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Huntingdon House
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Huntingdon House
Overview of Huntingdon House
Malawi, Blantyre
With a history dating back to the 1890s, the Satemwa Tea Estate, which grows some of Malawi's finest teas and coffees, is the location of elegant Huntingdon House. Originally built for the owners, today it is a 5-bedroom study in gracious living that attracts honeymooners, couples and the adventurous who are looking to explore the beautiful Shire Highlands. Guests stay in the owner's original rooms, which have all the trappings of the past: high ceilings, antique furniture and paintings, 4-poster beds and views over the manicured lawns. There is also a self-contained cottage on the grounds for those who would like to experience typical farm living.
While the atmosphere may be peaceful, there is plenty of activity at Huntingdon House. Mountain bikers can use the estate's eight bikes to tackle the dirt road and track, while hikers can don their boots and wend their way through 170km of paths – the fitter may want to take on nearby Mount Mulanje which, at 3 000m, is the third highest free-standing peak in Africa. Refuel en route with a picnic packed by Huntingdon staff. Birders will enjoy guided walks in search of the endangered Thyolo Alethe, while the lawns give themselves over to leisurely games of croquet and boules. At the neighbouring Thyolo Sports Club, built on land donated by Satemwa Tea Estate, you can take your pick of nine holes on the undulating greens, swimming or tennis.
The highlight at Huntingdon House is, of course, understanding the tea-making process from green bud to refreshing cuppa. Take a tour of the emerald-green fields before savouring high tea – with old-fashioned scones, cakes and sandwiches – on the cool, wide terrace or under the dappled shade of a decades-old tree in the garden.
Highlights & Activities
What's on offer whilst on this itinerary?
Biking
Bird watching
Day tours
Golf
Rooms at Huntingdon House
Unwind and relax, in your own private luxury
The Nursery Room
Spacious and infused with golden light filtering through bay windows, the Nursery can be configured to accommodate twin beds or a king-sized bed. Because it is situated at the far end of the house, peace and quiet are all-but guaranteed.
Planters Suite
Used originally to host visitors to the estate, Planter’s Suite is a favourite with families, with its two rooms now boasting glass-panelled doors which open onto the option of an added lounge or bedroom, and a small private patio overlooking the grounds. It sleeps four under its very high ceilings.
Mothers Room
A gentleness pervades this light, airy room with its high ceilings, king-sized bed and private sitting area. Plus, on a chilly evening, the comfort of a fireplace in both bedroom and bathroom creates a particularly romantic air that is savoured by couples and honeymooners alike.
Fathers Room
With a wrap-around patio or ‘khonde’ and old-school ceiling fan, Father’s Room is distinctly masculine, and remains a firm favourite with returning guests. Enjoy a morning cup of tea while watching the gardens come to life with birdsong.
General Facilities
You are welcome to do as much, or as little, as you choose. Relax after breakfast in the comfort of Huntingdon House's manicured gardens with a book from the library before taking a stroll through Satemwa Estate's tea fields. Uncover the mysteries and business of tea, from planting through harvesting and production, and end on a tasting: relax and enjoy a rare white tea, comparing its light and delicate flavour to that of green, and savour the difference.
If you prefer working up an appetite, choose between mountain biking, hiking, golf, tennis, swimming, boules or croquet. In the evening, rejuvenate next to the log-burning fire in the sitting room with a last nightcap.
Restaurant
Dining
A small team of dedicated staff produce full-course meals with menus that change daily to suit the weather, your personal preferences and the availability of seasonal ingredients, with each meal comprising garden-fresh ingredients sourced locally, like organic milk from the estate’s dairy herd and honey from a nearby bee project. Take breakfast on the patio, lunch in the gardens, then enjoy a Thyolo mountain picnic or take high tea on the veranda. Dine in the formal dining room off snowy tablecloths laden with fresh flowers under the soft glow of candlelight or in a secret courtyard nook…
Expert Opinion
We know because we go
Liesel van Zyl
Head of Positive Impact and Product Development
Staying at Huntingdon House feels like stepping back in time — a beautiful old farmhouse with wide verandas and sweeping views across rolling tea fields. With just five suites, it's wonderfully private and unhurried. It's not overstaffed or overly polished, and that's precisely its charm; the atmosphere feels genuine and relaxed. One of my favourite moments was watching the tea fields at sunrise as the harvesters moved in neat rows with baskets on their backs as mist lifted over the estate. It's incredibly beautiful and gives you a sense of place and history.
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Traveller Reviews
RC
Ramona Cilliers
employee
Absorb the tranquil countryside atmosphere whilst sampling some of Malawi’s best tea and coffee grown locally. Intimate and comfortable Hungtington House is a charm offering and typical friendly Malawian hospitality. Travel back in time and discover Malawi’s rich history at this exquisite country estate.