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Restoration Projects
At Terra Nova Create, we specialise not only in new builds but also in the sensitive restoration, adaptive reuse and revitalisation of heritage and existing hospitality structures. Each restoration project stands as a testament to our deep understanding of land, culture, architectural integrity, and ecological responsibility. From historic homesteads in the Eastern Cape to iconic island hotels, our interventions preserve the past while future-proofing for sustainable, experiential hospitality.
Restoration projects present unique opportunities to preserve cultural and architectural heritage while aligning with contemporary sustainability standards. At Terra Nova Create, each restoration demonstrates our commitment to place-rooted design, ecological stewardship, and meaningful guest experience, and reinforces our reputation as leaders in conservation-led hospitality development.
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Founders Lodge by Mantis
Founders Lodge is a restored heritage manor house and boutique safari lodge, originally the family home of conservation pioneer Adrian Gardiner. Set on a private concession adjacent to Shamwari Game Reserve, this lodge has been sensitively refurbished to offer intimate, luxury safari experiences while honouring its architectural and cultural legacy.
Key Features and Project Scope:
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Adaptive reuse of a 1940s manor house into a luxury lodge
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Integration of historical spaces with modern comfort and sustainability
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Guest facilities including lounge, dining areas, outdoor terrace, pools, library and museum space showcasing heritage artefacts
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Tailored game drive and nature walk experiences on adjacent reserve
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Rhino and wildlife conservation narrative embedded in guest journey
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Location
Adjacent Shamwari, Eastern Cape, South Africa
7 luxury suites + Exclusive Use Railway Carriage
Keys
Facilities
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Main lodge with 7 individually styled suites.
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Exclusive-use Founders Railway Carriage atop scenic hill.
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Two outdoor swimming pools, gym, steam room, billiards room, bar and lounge, library and museum/curio shop.
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Boma and terrace dining areas.
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Game drives (Big Five) on adjacent reserve & guided nature walks.
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Rhino monitoring experiences & Bear Grylls Survival Academy for kids.
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Sustainability infrastructure - solar power, rainwater harvesting, eco-waste management systems
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Rewilding & restoration initiatives with rehabilitated land
Terra Nova Services
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Heritage assessment & restoration strategy
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Site planning and guest experience design
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Conservation-focused narrative integration
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Adaptive reuse project delivery and procurement
Project Collaborators
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MI Designs
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MEL Entertainment
Image Gallery
Mantis St Helena
Mantis St Helena occupies beautifully restored East India Company officers’ barracks dating back to 1774, located in Jamestown on one of the world’s most remote islands. The project preserved the historic fabric and cultural significance of the original buildings while creating a distinctive contemporary hospitality offering that celebrates both place and heritage.
Key Features and Project Scope:
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Adaptive reuse of 18th-century officers’ barracks into boutique hotel
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Preservation of heritage architectural elements while integrating modern comforts
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Facilities including restaurant, bar, lounges, terraces and heritage-inspired public spaces
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Planning and design that reinforces local cultural narrative and island identity
Location
Jamestown, St Helena Island
30 keys
Keys
Facilities
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Social hub for guest interaction
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Prominent wellness hub for therapeutic activities
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Multiple food & beverage offerings which provide a range of dining experiences
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Inclusion of farm to plate strategies for producing self-sustaining sustenance
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Self-sustaining systems for power generation, water availability and water disposal
Terra Nova Services
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Heritage restoration strategy & site evaluation
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Architectural design integration (historic + contemporary)
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Zoning & planning coordination for adaptive reuse
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Market appraisal & project vision
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Guest experience script
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Architectural concept
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Interior design theme
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Financial feasibility
Project Collaborators
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MI Designs
Image Gallery
Mantis Akagera Game Lodge
Akagera Game Lodge is a flagship hospitality property within Rwanda’s most biodiverse park. While originally established under the Mantis Collection, restoration and renovation efforts elevated its position as a luxury safari lodge that seamlessly blends comfort, local ecological context, and modern service standards.
In this restoration and revitalisation project, Terra Nova Create provided strategic advisory and design refinement to enhance the lodge’s heritage and operational positioning inside Akagera National Park. Respecting the park’s ecological context and guest comfort, the project blends classic lodge hospitality with sustainable practices tailored for family-friendly African safari experiences.
Key Features and Project Scope:
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Enhancement and refurbishment of existing lodge infrastructure within protected park zones
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Design and implementation of ecologically sensitive materials and guest amenities
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Incorporation of sustainable energy systems and local craftsmanship
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Coordination with park authorities on biodiversity-aligned operations
Location
Akagera National Park, Rwanda
Keys
60 keys
Facilities
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Arrival lobby
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Lounge bar
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Food and beverage facilities
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Outdoor terrace and bar, boma, swimming pools
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Landscaping
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Tennis Court
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Onsite vegetable Garden
Terra Nova Services
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Architectural and landscape integration planning
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Project delivery management and procurement
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Conservation consulting & sustainability planning
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Guest experience design and operational advisory
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Procurement strategy for heritage-influenced upgrade
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Interior design theme
Project Collaborators
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MI Designs
Image Gallery
Hazendal
Situated within the historic Hazendal Wine Estate, one of South Africa’s oldest vineyards, Hazendal Hotel blends Cape Dutch architectural heritage with contemporary hospitality design. The restoration of estate buildings and integration of new hotel structures celebrates the estate’s history while delivering world-class guest experiences in the heart of the Winelands.
Key Features and Project scope:
Integration of new luxury hotel design in harmony with heritage fabric
Curated guest amenities including spa, pool and outdoor spaces
Design responses that respect site heritage, vernacular materials, and landscape context
Location
Bottelary Hills, Stellenbosch, Western Cape
Keys
34 luxury rooms
Facilities
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34 Superior, Luxury, Junior Suites & Presidential Suite
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Back of house spaces
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Landscaping
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Outdoor pool and leisure area
Terra Nova Services
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Heritage building assessment & design advisory
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Master planning with contextual sensitivity
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Interface with planning authorities and heritage bodies
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Procurement oversight and delivery support
Project Collaborators
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MI Designs
Image Gallery
