It has been a cosy winter-time hideaway for many visitors to Hogsback, but the Kings Lodge Hotel there is now up for sale.

The hotel, which can accommodate up to 54 guests, is situated on 10 hectares in the mountains. It is being advertised by R&N Fowler properties for R7,5-million.

Owner Neil Reynolds said he had decided to sell as he was "homesick" and was relocating to Cape Town.

"We've decided to sell, but we are going to take some time. It's going to be a slow process," Reynolds said.

He said he had already bought property in Cape Town and would continue in the tourism market there, this time as a tour guide.

Reynolds said he had been involved with the hotel for five years and had built it up to be the again-popular retreat it is today. "It's a lovely lodge and Hogsback is a lovely place.

"We have built this place up from practically nothing and it is doing very well.

"We have lots of tours that come here, and it's popular as a wedding venue as well."

The hotel is situated in the forests of the Amatola mountains, and includes the main building and guest cottages set in beautiful gardens.

Eastern Province Herald