Phil and Sue Fenwick built the Lodge in 1997 and have been operating it since. They have two daughters, Julienne (24) who is a 5th year medical school student at the University of Stellenbosch and Chelsea (21) who is working at the Lodge after completing her Tourism Studies at Stellenbosch with excellent results.

Phil is an ex-South African Airforce helicopter pilot and earned several important medals as a pilot. He also has many interesting stories to tell about his days in the SAAF. He retired in 1997 as Lt Col, 2 nd in command of the only Test Flight and Development Centre in Africa, situated in close by Arniston.

Sue is an experienced journalist who also sold real estate for many years. Food is her passion and hobby and she cooks with pure enjoyment for her guests. The food served at the lodge is a clear reflection of local produce with the emphasis on fresh fish bought daily from the Struisbaai harbour. The style is traditional South African without being too heavy or rich.

The Lodge, although a new building, was constructed from old Oregon pine windows and doors which the Fenwicks bought at an auction after an old asbestos mine in the Kalahari was demolished. The mine was built in 1888 and went out of commission in 1977. The passage windows originate from the Koegas prison and the bar counter was in fact the town’s bank counter. An hotel close to the mine with the unlikely name of “Draghoender”, provided old timber lintels, doors and windows. It was built in 1912 and became derelict when the mine closed down. All in all, combining old and new has created an unusual atmosphere which blends well with the stark natural surroundings of the area.

Our eldest daughter Julienne, is a final year medical student at the University of Stellenbosch – good luck for the last stretch Jules!   Your parents are really looking forward to life after university!