A charming four star bed and breakfast located in Bloemfontein. The name was made u
p by the owners: a combination of looking at a clump of reeds and the listening to the birds sing and the result was Liedjiesbos (bush of songs)
Liedjiesbos was an old shed that was, with the assistance of renowned Bloemfontein architects, transformed into a modern home with authentic old world elements. Dawie has been the owner of the property of 4.6 hectare for the last 15 year and approximately four years ago decided to develop the property as it stands today. They have four guestrooms, some with private en-suite bathrooms and some with open in-room bathrooms, thus if privacy is an issue, be sure to mention that when making a reservation. Rooms are equipped with all the standard amenities and with fresh flowers on arrival.
Liedjiesbos has a beautiful, interesting interior, minimalistic but with loads of character. Henning de Bruin, with a background in hospitality management and Dawie Human, a horticulturist by profession, are avid travellers and have added their personal artefact collection from around the globe. Together with Lili, the ridgeback and two Italian Greyhounds, L’Aria (wind in Italian) & Moya (wind in Sotho) they make quite a team. 
Liedjiesbos provides tasty home cooked dinners (two or three course) and have a good selection of wines We enjoyed a scrumpteous portion of bobotie, cous-cous, root vegatables and a green salad with feta and papino. Dessert was a malva pudding with cream and preserved quince, a popular South African delicacy. The owners do the cooking themselves and prepare the dishes which they enjoy themselves. With no formal chef training, but a keen interest and love for cooking, they consistently offer menus that appeals to their guests. Their attention to detail is reflected in the beautifully plated meals adorned with organic herbs & greens from their own garden.
Liedjiesbos do private functions for up to 30 pax, preferably at the custom designed long table on the patio with an interesting ‘driftwood’ light adorned with fairy lights, crystals, proteas and aloes. Quite a unique combination, but it works.
The plans for the foreseeable future are to develop a greener environment and adding a few more rooms incorporating a variety of natural elements. They have been working on an indigenous garden for a while and during our visit the yellow arum lilies were beautiful together with a variety of other indigenous scrubs and trees. The main feature a magnificent Paper Bark thorn tree with subtle lighting at night.
As the sun sets after a hot summer day it turned into a chilly evening with a star studded sky. Although I very rarely enjoy a hot drink the lemon verbena and honey tea was delicious. Together with the relaxing French, Cesaria Evora et al music, there is a tranquillity at Liedjiesbos that is second to none.
Rates are R980 for a double room, bed & breakfast.
For more information visit www.liedjiesbos.co.za 083 282 5701, Liedjiesbos@gmail.com 13 Frans Kleynhans Road, Groenvlei
Photos courtesy of Carla Rossouw
Contact Carla on +27 (0) 82 453 8223 or carla@carlarossouw.com for your next leisure or corporate booking.