The story of La Rochelle is not merely one of architecture and hospitality; it is a botanical love story that began in the 1950s, when Sir Stephen and Lady Virginia Courtauld looked upon the verdant Imbeza Valley and saw what they believed would be their playground for expressing their passion.

To walk through the estate, now operating and managed by the Leard Family as La Rochelle Country House and Spa, is to step into what feels like a living museum. Nature, history and art depicting eras long passed collide here, unveiling the story of how a private dream became one of Zimbabwe’s most celebrated botanical treasures.

Spaces to unwind

At La Rochelle Country House and Spa, the art of retreat is elevated by an accommodation offering that is as storied as the gardens themselves. Each of the seven appointed rooms and suites within the historic Courtauld House serves as a sanctuary of Art Deco simplicity, where the yesteryear glamour of the 1920s meets today’s comfort. For those seeking a different perspective of the estate, the West Wing offers five additional rooms, while the “Fantasy” Honeymoon Suite stands as the ultimate romantic escape, tucked away from the main home and overlooking the tranquil gardens.

Whether you choose to emerge from the corridors of the main house or one of the more private, hidden cottages scattered across the grounds, every space is made to invoke the feeling of being “home away from home” in a comfortable setting.

The Spa offering adds to the mix of experiences you can enjoy while on the estate, taking guests through a rewarding treatment of either signature facials, body massages, manicures and pedicures. Nestled under a thatched rounded hut adjacent to the swimming pool, the Spa at La Rochelle is a surprising treat, where certified therapists are on hand to recommend the best options for your restorative body treatment.

The Visionaries of the Imbeza Valley

When the Courtaulds arrived in Penhalonga, they brought with them a simple aesthetic to the build of their home, which now houses rooms that accommodate leisure and business travellers heading into the city of Mutare.  In their day however, their home was viewed by the elite circles as a triumph of Art Deco elegance. With their hearts were in the soil and neighbouring communities, they also envisioned a sanctuary where exotic species from across the globe could thrive alongside the indigenous beauty of the Eastern Highlands.

Their legacy was never intended to be private; they built La Rochelle as a place of beauty for all Zimbabweans to treasure, eventually gifting the estate to the National Trust of Zimbabwe who have long preserved the beauty of the estate.

The Crown Jewel: Sir Stephen’s Orchid Collection

At the heart of La Rochelle’s botanical identity is the orchid. Sir Stephen was an ardent collector, and his devotion birthed a world-renowned collection that continues to expand today. The nurseries are a riot of colour and form, most notably home to the Vanda orchid. These delicate, air-growing wonders are a signature of the estate, requiring a meticulous touch that has been passed down through generations of gardeners.

For the botanical enthusiast, a visit to the orchid houses is a pilgrimage of sorts; a chance to see rare hybrids and species that have been nurtured in this valley for over half a century. Guests staying at La Rochelle Country House and Spa have the unique privilege of requesting a tour with one of the master gardeners, who will take them through the history of the estates before revealing the effort involved in tending to the estate’s pristine gardens.

The Arboretum: A Cathedral of Trees and Terraces

Beyond the manicured lawns lies the Arboretum, a vast, wooded sanctuary that serves as a testament to the Courtaulds’ foresight. Sir Stephen planted a diverse array of trees, creating a shaded labyrinth of walking trails. Today, these trails offer a quiet escape, perfect for morning or evening walks, and where the air is noticeably cooler and the only sound is the rustle of leaves and the call of local birdlife.

A Little Charmer of an Estate

A daytime stroll will have you looking out toward the forest-cloaked mountains, before circling back to a little country house steeped in history, and that offers rest without the frills or luxuries found in more high-end properties across Zimbabwe. For those with a penchant for discovery, you’ll realize that La Rochelle Country House and Spa is more than a hotel. It is a reminder that the most enduring legacies are those that grow. Whether you are wandering through the orchid houses or finding shade under a giant mahogany in the arboretum, you are experiencing a piece of history that is very much alive.