The border town of Penhalonga is home to one of Zimbabwe’s best-kept secrets: La Rochelle, a magical cross twixt fairy tale castle and French chateau.

This beautiful destination, near Penhalonga, Mutare, with its recently restored buildings and re-laid gardens, is the ideal country breakaway and is less than three hours from Harare on newly paved roads. Originally the home of Sir Stephen and Lady Virginia Courtauld, this historic Country House is owned by the National Trust of Zimbabwe and boasts one of the finest arboretums in Southern Africa with some 800 varieties of trees from around the world. The La Rochelle Country House and Spa boasts luxury accommodation, great seasonal food and wines as well as a wide range of activities for every member of the family.