……BY BILLY SUTER……
WITH the rising cost of local airfare and additional cost of car hire when reaching one’s destination, it always makes sense to me to rather drive from Durban to Johannesburg when planning a visit there to review shows for this site.
Accommodation, however, has often been the biggest niggle as location, availability, cleanlilness, ambiance and value all come into play. I’d always stayed, over a decade or so, at a very affordable, very central guest house in Randburg which, in more recent years, has downscaled and taken on more permanent tenants, often making availability a problem.
So it was a relief to come across Silverstone Guest House, a delightful find in Ferndale, Randburg, central and relatively close enough to Montecasino, where I recently reviewed shows at both the venue’s theatres. It is advertised by owner Pierre van Tonder as “a home away from home” and I can certainly say it ticks all the boxes.
Bright, airy, modern and in beautifully manicured gardens, the BnB was established in Ferndale’s leafy Surrey Avenue (not far from the Multichoice building) about 10 years ago.
Pierre, who has spent the past 25 years or so as a lecturer in structural engineering, at the University of Johannesburg, was originally a silent partner but took over the running of the guest house with his mother, Drienie, when the business partner who originally ran the place settled overseas.
When he is not keeping a beady eye on the guest house, Pierre is a personal trainer in the well-equipped gym on the premises and he also offers public personal training classes. Health training is a sideline occupation with which he has been involved for some while, having once been a regular trainer at Virgin Active.
In the time Pierre has been running the guest house, it has made use of solar energy and welcomed a borehole for water. He is also justifiably proud of the lovely gardens he has created with assistance from two gardeners he manages.
Silverstone used to have 11 units available but now has nine, varying from double and family-size rooms to self-catering units. All units have a safety deposit box, a private bathroom and their own private entrance. Free onsite parking in the shade of large trees in the sprawling, paved courtyard at the driveway entrance to the premises is another plus.
Each unit at Silverstone has a flat-screen TV with satellite channels; free wifi; a shower; complimentary toiletries; a microwave; a kettle with coffee and tea station; and a desk.
My partner, Gordon, and I occupied Unit 11 which has a cosy, little paved courtyard outside it and allows for self-catering, providing a large fridge, a couch and a fair bit of space. It’s a neat room with ceilings removed to expose white beams and has a modern bathroom, a small kitchen area and a very comfy, queen-sized bed on which a small chocolate, as well as rolled white towels, greeted us on arrival. The unit is serviced daily and towels are replaced daily.
Only one small gripe – there was no tumbler at the handbasin, so I made use of a champagne glass from the kitchen to accommodate our toothbrushes.
Pierre points out that he is currently upgrading and repainting rooms – “an ongoing process” – and says that while his guest house might not be the cheapest, he believes the type of service and standard he offers guests is of great value.
“We are a popular overnight destination for guests, en-route to their holiday destination. Our guest house and surroundings are quiet, secure and safe. Guests can be assured of an atmosphere where they can relax after a long day, and may also make use of our swimming pool, fitness centre and gym, as well as our patio area, at any time.”
Pierre is proud of good reviews and feedback he has received from guests that have come from as far away as Alaska, Italy, Sweden, London, Czech Republic, Russia, and North and South America, among other places.
Silverstone has two housekeepers and two gardeners, while Pierre and his mom handle the breakfasts, sometimes with occasional help.
The guesthouse serves a very good, optional breakfast. When we were there this past weekend, the spread included coffee, tea and juice; yoghurt and muesli; and a hearty serving of two eggs, spicy mushrooms, crispy bacon, tomato, toast and chicken sausages. We lapped it up while seated in the cosy diningroom, taking in the view of a paved patio overlooking the lovely gardens and, in the biggest of several trees there, a cute little owl house.
Why is the place called Silverstone Guest House? “It just had a good ring to it,” says Pierre.
The guest house offers a laundry service and fitness classes. Also, for visitors looking to embark on day trips to nearby landmarks, a selection of packed lunches is available.
Braai facilities are available in the grounds and guests are welcome to relax in the attractive, well-established garden.
…THINGS TO KNOW…
Address: 199 Surrey Avenue, Ferndale, Randburg, South Africa
Gautrain Sandton Station is 8.3km from Silverstone Guesthouse; Sandton City mall is 8.4km away; Parkview Golf Club is 8.5km away. Nearest airport is Lanseria International, 22km away.
Phone: +27 11 326 1200
Mobile/WhatsApp: +27 76 022 3263
Accommodation prices:
Single without breakfast: R815 to R890 a night.
Single with breakfast: R935 to R1 010 a night.
Couple without breakfast: R960 to R1 075 a night.
Couple with breakfast: R1 200 to R1 315 a night.
Note: Prices are less per night for a two-night-or-more stay and a seven-night-or-more stay. There are also long-stay options from R240 to R275 per day.
Groups – Silverstone Guesthouse can accommodate up to 22 people.
Check in: 2pm to 8pm. Check out: 10am
Late check in: Needs to be arranged prior to arrival.
Breakfast: 7am – 10am (unless otherwise arranged)
….HOUSE RULES….
** Quiet time is 10pm and no loud laughter, swimming or any activities will be allowed.
** Early departure to be arranged with the office at least 24 hours in advance or on check-in.
** Breakfast packs can be arranged and require a 24-hour notice.
** Early breakfast is possible, by arrangement, 24 to 48 hours in advance.
** Dietary requirements should be arranged on booking or 48 hours prior to arrival.
** Gym facilities may be used at own risk and arranged in advance.
Smart TV: 260 TV channels, FM radio channels, unlimited movies and series
Apps available: Youtube, Prime Video, Spotify, Disney+
(apps may be used with guest profiles)
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.....SoSuterBill..... 