Arminel Self-Catering Cottages

The Arminel is Hogsback’s garden classic — the Main Road address that has anchored village life for a century, now operating under the Kat Leisure group with garden self-catering cottages at 18 Main Road. It suits people who want their Hogsback with gardens, history and a fireside, rather than off-grid seclusion.

(Comparing your options? The full accommodation guide covers every type of stay.)

A genuinely historic stay

Most “historic” claims in tourism are wallpaper. The Arminel’s are in the village memoirs:

  • Rev. Lister’s Echoes from the Past records that when the new road opened Hogsback to visitors, the first of the new hotels was Arminel — built “in most beautiful surroundings” by R.H. O’D Hoskyn. Hoskyn also opened the roadside shop, the Handy Log Cabin, which became the village’s living room.
  • Margaret Ballantyne’s memoir Hogsback our Haven tells the other half: Hettie Hoskyn built Arminel up from a single family rondavel — which grew into the first block on the main Terrace — while running the slab-built shop and raising three sons. Ballantyne calls her “a truly remarkable woman”, and records that Betty Henderson’s wedding was held at Arminel on 28 December 1938, with Hettie doing all the baking herself on top of a full Christmas house.
  • The 1979 holiday guide lists “Arminel Mountain Lodge — established in the 1920s”, then advertising its “comfortable rondavel-style” accommodation and the “personal attention for which we at Arminel have long been noted”.

Location and setting

Right on Main Road at number 18, in the middle of village life — you’re walking distance from the shops rather than up a forest lane. The property is known for its gardens and terraced grounds.

Walks nearby: the Oak Avenue Gate — the village’s main trail starting point, with stone pillars opposite the Village Green — is the best nearby option for guests on foot. The Arboretum and 39 Steps waterfall begin there, and longer forest walks branch off from it.

What staying there is like

The Arminel offers garden self-catering cottages on the property.

Good to know before booking: this page covers the Arminel self-catering cottages only. Hotel rooms and dining at the Arminel aren’t something we can currently confirm — check directly with the property before booking.

Practical details

  • Type: self-catering cottages (Kat Leisure group)
  • Address: 18 Main Road, Hogsback 5721
  • Contact: 045 962 1005 · arminel@katleisure.co.za · katleisure.co.za

Plan the rest of the trip

  • Want the full backstory of the village the Arminel grew up with? Read the history of Hogsback.
  • Cottage-with-a-kitchen mood instead? See self-catering in Hogsback.
  • The village’s other tables are in the restaurants guide.
  • Back to the full accommodation guide.

Community-verified: operating details from public listings and local records as at August 2026 — always confirm directly with the property before travelling.