The Greenwood Guide Write-up October 2005

 “I have to admit, I cut a pretty ungainly figure on an early morning ride through forest and field with Tom and Lucinda – my fourth-ever horse-back experience. Holding on for dear life, I was undoubtedly passenger rather than driver as I bounced up and down on Dablamanzi (unnervingly translated as the “wave parter”) but, as with my entire stay here, I loved it. Hemmed in by mountains and a meander of the Mgeni River, Inversanda is in a world of its own, but in easy reach of the major routes. All four Bates (plus assorted hounds) are utterly charming and you’re encouraged to participate in their farm and life as much or as little as you like.

Being their lone visitor, I joined the family and neighbours for dinner and was soon involved in a hard-fought game of after supper “Articulate”. When not farming cattle, buried in chartered surveying or battling to conserve their stunning surroundings, Tom and Lucinda are serious horse-lovers and breed and school polo ponies. Polophiles are more than welcome for a weekend knock-about on the makeshift, riverside pitch. Otherwise you can fish, walk or swim pretty much anywhere you want.

The farmhouse itself (1800s) goes on forever and guests have their own wing with a pot planted verandah, view, two enormous twin rooms and a basic kitchen. I loved the drawing room, where there’s a hearthside, bottomless red sofa for the saddle-sore and enough firewood to spit-roast an elephant.”