The Knoll Historic Guest Farm is one of the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands’ most storied and enchanting guest farm and wedding destinations — a property with a rich history of hospitality since 1850 at 1 Knoll Drive, Hilton, nestled in the cool, rolling hills at the entrance to the Midlands Meander, just 10 km from Pietermaritzburg and approximately 12 miles from Pietermaritzburg Airport. Over its 175-year history, The Knoll has been a farm, hunting lodge, hotel, school, country estate, and cherished family home — and has hosted early transport riders, passing troops, and even Jan Smuts himself. Today, under the care of owner Chris and his team — consistently praised for being “nothing short of exceptional” — The Knoll combines self-catering accommodation across several room types and a bunkhouse, the LaPopote Café in a 130-year-old stone barn, the Old Rustic Milking Parlour (The Shed) wedding and events venue, a 5 km marked trail through a landscape home to over 150 bird species, live music on specific dates, Friesian horses and resident dogs, and views across the valley toward the distant Drakensberg.

The History: 1850, Jan Smuts, and 175 Years of Hilton Hospitality

The Knoll’s history begins in January 1850, when John Philip Zietsman — the first Landlord of Pietermaritzburg, who stayed behind when the Voortrekkers returned to the Orange Free State and Transvaal — was granted a large area of land in what was known as Groenekloof. The property has been welcoming guests across every chapter of KwaZulu-Natal’s history since: early transport riders crossing the Natal Midlands, troops passing through during the Anglo-Boer War era, and figures as significant as Jan Smuts, who spent time at The Knoll during his years in Natal politics and public life.

The property’s two floors, the characterful stone barn that now houses LaPopote Café, and the converted milking parlour that serves as the wedding venue all carry the physical evidence of this accumulated history — places where architecture and story are inseparable.

The village of Hilton itself is a perfect match for The Knoll’s character. The distinctly English country village, with its attractive sense of history, lies 10 kilometres from Pietermaritzburg at the start of the Midlands Meander. Hilton is a good five degrees cooler than Pietermaritzburg — cool and airy in summer, mysterious and misty in winter.

LaPopote Café: Scrumptious Food in a 130-Year-Old Stone Barn

One of The Knoll’s most celebrated assets is LaPopote Café — a café and restaurant that occupies a stunning 130-year-old stone barn on the farm. LaPopote serves scrumptious breakfasts, lunches, and cakes in a setting of extraordinary historical and architectural character. The stone walls, the natural light filtering through the old windows, and the smell of fresh baking combine to create a café experience that is both deeply relaxing and genuinely distinctive. A wall full of books is available for guests to borrow — one reviewer noted: “A wall full of books to choose from to read. I started on one but couldn’t finish as our stay was not long enough.”

The Old Rustic Milking Parlour: Wedding and Events Venue

For weddings and private events, The Knoll’s most characterful venue is the Old Rustic Milking Parlour, affectionately known as The Shed — a converted farm building that provides the kind of authentic, rustic charm that purpose-built event venues struggle to replicate. The Shed is perfect for hosting weddings or parties, and its stone-and-timber character creates the warm, informal atmosphere that Midlands weddings are celebrated for.

The Christmas Show event team from a December 2025 review captured the experience of hosting an event at The Knoll: “From our very first conversation right through to the end of our event, Chris and his team were nothing short of exceptional. Their helpfulness, understanding, genuine care, and consistent support made hosting our annual Christmas Show at The Knoll the best decision we could have made. The venue was absolutely perfect — beautiful, comfortable, and wonderfully suited to our needs.”

Accommodation: Family Rooms, Self-Catering, and a Bunkhouse

The Knoll offers accommodation across several configurations:

Family Rooms (Groenekloof) — en-suite rooms with characterful furniture, air-conditioning, balcony/terrace, microwave (some), refrigerator (some), coffee and tea making facilities, and views over the forest and mountains. Named after the original farm (Groenekloof, after John Zietsman’s land grant). Family rooms can accommodate the resident Great Dane who makes occasional friendly visits to guests’ rooms — a detail that reviewers describe with affection.

