This multi-award-winning cosy four-star guesthouse is conveniently located in the quiet suburb of Craighall Park, between Rosebank and Sandton. Ranked first on TripAdvisor (out of almost 300 Joburg guesthouses on the site), Liz at Lancaster is set in a lush garden and offers self-catering accommodation or Bed and Breakfast rooms.

There's a choice of two one-bedroom cottages, three studio flats and two standard rooms. All rooms have a private entrance and enclosed patio and both cottages boast fully equipped kitchenettes and are ideal for longer stays. Self-catering guests don’t need to worry about bringing their own cooking basics; salt, pepper, oil and a full range of teas and coffee are provided alongside Liz’s renowned homemade rusks.

Liz at Lancaster is owned and run by Liz Delmont. A maven on all things Joburg, Liz has an excellent blog where she details all the newest and most interesting things to do and the guesthouse notice board is constantly updated with her recommendations on how best to spend your time in the city. Each unit comes with an extensive booklet that includes comprehensive information on all the nearby restaurants and what to eat there and how to spend your time during your stay and Liz has even created a special guide to all the local birds that visit her garden.

A former academic (Liz used to teach Art History at Wits University), her expansive library covers a broad range of topics including local history and South African art, which she happily shares with her guests. A proud grandmother of two, Liz also keeps up-to-date with the best child-friendly activities, restaurants and entertainment in town and her guesthouse is well kitted out for young families with camper cots, high chairs, books, DVDs and toys for kids and a guesthouse swimming pool that is neatly child-proofed with a fence.

The eclectic guesthouse décor is inspired largely by Liz’s background in Art History. Antique English furniture shares space with artworks by local artists - prized works include a piece by William Kentridge and a Nelson Makamo watercolour. The hallways and rooms serve as informal galleries for Liz's sculpture collection, which features everything from a Joni Brenner bronze horse and Nestor Nhlala Zulu pots to local cultural artefacts such as Shangaan capes, Xhosa ceremonial blankets and walking sticks.

Included in your stay is a healthy breakfast of homemade wheat-free muesli, yoghurt, fresh fruits and made-to-order cooked breakfasts (vegans and vegetarians can also be accommodated) served on the main patio overlooking the gardens and swimming pool.

On-site transport is available with a fully registered transport provider and Liz can happily recommend local tour guides who she has herself personally used.

Liz at Lancaster is a member of the Johannesburg Guesthouses network, which offers an excellent range of more than 20 owner-run guesthouses all based in and around the beautiful northern suburbs of Rosebank and The Parks. Check availability for your stay at Liz at Lancaster at https://www.lizatlancaster.co.za/