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The House

blue stone & Yellowwood

Our story

A property steeped in history

Long before there was a town called Howick, there was a spring of clear water on the far side of the uMngeni — and a small shale house beside it.

Stocklands began as Cypherfontein, one of the earliest farms in the Natal Midlands. Two houses built a few years apart were eventually joined into one, and the land around them gave rise to Howick itself. Today ten acres of garden remain, and the old house has been lovingly restored as a place to stay.

The old fountain beside the blue-stone wing

From Cypherfontein to Stocklands

Nearly two centuries on the farm

c. 1836

Cypherfontein

After the Battle of Congella, David Benjamin Snyman is granted land beyond the uMngeni and names it for the purity of its springs. He builds a small shale house, later extended with a large room and a loft above.

1843

The blue-stone house

As settlers move north, Snyman sells to Reverend James Archbell, who builds a large house of dressed blue stone very close to the original.

1846

The birth of Howick

Cypherfontein and adjacent farms are surveyed and Archbell receives the title deeds. Part of the land is subdivided to form the small town that is now Howick.

Later

Two houses become one

The two homes are joined, with pit-sawn Yellowwood beams, ceilings and doors sourced from the Karkloof forest.

Today

Stocklands Guest Farm

After many subdivisions, ten acres remain — restored, filled with art and opened to guests.

Your hosts

Made with love, and a little paint

Cayleigh holds a Master of Science in Dietetics, but her love of food and people led her into the restaurant world — she owned Pepere Café in Hilton for four years before looking for a new adventure.

She and her partner fell in love with Stocklands and took the plunge, pouring their energy into curating beautiful, unique spaces. Cayleigh is also an artist, and her original oils and watercolours hang throughout the rooms.

Cayleigh

Host & resident artist

Placeholder — host portrait to come

From the farm kitchen

Breakfast on willow

Eggs Benedict, mushrooms and crisp bacon on blue-and-white willow plates — a restaurateur’s breakfast, served in a farmhouse. Ask us about adding breakfast or dinner to your stay. (Confirm offering.)

Ten acres

The house & garden

On the farm

Slow days, simply done

A pool with a view

Sun loungers under the old trees and a covered verandah for lazy afternoons.

ii.

Lush gardens

Ten acres to wander, with picnic spots and quiet outdoor seating.

iii.

The outdoor fireplace

For crisp Midlands evenings and a glass of something local.

iv.

Meet the herd

Friendly farm cattle that are always happy to see a visitor.

Thoughtful comforts

Fast Wi-Fi, streaming, daily housekeeping and free private parking.

vi.

Peace & quiet

Rated 9.8 for location — a calm corner of Howick, close to everything.

“Exceptional location, very quiet, clean and extremely friendly staff in an amazing part of Howick.”

Braun · South Africa

come and stay a while

Plan your stay at Stocklands

Book directly with us or reserve through Booking.com.