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Meet the Heart and Soul of Misverstand

 “When you get into a hotel room, you lock the door, and.you know there is a secrecy, there is a luxury, there is fantasy. There is comfort. There is reassurance.”
- Dian von Furstenberg

Our People

Meet the people behind your unforgettable luxury accommodation escape overlooking South Africa's Vredefort Dome.

Introducing the People Who Define Misverstand

At Misverstand Boutique Farm Lodge, we believe that exceptional luxury accommodation in South Africa is about more than just stunning scenery and lavish amenities. It’s about the people who make your stay truly unforgettable.

As Maya Angelou beautifully put it, “People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”

Our dedicated team are the heart and soul of Misverstand, bringing warmth, expertise, and a genuine passion for hospitality to your getaway, ensuring you leave with cherished memories.

Meet your Hosts

David and Lidia are a husband-and-wife team who share a passion for people, travel, food and the outdoors. Together, their global hospitality experience, enthusiasm and warmth have transformed Misverstand into a haven where guests feel right at home.

Supporting Lidia and David’s vision is a dedicated team who were part of the construction and then renovation team that assisted in making the vision a reality. Misverstand Boutique Farm Lodge is an architectural masterpiece, with spectacular views and artwork. Here you can view an abunadance of game and savour globally influenced meals, Misverstand offers you the opportunity to reconnect with yourself in nature. Quite simply put … an extraordinary escape.

David — Visionary Host and Exceptional Cook

David, your host is a Finance and Chartered Accountant graduate by training who spent his working career firstly at Price Waterhouse and thereafter at the many iterations of the Kersaf investments and Sun International groups of companies. David fulfilled many roles in this regard including as a trainee auditor, audit manager, finance manager and finance director, head of operations including gaming and technology and ultimately Chief Executive of the Sun International group. During this time David spent a large amount of his career on strategic and business building initiatives including creating resorts and gaming destinations in South Africa, Zambia, Nigeria, Egypt and Chile.

David’s passions outside of business and hospitality include cycling, travel, food, and almost anything outdoors. His passion for food shines through at Misverstand, where he is the creative force behind the menus and meals. Drawing on his culinary skills, David carefully crafts dishes that reflect both his global experiences and the farm’s South African roots, making every meal a highlight of the guest experience.

Lidia — Hostess and Guest Relations

Lidia, your hostess, brings a rich and diverse background to Misverstand Boutique Farm Lodge. Having carved out a career that spans politics, auditing, mobile sales, and recruitment, Lidia later became Head of Sales and Marketing at Sun International. Her journey from farm life to the corporate world has given her a unique blend of skills, with a focus on personal connections and making every guest feel truly at home.

Lidia’s love for nature, travel, and cooking shines through in her role at the lodge. Whether she’s guiding guests on scenic sunset drives or assisting David in the kitchen with meal preparation, she is dedicated to ensuring that every experience is warm, welcoming, and thoughtfully tailored to your needs. Her genuine care and attention to detail help make your stay at Misverstand an unforgettable one.

German— Craftsman Behind the Scenes

German, born in Parys is a skilled multi-tasker with a passion for football and pool. He started his career in Johannesburg at an electrical company, then honed his hands-on skills working alongside his family in their air-conditioning and fridge repair business. 

This experience laid the groundwork for his time at Zenith Application Services and gave him the opportunity to broaden his skillset. Most notably, German, a qualified TLB driver was a founding member of the construction team. A testament to his dedication, he continues to be a vital part of the Misverstand team taking care of all maintenance and housekeeping tasks ensuring the lodge and its surroundings are always in top shape.

Abram — Culinary Storyteller

 

Abram, originally from Vredefort, began his career as a gardener and farm assistant before expanding his skills into construction and painting. He joined the Misverstand team during the renovation phase, where his curiosity and eagerness to learn opened the door to a newfound passion for cooking. Abram has since developed a deep interest in food combinations and recipes.

While his main responsibilities lie in maintenance and hospitality, he often finds himself in the kitchen, assisting David in transforming the freshest ingredients into delightful meals. His playful creativity shines through in his unique napkin-folding, adding a personal touch to each dining experience.

With his love for football, music, and continuous learning, Abram is an invaluable member of the Misverstand team, ensuring guests always feel welcome and that the lodge runs smoothly.

Ernest — Loyal Lodge Caretaker

Ernest has been a loyal and dedicated part of David’s family for over 30 years, bringing his wealth of experience and warm presence to Misverstand Boutique Farm Lodge. Though he works part-time, Ernest plays a vital role in maintaining the lodge’s beauty and assisting where needed. His longstanding commitment and deep connection to the family make him an invaluable member of the Misverstand team, always ready to lend a helping hand and contribute to the serene atmosphere that guests cherish.

Axl — Everyone’s Favourite Guest Relations Dog

Axl, a standard Schnauzer was born close to Montague, adapted to lodge life instantaneously. He loves people almost as much as he loves to play with a tennis ball. He welcomes guests at the door and will often weave his way into your heart before you leave.  He plays a vital role in the guest experience ensuring that you feel right at home by resting at your feet and bringing you his ball.

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