

Reviews, sharing and search