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Tafadzwa Zimoyo Lifestyle Writer—
If you are in Harare, what would you do to plan for a weekend getaway or quick holiday when you do not want to go far away from the city? While outdoor activities are popular with most tourists, others prefer to spend their holidays indoors, especially in winter. Now that winter is upon us, many people should be targeting hotels, motels, lodges and inns for their outing.

However, not many are well-versed with inns, which were once popularised in various movies. The history of inns dates back to Biblical times with reference to the birth of Jesus. It is said Mary and Joseph had to be accommodated in a stable because the inns were full.

With the passage of time, trendy inns emerged and the country has various beautiful inns that have attracted local and international tourists.

One of such trendy places is The Grange Inn. Situated in serene northern suburbs in the Grange area, Harare’s plush, The Grange Inn has emerged from being a mere grange facility to become an ideal home away from home, where one can enjoy the chatter of birds, as well as other elements of the environs in an atmosphere that creates an ideal farm set-up.

And true to the definition of the term — the grange is a “large house in the countryside with inn connected to it”. While in the past, some said The Grange Inn used to be a mere house. But now it has been renovated to a place where families can wine, dine and have fun.

“When we converted this facility into an inn, we wanted to give our patrons something unique, appealing and services out of the ordinary. “If you are someone who just wants go out and relax somewhere with the whole family, then there is something on offer in terms of accommodation and en-suite treatment in a way that reminds you either of home or your normal and usual farm set-up,” said Tafadzwa Gunda the owner of the inn.

He added that the concept of The Grange Inn was also tailored in a way that gives kids many options for fun.

“By bringing along your entire family, including the kids, you are actually giving them a first-hand feeling of how it is like to be at an Inn, while enjoying the hospitality and ambience that will be on offer. We have a swimming pool where they can go and pay $2 for the whole day while their parents are either braaing or relaxing,” he said.

He said the area is also booked for private weddings.

“We have self-catering facilities and meals made upon request. We have standard rooms, deluxe and executive or honeymoon suite that offers a walk in closet and double shower. The place is also the ideal destination for birthday parties, meetings, conferences and milestone anniversaries,” he said. Then there is that area of The Grange Inn that was tailor-made for the corporates that might want to spend a day, two or three in workshops and other work-related issues.

“The lounge area is big that you can even host a meeting with your colleagues. As you know, most business meetings, symposiums, workshops, annual general meetings as well strategic planning gatherings require that corporates choose a venue that does not have disturbances.

“They need a venue that ensures their activities and business discussions flow smoothly. That is one of the main reasons why we always strive to keep the identity of our patrons private until they leave for their respective places,” he explained.

He added: “One of our mandates in hospitality, accommodation and catering services is to ensure that executive guests and their families always have the high quality standards they deserve hence the creation of a well-furnished villa.

“Apart from the swimming pools, braai areas, large screens which beam DSTV and other channels, we are proud to say that other technological facilities like Wifi have been installed at the inn and it only takes the click of the button by the patrons to relay and receive information. Security is a high priority.

“With a lot of thieves, robbers and other criminal elements always on the prowl and targeting such lodges which are situated far from the crowd, it is imperative for us to make sure that our patrons and their valuables get no harm and threats in any way.

“Our kitchen churns out some of the best dishes in the world and we are proud of declaring this. “This food can be taken in the dining area which can accommodate many guests, not forgetting something about our well-stocked bar.”

And with winter upon us, one might want to try out the joint with their beloved ones!