Self catering holiday accommodation, cheap accommodation, budget accommodation

Your Hosts @ ASCOT GARDENS - Barry and Lesley Edkins, 8 Eksteen Avenue, Bergvliet

Born in the Baby Boomer decade (post 2nd World War) both hosts are originally from Johannesburg where they completed their schooling.
A shipboard romance on the Cape Town Castle when sailing from Cape Town to England in 1967 led to the couple marrying in 1969 and settling down first in Durban until 1972 and from where they then spent 5 years in Zimbabwe, living in both Bulawayo and Harare.

Barry’s work in the Clothing Industry led to a move to Cape Town in 1977 and the purchase of the original ASCOT HOUSE, 6 EKSTEEN AVENUE, BERGVLIET in 1979.

In 1996, when their 3 children Grant, Scott and Angie finally left home, Ascot House was subdivided into 3 separate private self catering suites and the ASCOT GARDENS self catering venture was born.

In 2001, a property at the back of Ascot House was purchased and rebuilt and opened for guests in December 2001 as ASCOT LODGE, 17 JEFFCOAT AVENUE, also offering 3 private self catering suites.

NOVEMBER 2004 marked the opening of another adjoining property ASCOT VILLA, 30 HIDDINGH ROAD, a 4 star luxury house that sleeps 11 or can be utilised as 3 separate private self catering suites.

ASCOT MEWS, 28 HIDDINGH ROAD, was opened to guests in July 2005. Conversion from offices to 3 private self catering suites was completed and offers guests luxury accommodation up to 9 guests.

Since the closure of Barrys clothing factory in October 2005, Barry has been assisting Lesley with the management of ASCOT GARDENS.

At ASCOT GARDENS, Barry is responsible for marketing, reservations, payments and maintenance;and for ensuring that the money trees continually bear fruit which then enables Lesley to present our guests with immaculate and stunning gardens throughout the year, and accommodation considered the best value for money self catering accommodation in the Constantia Valley

Barry is a keen golfer, and also a partner with son Scott, in Ascot Tours specialising in Golf Tours, hotel accommodation, safaris, car hire and travel throughout Southern Africa.

Barry is a lover of good red wine, and his occasional over indulgence has often spoilt a good Thai or fish barbeque meal that he has prepared for his invited friends or ASCOT GARDENS guests.

Lesley is a workaholic and when she is not working personally in the garden, oversees Michael, the gardener, Mary the maid, and house keeping. Lesley is responsible for your general well being during your stay, local information of where to shop and visit, suggestions of good value local restaurants, daily weather predictions and forecasts, as well as explaining and naming every one of her gardens hundreds of plants, shrubs and flowers to her Ascot Gardens guests and visitors. She is always willing to assist fellow gardeners with advice.

Ascot Gardens often has open days and the money raised is donated to worthy charity.

Lesley is a member of 2 garden clubs, a book club, and supporter, fund raiser and helper for Little Angels and Habitat for Humanity, the two charities she has adopted.

Now a grandmother for the sixth time, one wonders how Lesley manages to cope, but she does, especially when she kicks Barry's butt out of bed in the morning and gets him to help her with her many responsibilities!

To see guests comments of Lesley and Barrys hospitality please click on guest book.