Self-Catering Units — for guests who want independent kitchen facilities within the farm environment.

Bunkhouse — accommodation for up to 10 budget travellers in 5 rooms with 2 single bunk beds each. Communal kitchen and braai facilities, shared restrooms and showers, and two outdoor showers for those with an adventurous spirit. Self-catered and serviced.

All accommodation is set in the peaceful farm garden with views and nature access. Check-in from 14:00; check-out by 10:00. Rates from R573 per night for two guests.

The 5km Trail: 150 Bird Species, Mountain Biking, and Walks

The Knoll’s property features a 5 km marked trail accessible for mountain biking, running, and leisurely walks — and recognised by birdwatchers for over 150 bird species that inhabit the Midlands Meander ecosystem. Guest reviews consistently reference “close to nature,” “open space,” “walking trails,” “beautiful surroundings,” and “peace and tranquility” as defining characteristics. Queen Elizabeth Park Nature Reserve is 5.6 miles from the farm.

The Beautiful Friesian Horses and Resident Animals

The Knoll keeps beautiful Friesian horses — specifically photographed and commented on in guest reviews and the farm’s own website imagery. The resident dogs add to the warm, homely farm character that makes The Knoll feel like a genuine escape from urban life rather than a commercial accommodation operation.

Location and Getting There

The Knoll Historic Guest Farm is at 1 Knoll Drive, Hilton, Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal, 3245 — from the N3, take the Hilton turn-off. From the second traffic light (Crossways pub), travel 2.5 km. Turn into Knoll Drive. First gate on the left. The farm is 10 km from Pietermaritzburg and 12 miles from Pietermaritzburg Airport. Howick Falls is approximately 9.9 miles away. The Midlands Meander begins here.

Tel: 076 555 5408 | 033 343 4397

For accommodation bookings, wedding packages, café reservations, and event enquiries, visit The Knoll’s official website.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What types of events can be hosted at The Knoll Historic Guest Farm?
A: The Knoll hosts weddings and private events in The Shed, the Old Rustic Milking Parlour. The converted farm building provides authentic rustic charm with stone-and-timber character. The venue has hosted events including annual Christmas shows with exceptional support from Chris and his team.

Q: How far is The Knoll from Pietermaritzburg?
A: The Knoll is located 10 km from Pietermaritzburg in the village of Hilton. It is approximately 12 miles from Pietermaritzburg Airport. The property is situated at the entrance to the Midlands Meander.

Q: What accommodation options are available at The Knoll?
A: The Knoll offers three accommodation types: Family Rooms (Groenekloof) with en-suite facilities and views, self-catering units with independent kitchen facilities, and a bunkhouse for up to 10 budget travellers. Rates start from R573 per night for two guests.

Q: What dining facilities are available at The Knoll?
A: LaPopote Café is located in a 130-year-old stone barn on the farm. The café serves scrumptious breakfasts, lunches, and cakes. A wall full of books is available for guests to borrow while enjoying their meals.

Q: What outdoor activities are available at The Knoll?
A: The Knoll features a 5 km marked trail for mountain biking, running, and leisurely walks. The property is recognised by birdwatchers for over 150 bird species. Queen Elizabeth Park Nature Reserve is located 5.6 miles from the farm.

Q: How long has The Knoll Historic Guest Farm been operating?
A: The Knoll has a rich history of hospitality since 1850, spanning 175 years. The property began when John Philip Zietsman was granted land in Groenekloof in January 1850. Over its history, it has served as a farm, hunting lodge, hotel, school, country estate, and family home.

Q: What animals can guests see at The Knoll?
A: The Knoll keeps beautiful Friesian horses on the property. Resident dogs add to the warm farm character, including a Great Dane who makes occasional friendly visits to guests’ rooms. Over 150 bird species inhabit the surrounding Midlands Meander ecosystem.

Q: What are the check-in and check-out times at The Knoll?
A: Check-in is from 14:00 and check-out is by 10:00. All accommodation is set in the peaceful farm garden with views and nature access.

Explore more guest farms and wedding venues in the Natal Midlands through our Pietermaritzburg event venues directory and KwaZulu-Natal event venue listings.