Originally a small holding of pine trees and then home to Ray & Lynne and their two children, in their iconic Tudor house that Ray himself designed, Leslie Lodge quietly grew one room at a time. As Lynne welcomed business professionals to stay, helping them navigate the city and surrounds she made her mark by feeding them at their family table. The lodge has many chapters of stories to tell as it grew not only in size but in reputation, with a common thread existing in all of them – adventures in Blantyre, forging friendships, warm happy and accommodating Malawians and last but most important, genuine honest and kind people offering warm hospitality. Leslie Lodge has become a much loved ‘home away from home’ for many local and international travellers over the years and a well-known iconic landmark within the city.

When The Finches moved to KZN, South Africa in 2016, they entrusted the Zino & Stephenie to not only continue their legacy but to look after their Leslie Lodge family. With Blantyre rising in popularity and commerce, the demand for growth was evident and imminent. Zino & Stephenie converted the original family home into further rooms and extended the public areas to accommodate the demand. After 6 happy years as the custodians of such a special retreat, their plans to stay in Blantyre changed and the Lodge began its third sequel.

As life so often has a way of circling back, the new managers, Taki and Ginny are not only relatives of the Zino & Stephenie, but themselves along with Dave and Sandy are both long standing family friends of Ray & Lynne. 

“We appreciate and feel intricately connected to the history of Leslie Lodge and most importantly, what it’s meant to its guests and growing circle of family. This warm, cosy, and friendly bed and breakfast is now an oasis more so than ever, within the bustling city. As time has passed and the city has built up around it, we as the new custodians promise to preserve its magical essence, look after it is people and nurture the nature that surrounds it”.

So as a new chapter begins and exciting plans for combining the old with the new fall into place, we felt it only fitting to officiate the lodges commonly known nickname ‘Leslie’s,’ to commemorate the next stage of the lodge’s history.

With blessings from those who have gone before us, we are thrilled to introduce The Leslie and look forward to continuing the legacy set before us.

As new managment, we look forward to meeting you and listening to the many stories you have, to share.