02 WHISPERING WOODS
HOTEL DESIGN
THE STORY
I chose the Hogsback Forest, in the Eastern Cape as the location for my hotel. Hogsback is a small village high up in the Amatola Mountain Range. There are multiple waterfalls, hiking trails, and ancient trees in the area. The landscape has a mystical enchant, and has even been dubbed ‘where the fairies live’ - this inspired my concept (Hogsback.info, 2024)
I had the goal of creating an enchanted getaway, where South Africans could be removed from their everyday fast paced lives, and be transported into another word in this forest hideaway. A place to connect with the beauty of nature.
My concept was to create a cottage style inn hidden within the thick of the forest, inspired by the cottages found in fairy tales.
I have created a boutique inn, with a main house consisting of a reception and waiting area, a bar with casual seating, and a lounge. The main house has a spiral staircase leading up to the main dining area. Pathways through the forest lead to five standard cottage rooms, and two exclusive suites.
The Whispering Woods Inn is an escape from reality and a journey through a simpler world, filled with the essence of the magic of the forest.