Farm buildings at Mandela's former refuge to become a hotel

16:02:20 2nd February 2010

The farm buildings on Nelson Mandela's former refuge are to be turned into a luxury hotel.

Liliesleaf Farm in Johannesburg, South Africa, where Nelson Mandela spent his last days of freedom before his arrest and 27 years imprisonment, will now be the site of an upmarket boutique hotel.

Construction is scheduled to start in June, with a memorandum of understanding having been signed with Liliesleaf Trust chief executive Nicholas Wolpe.

Developer and local hotel tycoon Adrian Gardiner said the new facility would be aimed at the business, tourist and political markets.

It would include conference facilities, a spa, business centre, restaurant and wine cellar, said Mr Gardiner.

"At the moment we are going through the process of obtaining approval of all plans," he said.

"It's imperative that any hotel design takes cognisance of the historical significance and ambience of this site."

Liliesleaf Farm opened its doors to the public in June 2008, as a tribute to the prominent political leaders who were once based and congregated at the property.