The Shire Eco Lodge

The Shire Eco Lodge is extraordinary; inspired by the desire to create a space truly unique. The Shire will captivate you with its innovative design and magnificent setting. These luxury chalets rest on the edge of the indigenous Xholora Forest in the Amatola Mountains, just a streams hop from the enchanted home of many rare species of plants, birds and butterflies.

The perfect getaway for the nature-loving and adventurous types, and the quietude and proximity to town makes it equally ideal for those here on business. We offer either self-catering accommodation or B&B just outside Stutterheim.

Each elegant open-plan chalet contains a stylish en-suite bathroom with a comfortable shower. Nestled into the side of curved wooden walls lies a voluptuous queen-size bed or two three-quarter beds depending on your preference. Through the striking curved-glass corner window one can experience the forest and feel at unity with nature.

The fully equipped kitchen contains a stove and a microwave. Each chalet has its own braai/barbecue facilities where one can spend time enjoying the outdoors.

If your curiosity entices you beyond the bounds of The Shire, the area offers a variety of leisurely pursuits. Explore the forest with beautiful hikes to waterfalls, ancient lemonwood forests and the spectacular Anderson Dam. Partake in the horseback trails, superb birdwatching, mountain bike hire, or visit the wild bulb nursery. A spot of sport offers canoeing, excellent trout and bass fishing, archery, rock-climbing and bouldering, golf, tennis, squash and a 90-metre abseil.

Cultural enrichments include a visit to the local artists and galleries, pottery workshops, the remarkable Stationary Engine Museum, trips to Old Thomas River Historical Village, with a rock art museum and tours, or a Mqwali Xhosa Cultural Village.

booking enquiry no obligation!

Reviews

"Rest and re energise"

21 February 2021

"The location and accommodation was what we needed. We forgot for the weekend that there is pandemic going. Beautiful surroundings and very peaceful."
"Tranquility"

05 October 2020

"Such a beautiful and peaceful place. The view of nature in the comfort of your bed is so beautiful...We're definitely coming back and we're bringing the kids"
"Peace and quiet"

05 February 2018

"The Shire is where you want to go if you need to renew body mind and soul. From the surrounding forest, sound of running stream and forest noises to the private hot water shower surrounded by forest. Chalets were super confortable as well, I cannot fault any part of my stay at The Shire and look forward to our next stay"
"Tranquil, peaceful and a MUST"

10 January 2018

"The Shire Eco Lodge is by far one of the best and most unique holiday experiences I ever had. We stayed there as part of our honeymoon and will definitely return for our anniversary."
"Treasure"

08 January 2018

"This place is a hidden gem and would recommend it to anyone who wants to shut down and enjoy nature and the peace and quite."
"The tranquil setting and absence of technology."

13 November 2017

"All was loved. Perhaps have fire wood handy for guests if they have not brought with."
"Being almost part of the woods"

19 June 2017

"I loved sitting on the deck, sipping sherry. I also loved the hikes that are available and would like to do more in future."
"Peaceful, tranquil setting"

03 October 2016

"Our family spend a wonderful weekend at the Shire. The hosts are very friendly and helpful and the place was easy to find. The chalets are beautifully decorated and have all the basic conveniences. There are many hiking trails and the views and natural beauty are awesome. A nice getaway to recharge the spirit!"
"ENJOYED IT!"

26 September 2016

"I would recommend it for everyone. Loved the stay, enjoyed the quietness and loved everything about this place. Will definitely come back again!"
"grahamstown fest"

11 July 2016

"we stayed a night with then. what a interesting warm place to stay in. we was private and the people was so friendly and helpful."
"Lovely venue"

23 May 2016

"I would recommend Shire Eco Lodge to anybody wanting to have a peaceful and tranquil breakaway. The owners go out of their way to make your stay as comfortable and pleasant as possible.The road that leads to the chalets is not bad as some guests have mentioned, we travelled it with a fully loaded motorbike!!"
"GET AWAY FROM IT ALL BREAK"

19 April 2016

"Great place for a complete break in the mountains. Quiet and peaceful.  Good and comfortable accommodation in wooden lodges.  Fully equipped.  self catering kitchen, meals available if required. "
"Mature couple"

18 April 2016

"The Shire is very quaint with a unique design and quality finishes. Very clean and comfortable, peaceful and secluded. A romantic spot, being only 5 metres from the stream and the Amatola Forest reserve, with an open air outdoor shower. Very friendly hosts. Suggest booking the dinner and breakfast as an add-on. Both were delicious and very reasonably priced. A walk in the forest is not to be missed. Altogether, excellent value for money, and highly recommended. "
"A pleasant surprise"

