Heritage & History

Diggers Retreat Hotel keeps gold rush spirit alive

The Diggers Retreat Hotel on the R38 offers more than just a place to stay, it’s a living link to Barberton’s gold rush past.

The proprietor of Diggers Retreat Hotel, Mark Sealy, in the bar area with many interesting paraphernalia on display. Photo: Lynette Spencer.

Nestled along the winding R38 route between Kaapmuiden and Barberton, the Diggers Retreat Hotel stands as a reminder of the days when hopeful gold diggers braved the rugged terrain in search of fortune.

The Road House Hotel what it looked like around 1935.

Once known as the Road House Hotel, and later the 'Noord Kaap Hotel en Winkel', then the Bougainvillea Hotel, which many of the older residents in Barberton will still remember, this historic landmark continues to offer rest and refreshment to modern-day travellers.

'NoordKaap Hotel en Winkel' was the next name change.

The hotel is situated at the foot of Ezzey’s Pass, a twisting 10-kilometre stretch of road with 23 bends that once formed part of the old transport route between the interior and Delagoa Bay. In the days of ox wagons and stagecoaches, the route was a lifeline for those journeying to the Barberton goldfields. Diggers Retreat was a natural stopover, a place to rest weary horses and gather strength before tackling the steep climb over the pass.

A 'koekepan' that is seen at the entrance gate to the hotel.

An example of a newspaper that was published in the early days.

According to sources, the hotel earned its name, Road House Hotel, from the transient community of prospectors who passed through. Some stayed only a night, while others lingered longer, their dreams of striking gold still ahead of them. While the gold rush has long since passed, the spirit of adventure remains.

The front entrance of Diggers Retreat Hotel as its looks like today.

The hotel's interior offers a surprising artistic touch. In the bar area, as well as some other rooms in the dining area, a monochrome frieze painted by an artist known as Genal still decorates the wall, depicting scenes inspired by his travels. Another more colourful frieze by the same artist can be found in the hotel's office. These artworks lend the hotel a unique charm and preserve a piece of local creative history.

Some of the frieze's painted by Genal against of the wall of a room in the dining area.

In the garden outside in front of the hotel use to stand a haunting reminder of the area’s frontier past, the so-called ‘Hanging Tree’. As the story goes, it was used by vigilante mobs to deal with horse thieves and claim jumpers. Unfortunately, the tree perished and died when a wall was erected next to it in the early 2000s. Many also said that it was impossible to hang someone from this tree as the branches were way to low and only short people could be hung here.

Whether the tales are folklore or fact, they add a dramatic layer to the hotel’s heritage.

Today, the proprietor of the Diggers Retreat Hotel is Mark Sealy and it offers a range of amenities, including accommodation, a restaurant and bar, conference facilities, and even fishing opportunities. Mark bought the hotel back in 2006. “I think the name changed to Diggers Retreat around 1999 by Vic Nealson who was then the owner,“ Mark said.

Guests can choose from chalets, standard rooms, dormitories, or camping spots. Homemade pies and hearty meals are served in the dining area, while a pool table and gym ensure that relaxation is never far away.

Unfortunately, the story of Diggers Retreat being known as a hotel changed when COVID hit the world in 2020. It had to close and when the local mines came with an offer to use the hotel for its security staff and reps, Mark grabbed the opportunity to still be able to keep the hotel open.

Although it still takes in guests, and is open for breakfast, lunch or dinner if you contact him beforehand, it is not open for the general public and the bar area is only used by the residents staying over in the hotel. Many changes and renovations has been made since 2020 and it now boasts a huge entertainment area for functions or conferences and weddings. Again, only available on prior arrangement with Mark.

The entertainment area with a huge lapa for events such as conferences or weddings and (right) a big area where children can play.

The hotel also has a pool where guests can cool down in as well as an open entertainment area.

The lounge area where guests can sit and read or watch TV.

The pool room with its interesting decorations collected and donated over the years.

Located just outside the Barberton municipal boundary, the hotel plays a subtle but important role in connecting the De Kaap Valley to its gold rush roots. For those interested in history, travel, or simply escaping the city, Diggers Retreat offers both a destination and a story worth hearing.

For more information on Diggers Retreat and its offerings visit their website or contact Mark on +27 72 210 8570.