Bardolino: A beacon of transformation in the Lowveld
Artists can now meditate, instruct and work in one self-sustainable place.
MBOMBELA-Tucked away on the Hermansburg road within a grand old garden is a collection of old farm buildings, revamped into houses and studios occupied by artists and otherwise interesting people. The Spanish architecture on the two hectare estate will let you feel like you have been swept away into another world.
This is Bardolino Artists Retreat. The purpose of the retreat is to create a space for artists from all walks of life to live and work in one environment, Bardolino promotes a conscious, sustainable lifestyle, and to share the space with visitors who want to express their creativity.
Landlord Jennifer Schormann’s grandfather bought the farm in 1960. “He fell in love with the Lowveld after moving to the area in 1910 to work as station master at Elandshoek,” says Jennifer. “My parents took it over after returning from a year in Europe and named the farm “Bardolino” after a village they enjoyed in Italy. They ran it as a successful commercial farm for 40 years.” Bardolino is now Jennifer’s dream come true and their legacy.
“People told me I was crazy to live alone as a single woman on a farm. It’s too dangerous,” says Jennifer, “so I gathered a community of like-minded people to share my dream and space.” Residents of Bordelino have developed a vegetable garden from which they can further teach visitors about sustainable living, because according to Schormann, “it’s the way of the future”.
Today Bardolino has a colourful array of tenants, including visual artists, musicians, dancers, an actor, a DJ and an author and poet, who run the ongoing classes and workshops, on the property and in surrounding communities.
With unique venues scattered around the property, like the DJ school, photography studio, dance studio, outdoor theatre, art studio, healing circle, lecture rooms and other outdoor spaces, everyone is able to find their own corner to inspire others and share their knowledge.
Bardolino focuses on holistic living and hosts a regular meditation group and personal growth workshops. Holistic healers can use
the therapy rooms on a “rent a room” basis for their existing clients.
The future of Bardolino is bright, with a school for special needs learners opening in the new year, as well as a wedding venue, an upgraded healing center, and new studios for visual artists. With an exciting program of festivals, workshops and ongoing courses this farm strives to become a beacon of transformation for many years to come.
