Beautiful Country Home to Rent

The Natal Midlands has to be one of the most special places in South Africa and Nottingham Road has seen tremendous growth over the last couple of years as people from the city seek to down shift. What better place to consider, especially if one has children. The schools in the area are some of the best in the country and include Clifton, Treverton and Kings for primary education and Michaelhouse, Hilton College, St Annes and Wykeham Collegiate, to name but a few, for high school. This is a place where children are brought up to engaged with their surroundings - 'home grown children' as the sign says at Clifton Preparatory School.

The area is well known for its proximity to the world renowned Drakensberg, as well as the beauty of its own landscape, with the abundance of wild life including various species of Buck, bird life (including Wattle Crane) and wild cats, including Genet and Caracul. Some of the best fly fishing is to be had in the area and there are many Ateliers working from home in the area, which makes shopping a real treat.

Coffee shops, restaurants, local events and markets, personalise the Natal Midlands and give it its special atmosphere. The Nottingham Road library is quaint and has a lovely selection of books and DVDs to hire. The banks and Post Office still greet their patrons by name, which is a uniqueness in itself.

If you are thinking of moving to this beautiful area and love the idea of being surrounded by nature, horses and tranquility, this property may just be for you. It is for sale or to rent and can be viewed by clicking the link below.

Four Bedroom Country Home to Rent

I left my heart in Cape Town

Oh how I love the buzz of Cape Town, the antique shops, designer ware, period buildings, exquisite food and people with a style all of their own. Yes, yes yes ....

My recent trip found me in the Cape's CBD and I have to say that, arriving there late at night, I thought my hubby had lost his mind, booking us into this 'un-safe' area of town. Well firstly I have to say its been two years since my last visit and in that time 'things ava changed'. We were welcomed by a lovely representative of 'Afribode' "specialising in the short term rental of self-catering apartments.   Currently all of these apartments are located in Cape Town city centre and Mouille Point on the Atlantic Seaboard" who led the way into an 'Old Mutual' building which now houses cool and trendy spacious Loft Apartments. We were in an apartment sleeping four, but one could easily put kids onto the comfy couches if you needed more beds. I loved everything about the apartment and hope to book again for the March 2013 Cape Argus Cycle. So if my recommendation is anything to go by? Booking enquiries can be made via their website below.

Cape's Citi Loft (Mutual Heights 712) Sleeps: 4 http://www.afribode.com/2bed.html

Nottingham Road Transformed into a Magical Winter Wonderland

To wake up to soft flakes of snow falling, has to be one of the most wonderful things, but to have this in the beautiful surrounds where we live is amazing, as forests of trees, mountains and fields are transformed into a magical winter wonderland. It is always great for business too, as people will drive to Notties from Pietermaritzburg, sometimes even further afield to bask in the snow, throw a snow ball or three and finish with a cup of hot chocolate, delicious Brownies, all wrapped up next to an open log fire.
Today, we saw a family of Buck walking across the field, which was such a special moment, but my best was driving into our little Hamlet and seeing the biggest Baboon, sat in the corn field, staring at me as he stole the kernels from the field. I had to ask myself "I wonder what he thinks, in 'Sunny South Africa', with all this snow around him". Almost odd and quite out of place.
I have to say that as much as I love the snow I hate the slush and one difference between my home Country of England and here in South Africa, the snow will disappear almost as quickly as it has arrived, and everything is as it was. The odd car may have skidded, our community may have come together to pull someone out of the snow, but then peace resumes, and its as if the snow was never here. The only tell tale signs, are a dusting of snow on the mountain peaks which tell a different story.

SALE NOW ON UNTIL 31ST JULY 2012 *Everything less -50% - on-line sales only (less -50% on displayed prices) Login to Purchase Now  www.simplysam.co.za *Please note: available for on-line sales only - payment via eft or card - delivery will be quoted separately  *subject to availability

Announcing the Winner of our Paris Pitcher Jug at Simply Sam Trading

The Winner of our  last Paris Pitcher Jug was Vicky Erasmus of Ramsgate

Register here to stand a chance of winning a stunning

Paris Pitcher Jug valued at R350 (see below)  
For those loving all things vintage and beautiful ...

Upcycled Victorian Dining Chairs

So you've inherited Granny's Victorian dining chairs and you love Granny, but hate the chairs. So what do you do? Many of us have a totally mismatched decor scheme, with all the funny things we've inherited, and we just can't bear to part with the items we're emotionally attached to, but when all you want is a beautiful home you do have to sometimes be a little harsh and get rid.

However, if you're brave enough to revamp and upcycle your items you could create something quite spectacular. Some people though, simply cannot bear to change the authenticity of furniture that is antique, especially people who love wood - the thought of painting Walnut or Mahogany - absolutely not. 

Well that is just what we did to a beautiful set of six Victorian Walnut Chairs. We gave the wood a make over with white chalky paint, removed the old green velvet fabric and upcycled with a stunning Hessian fabric. What is unique about the fabric is the White Afrikaans Script printed onto the fabric which brings out the lovely white on the wood. Take a look and let us know what you think. Please 'like' us on Face Book if you agree with upcycling antiques.

A set of six CHAIRS upcycled in gorgeous Hessian with Afrikaans Script
http://shopping.netsuite.com/s.nl?ext=F&c=828476&sc=7&category=&search=3000

Letting go of your precious Antiques

I received a message from a local lady. Her elderly friend has moved into a tiny place and can't fit in all her lovely antiques. We know the story. The problem is, the big move is upon us. How do you sell these pieces of furniture quickly and with as little fuss as possible?
Selling your precious items, ones that you are emotionally attached to, can be problematic and even emotionally draining. You've lived with these special items for most of your family life, some of them family heirlooms, each piece telling its own special story, but "you can't take them with you" as the old adage goes.
Instead of the 'standard' route of calling in an auctioneer, Mrs .... chose to call in the services of Simply Sam Trading.
We have listed the items on our web store and, besides being beautiful items in immaculate condition, they are wholesale prices. The Chaise Longue could easily sell for double in a reputable retail antique store. On offer is also a Victorian Grandfather Chair and a stunning German Rosewood Sofa Table.Purchases can be made directly over the Simply Sam Trading secure card facility and delivery arranged on your behalf.

Let me know what you think ...