22 July 2015

"We just wanted a place to spend one night between two stops on our journey and The Shire turned out to be much more than just a "stopover"The unit was warm and clean and contained everything we could possible have needed.Will definitely be back."
"Beautiful and Serene"

10 April 2015

"A truly wonderful place to stay. Stunning countryside and a beautiful chalet.<div> </div><div> <div><div> </div><div> </div></div></div>"
"Bad road and admin issues"

31 March 2015

"Sadly, the actual cottage I was promised overlooking the river was changed to another without my consent. This happened after I had already paid and booked well in advance. I found this disrespectful andhad never experienced this at any other places I have stayed at when traveling. Potential clients should be warnedabout the bad untarred roads.These roads are best suited to 4x4 SUVcars and rain may make The Shire Eco Lodges totally inaccessible.The actual lodges are charming and pleasant to stay in. "
"A little taste of paradise!"

31 March 2014

"What an amazing experience our short stay at the Eco Shire Lodge was. The absolute tranquillity and peace of the surroundings fed the soul! I cant remember when (if ever!) Ive seen the night sky without the affect of light pollution. Was lost for words and had a huge lump in my throat. We were made to feel so welcome without any intrusion. And there was a READING LIGHT next to the bed!!!! Essential for two readers and for someone who has a friend, Insomniac, who visits her regularly. Well be back!"
"Hidden gem!"

23 January 2014

"Great service! Extremely well run establishment. Units are designed to perfection. Will definitely be back!"
"Great place to stay"

22 January 2014

"What a real treasure this was on our long trip, we had the peace and tranquility needed to have a rest and recharge. the cottages are truly a work of art and a dedicated craftsman work can be enjoyed in every detail. We slept to the sounds of the babbling brook and had a fantastic breakfast the next day."
"Tranquil"

19 December 2013

"Absolutely astounded as to what we found at the Shire Eco Lodge... The scenery was perfect. Accommodation immaculate. Super comfortable beds and amazing attention to detail. Peaceful and inspiring... Thanks Rob for sharing your amazing place with everyone!"
""Wooded world""

28 January 2013

"We made so many attempts to describe our stay, but everything sounded so trivial. The design and craftmanship of the lodges alone exceed all expectations! So for fear of doing The Shire an injustice, we found this... ..."It was this place, my wooded world, that I lived for. It is that place that beckons me now. For it was only there, in them woods, I felt truly free"... ..it simply HAS to be experienced to be understood."
"A beautiful place"

14 January 2013

"We had a lovely time at The Shire, Rob and his family are very welcoming. The setting is restful and beautiful. I would recommend this establishment to everyone."
"Unique"

07 February 2012

"Most beautiful craftsmanship in construction. Unique and innovative design with very adequate space for each activity."
"Stunning"

30 January 2012

"What a stunning place. It exceeded my expectations. I would love to visit here again."
"Great cottages"

09 August 2011

"Wonderful atmosphere, unique cottages. Perfect place to stay."
"Peace"

06 July 2011

"Very quaint cabin - loved the isolation and peace."
"A hidden haven"

02 May 2011

"Wasn't quite expecting the real gem hidden at the back of Stutterheim. It's really worth going out of your way to stay here. We had two magical days here and felt really spoilt with the marvellous home cooked meal that we had on our arrival. Truly delicious. The little touches like fresh ground coffee, decent washing up liquid and a very comfy bed really made this a lovely place to stay. Well done Rob and family for your creativity and super approach to tourism."
"Pure bliss"

12 January 2011

"The roads leading to The Shire are not tarred and rather hectic for a non-4x4 vehicle, but it is well worth the drive!The cottages themselves are gorgeous and surrounded by nature. They could easily have built more cottages but they have not, giving you the space and privacy that is often lacking with B&Bs. Unfortunately we only stayed one night, I will definitely go back when in that area again!"
"Enjoyable"

04 January 2010

"It was a pleasant surprise to get to such an establishment after a long drive. I found it very calming and we really enjoyed the good quality bedding."
"Enjoyable"

04 January 2010

"It was a pleasant surprise to get to such an establishment after a long drive. I found it very calming and we really enjoyed the good quality bedding."
"Thoroughly enjoyed our stay"

04 May 2009

"We thoroughly enjoyed our stay at the Shire and had a great, relaxing time. Very unique and comfortable accommodation!"
"Thoroughly enjoyed our stay"

04 May 2009

"We thoroughly enjoyed our stay at the Shire and had a great, relaxing time. Very unique and comfortable accommodation!"
"Very good"

11 November 2008

"Very restful"
"Very good"

11 November 2008

"Very restful"