Augustine Ave Guest House  Verified Listing

Spend some quiet time meditating in our peaceful garden after a busy day exploring the battlefields in the history rich area of Ladysmith, or sip a sundowner while reliving your experiences. Augustine Avenue Bed and Breakfast is situated in a tranquil area of Ladysmith. Our beautifully decorated rooms offer air conditioning, fridge and television.

Resting in the foothills of the mighty Drakensberg on the quiet open flood plains of the tempestuous Klip River lies Ladysmith and its small neigbouring towns of Colenso and Van Reenen. In the past century and a half, these places have witnessed various struggles and are surrounded by the mysteries and ghosts of times gone by. Screams of man and beast, gunfire and clanking metal invaded the tranquility, setting the course for the birth of a new South Africa. Ladysmith and Colenso are historic and cultural gems, offering unique, different and refreshing experiences. Ladysmith and Colenso claim to fame has always been a rich historic heritage with literally hundreds of historical sites. A vibrant and friendly town, Ladysmith, is the capital of the Uthukela District and home of world famous superstars, Ladysmith Black Mambazo. A visit to our area is not complete without a stopover at the Siege Museum and Cultural Centre in Ladysmith, which houses stunning exhibitions on Ladysmith Black Mambazo and the Drakensberg Boys Choir. A must see in Colenso is the R E Stevenson Museum, St Henrys Catholic Church and several Military Cemeteries close by as well as the site where the British Army suffered a humiliating defeat when they lost 10 of their 12 guns to the Boer forces during the Battle of Colenso. The spot where Churchill was captured is only a short distance from Colenso. The village of Van Reenen is probably famous for its treacherous pass and has several charming attractions such as the Little Church and the Green Lantern Inn. The village of Van Reenen is probably famous for its treacherous pass and has several charming attractions such as the Little Church and the Green Lantern Inn.

In 1849 the town was a well adapted village, and on 20 June 1850 it was officially proclaimed a township. It was named after the Spanish wife of Sir Harry Smith , Lady Juana Maria de los Dolores de Leon. The railway was established in 1886 making Ladysmith an important stopover between the Witwatersrand and Durban harbour. October 1899 marked the beginning of the Anglo Boer War. Ladysmith was to be the key point in the struggle for Natal. For 118 days Boer forces besieged the town. The siege plunged Ladysmith into newspaper headlines worldwide. General George White VC was in command of the British forces in Ladysmith. Water supplies and communication lines were cut, health conditions deteriorated rapidly causing many deaths, mainly as a result of enteric fever and other diseases.


Garden
Historical site/museum close by
Private Entrance
Courtyard
Bird watching