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Joanne and Owen Hilliar from the renowned Hillscapes Guesthouse in Port Alfred are always geared to offer more for the discerning guest.

The Hilliars are known throughout the country and abroad as the epitome of true South African hospitality in a genteel environment, where good times are shared and memories to last a lifetime are made. With its magnificent location, splendid views, luxurious rooms, attentive staff and good food, Hillscapes Guesthouse sets the benchmark as the perfect place to replenish the soul.

Luxurious accommodation adds to the comfort with a choice of an inside hearth, a traditional braai, library and an acclaimed landscaped indigenous garden with a pool. It is a haven for beach lovers and close to the ocean.

With their dedication to the finest detail in order to create an unforgettable experience for their guests, the Hilliars are keen to share the beauty of their surroundings, that of Port Alfred and the many unique sights in the Eastern Cape. Their Guesthouse is but a short trip away from a plethora of things to do and see in the historic village of Bathurst.

Visiting Hillscapes Guesthouse will see you return time and again as the Hilliars will become friends in an environment suited to the needs of those looking for style, luxury, superb food and special treatment. The tastefully designed and professionally decorated guesthouse sleeps six guests in three luxury en suite double rooms. Call them today on +27 82 570 5858 / +27 46 624 1429 or book online.

Advice from Joanne Hilliar – Take a trip to Bathurst in the Eastern Cape!

Bathurst in the Eastern Cape, is one of the smallest but most interesting Municipalities in South Africa and known as highly eccentric, home to many artists and other colourful characters. Founded in 1820, this peaceful little village on the left bank of the Kowie River was named after Secretary of State for the Colonies, Lord Henry Bathurst.

Bathurst is renowned for its quaint and very old architecture. The oldest building in Bathurst is the powder magazine, built by the military before the arrival of the settlers.

(Image: Gavin Came)

The settler blacksmith Thomas Hartley built the original Bathurst forge in 1821. In 1831 it was converted into a pub, the oldest licensed inn of South Africa. Famous settler, Jeremiah Goldswain, bought it for his son-in-law in 1853. He added rooms where the forge had been and turned it into an inn called the Bathurst Arms. The inn survived fire and looting during the frontier wars and during World War II was renamed 'The Pig & Whistle' by servicemen from the nearby air school.  (See picture further down)

Weaver Samuel Bradshaw built the wool mill in 1822 as well as the Wesleyan chapel (1832) and the oldest South African Anglican Church (1837). During the War of the Axe (1846), both churches became fortresses where inhabitants took refuge until military relief arrived. The Wesleyan chapel contains the family Bible of Jeremiah Goldswain.

(Image: Tripadvisor)

A circular toposcope is located on a lookout point near the village. It was constructed around the original stone beacon from which many 1820 settlers were shown their allotments of land. Inlaid in the toposcope are 57 bronze plaques recording details of each settler party.

This pineapple cultivation and cattle farming district sports the world's biggest pineapple, a giant fibreglass replica. 16,7 metres high. The ground floor has a gift shop selling pineapple merchandise including jams and chutneys, locally made pottery, trinkets and t-shirts. The 1st floor offers tourist information and displays of the ‘Pineapple Story’. The 2nd floor has a continuous DVD presentation about the Eastern Cape pineapple industry and leads up to the observation deck which offers magnificent 360°views over the surrounding farm lands to the Indian Ocean.

(Image: 2Summers.net)

The Bathurst Agricultural Museum has a settler display of over 2,000 farming implements. The Great Fish, Bushmans, Kariega, Kowie, Riet and Kleinmond Rivers flow through the District.

Things to do in Bathurst

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• The Pig and Whistle Hotel where one can spend hours listening to the stories from locals. The old stone walls breathe with history and memorabilia. Join the locals in this pub to watch your favourite sport or just enjoy a cold one. The hotel is also comfortable walking distance to all Bathurst's National Monuments and Waters Meeting Nature Reserve.

(Image: Museum Explorer SA

• Bathurst Agricultural Museum gives a look into the past and some insight into the agricultural heritage and history of Bathurst. Items dating back to the early British Settlers can be found and include collections of dairy farming items, household antiques and much more. If you stroll through to the transport section you will be blown away with the collection of carts, buggies, ox-wagons, vintage tractors and of course the steam engine, which was used up to the 1930’s for pumping, sawing and driving threshing machinery.

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• On the banks of the Bathurst River is perched the National Monument known as Bradshaw’s Mill, built by British Settler, Samuel Bradshaw, in 1821, who intended to use it in the manufacture of blankets and kersey cloth. Bathurst became the hub of the wool industry in the mid-1820’s as a result. The mill was burnt down by Xhosa warriors in 1835, but rebuilt and renovated just a year later. Bradshaw’s was used as a grain mill until it became completely disused by the beginning of the 1900’s. Then, in 1964, it was bought by the Simon van der Stel Foundation, who restored it in 1981. Today, it is a beautiful reminder of this area’s roots and a fascinating element of the local heritage.

(Image: Heritage Portal)

• The Bathurst toposcope is placed in the spot where the British settlers were investigated in 1820. You will find information here about their ships, departure ports etc and much more. From this location you can see the Great Fish River, The Gamtoos Valley floodplain and some other spectacular sights.

• Step into the forest at the Bathurst farmers market and admire the outstanding crafts under the trees. Here you will also be able to get some quality, freshly picked ingredients, fresh vegetables from the local farms delectable cakes, quiches and selection of homemade breads.(Image: SA-venues.com)

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• There are few things as undeniably civilised and charming as a traditional English tea. Morley House is one of the oldest homes in Bathurst, built in 1828 by the British Settlers who colonised many parts of the country and specifically, this part of the Eastern Cape Province. Sip freshly-brewed tea with a sandwich, pie, or light lunch, a range of cakes and desserts, all home-made, fresh and delicious. There is a sun-kissed deck overlooking the manicured gardens and original home. On cooler winter days, there is an indoor area with an inviting log fireplace, free WiFi, newspapers and magazines.

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• A series of MTB trails have been created by the Sikhululekile Community, emerging farmers who are part of an agri-village project in the Kowie catchment area. They have made the trails themselves as a way to attract tourists and locals to the area. The trails are set across two farms. Part of the 13 km trail passes by a few wattle and daub houses, and if interested, the community will gladly show you around their farm. The trail entrance is clearly marked (look out for the yellow bicycle atop a trail sign; you can't miss it) from the road, and there is an area where you can safely park cars.