Huntingdon House

Situated on the family-run Satemwa Tea Estate, Huntingdon House is a rustic, yet charming old colonial house in the south of Malawi.

Approximately a 1.5-hour drive from Chileka International Airport, this beautiful estate with rolling hills is a great addition to your authentic Malawi travel experience. In the early 1920s, owner Maclean Kay decided not to return to his homeland, Scotland, after he laid his eyes on what is now Satemwa Tea Estate. Over 100 years later, the house – alive with history – is still run by his family.

Discover a unique and personal experience, with insight into what life on an African tea estate is really like, before embarking on a tantalising tea tasting tour. It’s a unique experience that should be on the radar of all families and couples.

Accommodation

Huntingdon House has five unique suites in their main house.

Mother’s Room is a light, airy space with high ceilings and fireplaces that create a gentle ambience. Chip Cathcart Kay's mother regularly stay here; should you meet him, listen to some of his wonderful stories about how this area of the house was strictly "off-limits" for children.

Planters’ Suite was originally used to host the estate’s visitors. Now it boasts a small private patio overlooking the lush gardens as well as a full en suite bathroom, ready for you to enjoy. If you’re visiting with family, the suite can comfortably accommodate four during your stay.

The Chapel is a vast area perfect for a honeymoon or romantic couples’ getaway. When checking in, you’ll notice the six-metre-high ceilings and specially made double wooden doors. Not only that, but there’s also a specially designed king size bed which provides a dreamy nights’ sleep.

Father’s Room was once Maclean Kay’s, a distinctively masculine spot with a wrap-around khonde (patio). Wake up with a steaming cup of Satemwa tea while watching the gardens spring to life with marvellous birds and glorious sun. It’s even perfect for dinner at night, when the moon is full.

The Nursery combines warm colours of the furnishings with glowing light from the bay windows to create a comforting atmosphere. It was once the room of Chip Cathcart Kay and his sister, Juliet, when they were growing up as children. Now it serves as a wonderful room for your Malawi adventures.

Restaurants and Bars

Tuck into a wonderful meal that bursts with unique and complementing flavours, made using local produce like fresh milk and cream from the estate’s dairy herd.

Inside the kitchen, the chef cooks and bakes a variety of delicious culinary delights; menus change daily to suite the weather and Satemwa’s teas and coffee are introduced in new and inventive ways. Not only that, but you can even savour tea and coffee cocktails with freshly baked cakes. Afternoon tea, with fresh scones, cake, sandwiches and biscuits, is also a wonderful experience you must try.

If you’re not staying, you’re still welcome to enjoy lunch or afternoon tea in the garden – just make sure you book in advance as only a limited number of outside guests can be accommodated.

Activities and Entertainment

Tea Tasting

Discover the estate’s selection of titillating tea flavours, including white, green, black, oolong and other Satemwa specialties. This unmissable experience will let you in on the full tea-making process at Satemwa, from planting to harvesting and production – all while you treat your taste buds.

Mountain Biking

Explore endless dirt roads and tracks uphill and downhill on a thrilling mountain bike experience. Choose your trail and length of time, then ride to your heart’s content.

Coffee Tour

Walk through the wild, open and spectacularly set Satemwa coffee fields. This incredible tour highlights every activity the estate has going on at your time of visiting and gives you the opportunity to learn about coffee growing process – the main harvesting season taking place May to late August.

Hiking

Whether it’s a leisurely stroll to one of the streams or meandering through the coffee fields, the 105 miles of dirt roads and hundreds of paths are perfect for hiking.

Birdwatching

Spot a variety of Malawi's diverse birdlife, including the little-known species of Africa’s disappearing montane evergreen forests, the Thyolo alethe. This ornithologists' paradise has seen an increase in the animals over the last few years, which you can watch while being led by an expert guide.

Mt Mulanje Tour

An imposing mountain rising to almost 10,000ft, Mt Mulanje towers over the surrounding vicinity. From the estate, you can embark on a one hour, 30-minute hike and conquer it during your visit.

Sporting

Why not help yourself to the various lawn games at the house? Play croquet or badminton whenever you want before heading to the Thyolo Sports Club, situated on grounds donated by the estate. There’s a nine-hole golf course, swimming pool, tennis and other activities available for a daily fee.

Sustainable/Responsible Travel Initiatives

Satemwa has an extensive Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programme supporting a number of projects associated with the estate. The employees are free to enjoy competitive football on the football pitch while Satemwa Primary School provides education to around 900 pupils, in partnership with the Malawi Government. On top of this, the estate’s CSR programme has made addressing the extensive deforestation of Malawi a main priority to address. As a result, they regularly plant trees on Satemwa and staff members implement more efficient forms of energy for cooking and heating.

Facilities

• Children of all ages welcome
• Standing fans
• Swimming pool
• Wi-Fi (intermittently)