On the most southern edge of the Winterberg Mountains, within the Smaldeel Valley, lies the small and quaint village of Bedford. This charming little settlement is 200km from Port Elizabeth, surrounded by beautiful, rolling green hills.
My husband and I were blown away as we came across The Duke of Bedford Inn, an old hotel found on the corner of the main road. When stepping foot inside, it felt as if we had time-travelled to the 1800s. It featured beautiful, wrought-iron spiral railings, original wood flooring, large bay windows that allowed magnitudes of warm light to filter through, complementing each room’s decor.
When walking through the dining room and into the courtyard, I was blown away once more. The embers of the local community have supported each other so well, running six stores that are accessible directly from Hope Street; and each one opens out onto this exquisite, festive courtyard.