Vision
National Trust with Acumen Africa, a host of consultants and multitude of contributors began this journey in June of 2014, identifying the restoration of the Country House to its former glory, through the renovation of the buildings and rejuvenation and redesign of the gardens, its short term goal.
La Rochelle Country House has been fortunate enough to have a dedicated and talented project management team as well as overwhelming support from friends of La Rochelle, both locally and internationally.
Developments to the estate form the second phase in achieving the vision of La Rochelle Centre. The Virginia Spa is currently being developed within the Courtauld’s original dwelling at La Rochelle which adds to the many other amenities including a swimming pool, billiard room, and a large caravan park, dining room, coffee shop and cocktail bar.
During 2015, a modern Conference/Function hall was built on the foundations of the old Craft Centre. It is hoped that this will become one of Zimbabwe’s leading centres where smaller wedding receptions, conferences and functions take place overlooking the natural magic of the La Rochelle estate.
The orchid house is one of the finest in Africa and there’s a garden nursery filled with exciting plants. The team at La Rochelle are currently working with German herb importers to produce a wide range of organic herbs at La Rochelle and throughout the Imbeza valley.
Further, it is intended to re-establish an agricultural and craft college “Kukwanisa” on the estate, so fulfilling Sir Stephen and Lady Virginia’s vision. Throughout the year it is envisaged that the college will play host to many short courses ranging from management development through to design, art and media, to specialized gardening and catering. This will also include a modern ‘e-learning’ centre which local residents in the valley might utilise for correspondence type learning as is the case with the current primary school.
La Rochelle is great for a peaceful standalone holiday, it is also a fine centre for touring the Eastern Highlands – fishing, hiking, mountain-biking, riding – or as a break driving to or from the Mozambique coast.