Goblin's Cove is an enchanting property
Review from www.ioltravel.co.za
May 03 2007
By David Batzofin

Several years ago a fire razed Goblin's Cove in Magaliesberg to the ground. But it has risen from the ashes, so to speak, and is now even better than before with the addition of a new balcony and a third floor. New managers Samantha and Jacques Smit are committed to making your time enjoyable.

My fiancée and I stayed the night in a converted train coach on the property. Having completed an electrical apprenticeship with the South African Railways and Harbours in 1974, it was a trip down memory lane for me. The majority of the original fixtures and fittings have been retained with the exception of those awful green horse hair pillows, which I remember tossing out of the window on one trip from Port Elizabeth to Zimbabwe. Situated away from the main building for privacy, the coach can accommodate three couples in luxury double bed compartments. It can also offer four single bunks to lone adults or children. Showers and new toilets have been installed.

Instead of a platform, a balcony runs the length of the carriage. Furnished with tables and chairs, it is the ideal venue to eat meals or just to sit and contemplate.
Goblin's Cove supplies a dinner basket. And what a feast it turned out to be!

We were lulled to sleep by the sound of the birds in the aviaries close by and before we knew it, the sun was forcing itself between the wooden shutters on the windows. (Remember those? With the leather straps to raise and lower them?) . Breakfast is served at the main building but booking is essential. The staff are really friendly and attentive without being intrusive.

It is difficult to describe the labyrinth of rooms, nooks and crannies in Goblin's Cove. After the fire, well-known artist and sculptor, Charles Gotthard, created rooms of such diversity that we felt that we had only just scratched the surface on our tour through the property. The venue is child-friendly with a huge sand pit and an area for them to participate in all sorts of activities, including painting. Two shops sell goblin, elf and fairy merchandise.

We ate lunch on the new third floor balcony overlooking the back of the property. Booking for the set-menu 3-course lunch on the week end is also essential. Although the venue can seat 90 people, we watched as several parties were either turned away or directed to the Gobble D'Gook Coffee Nook at the lower end of the property. Run by Michelle Jacobs, they do great savoury, sweet snacks and light meals.
To see the original article and for more information on Magaliesberg go to www.iol.co.za