Birdsong Cottage is a self-contained, self-catering garden cottage on Marcelle and Kevin's property in a peaceful Howick crescent with limited traffic, in the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands. True to its name, the cottage is ideal for birdwatching: it sits up among the trees with garden views from the balcony, and guests regularly while away mornings on the deck simply watching the birds go by.

The cottage has its own separate entrance and safe, free parking close by. Inside is a queen bedroom, a bathroom with an excellent shower, a kitchen, a sofa and a work desk, with free wifi and streaming services; outside, a sun terrace with seating and an outdoor dining area. Hosts with a perfect 10 host score look after guests properly, from homemade lemonade on arrival to hot water brought over for coffee during a power cut, and the cottage holds a 9.4 guest rating.

Howick makes a fine Midlands base: the Howick Falls and museum are minutes away, Umgeni Valley Nature Reserve is 6 km, the Karkloof conservancy and its famous birding hides are up the road, and the Midlands Meander's galleries, breweries and trout waters spread out around you, with golf, fishing and canoeing all close by. The cottage is for adults: children cannot be accommodated, and quiet hours apply from 23:00.