Before becoming guesthouse owners, Hobby and Steffi spent many years running a game farm focused on tourism and hunting. When it was time for a change, the idea of running a guesthouse felt like a natural fit.

“We looked at many guesthouses, but Cornerstone became our benchmark,” says Hobby. “It had everything we were looking for – location, charm and character. We knew this was the one.”

One of the first improvements Hobby and Steffi made to the guesthouse was adding a splash of colour to the garden. “It was all green before, which was nice, but we introduced flowers to bring more vibrancy,” says Steffi. “We wanted the outdoor space to feel as welcoming as the interior.” They also added bird feeders which have since attracted a variety of delightful birdlife, making the garden an even more charming and enjoyable place to relax.

Hobby and Steffi wanted to preserve the essence of the guesthouse while adding their own personal style and vision. The changes they made were subtle yet impactful: a revamped breakfast buffet, a state-of-the-art coffee machine and thoughtful touches like makeup towels and candles on outdoor tables, which Steffi knew guests would appreciate. “Guests always value those small details, so we made sure to include them here,” she says.

Sustainability was also a key focus, so the couple introduced both small and large changes, such as eliminating single- use plastic butter packets to reduce waste and investing in a 24-kilowatt solar panel system to improve energy efficiency and make the guesthouse more environmentally friendly.