LA-ROCHELLE COUNTRY HOUSE : FROM ARISTOCRATIC RETREAT TO HERITAGE HAVEN

Amidst the verdant splendour of Zimbabwe’s Eastern Highlands lies La-Rochelle Country House, a property whose history is as rich and enchanting as its famed botanical gardens. Built between 1951 and 1953, this magnificent estate was originally conceived as the retirement haven for one of the 20th century’s most philanthropic and artistic couples: Sir Stephen and Lady Virginia Courtauld.

Known for their lavish hospitality and passionate love of art and gardening, the Courtaulds settled in what was then Rhodesia and poured their considerable wealth and aesthetic sensibility into creating a masterpiece. The architecture, reportedly inspired by Sir Stephen’s French Huguenot ancestry and designed for grand-scale entertainment, quickly established La-Rochelle as a beacon for high society. The house became a magnet for international dignitaries, artists, and politicians, many of whom were famously invited to engrave their signatures on the main windows—a fascinating record of the estate’s illustrious past that guests can still view today.

The true crowning glory of La-Rochelle is its extensive Botanical Garden. Driven by the couple’s shared passion, the gardens were planned with the help of British horticulturist John Henry Mitchell. The estate boasts one of Southern Africa’s finest arboretums, featuring some 300 varieties of trees from around the world, alongside a dazzling rose garden and unique aloe and cycad collections.

Crucially, Sir Stephen’s particular zeal for orchids led to the establishment of the prestigious Courtauld Orchid collection, housed in a specially designed greenhouse surrounded by ponds and streams to mimic rainforest conditions. This living heritage remains one of La-Rochelle’s greatest treasures, maintained under the stewardship of the National Trust of Zimbabwe (NTZ). Following Sir Stephen’s death in 1967 and Lady Virginia’s move, the entire estate was generously bequeathed to the NTZ, securing its natural and cultural preservation for the nation.

Today, La-Rochelle has been beautifully transformed into a welcoming Country House and Spa. The restoration has successfully balanced its Art Deco elegance and historic charm with the needs of a modern boutique hotel. Guests can stay in beautifully appointed, individually designed suites in the historic Courtauld House or secluded cottages, experiencing the quiet luxury the original owners intended.

In addition to offering luxury accommodation and a tranquil spa, La-Rochelle serves as a dynamic heritage and eco-tourism centre. It remains a hub for birdwatching, nature trails, and educational tours, drawing special interest groups like the Orchid and Tree Societies. Whether for a peaceful country escape, a romantic wedding, or a plunge into living history, La-Rochelle Country House in Penhalonga continues to stand as a powerful symbol of preservation, philanthropy, and natural beauty.