My name "Trina" is short for Catriona. I am originally from Scotland. I arrived in S. Africa as a new graduate with a few years experience in cancer research, and initially worked in industrial plastic and chemicals development. As my kids were growing up I set up a catering business from my Johannesburg home, and for inexpensive holidays we used to come camping and fly fishing to Machadodorp. I fell in love with the quaint rural village, and bought my first property, Just 1 More Cast Cottages, in 2003. In 2008 I bought the beautiful Machado House property, next door and renovated it into three separate units - 2 x 2 bedroomed and 1 x 1 bedroomed units. I have a great love for old style furniture, and have furnished the accommodation as appropriately as I can with antique furniture. I also like to help out within the local communities. I have been organising the supply books for the Sikhulile Secondary School library, and have other community projects on hold till I find funding. I am an amateur 'cellist, and find relaxation through music. While visiting you may hear some gentle deep 'cello tones on the wind as I attempt to do justice to works of the great composers.

At Absolute Leisure we employ only local rural people. They are given on going training so that they understand how to give excellent service to our guests. We also grow vegetables and herbs organically on the property, Some are given to staff for their families, and some sold to a local vegetable supplier. The profits are shared between the staff as an entreprenerial project. Guests are also welcome to use our herbs and vegetables in their cooking whilst staying with us. The properties that constitute Absolute Leisure Cottages are old properties originally built as family homes in the village when Machadodorp with a farmers supply village, and were both probably around when Paul Kruger declared Machadodorp to be the seat of government in 1900. The gardens are big, and fenced for security, though there is little crime in our rural village. We have a number of games and sports equipment for guests' use while visiting. We also have barbeques and outdoor furniture so guests can take full advantage of our lovely warm S. African Summer and Winter day time climate. For our cool Winter evenings each cottage has a log fire with wood supplied and all beds have electric blankets.

In 1900 President Paul Kruger took up residence in Machadodorp during the South African Wars and declared it to be the seat of government. He had employed General Joachim Machado, from Mozambique, as surveyor for a railway line between Pretoria and Mapotu (then Lorenzo Marks). The line was built passing through Machadodorp. In honour of the General's work the village of Machadodorp was named after him, and his portrait can be viewed in the NGKerk church hall, a short walk from Absolute Leisure. In the hills around Machadodorp are many stone circles which can be seen on google maps. These are believed to be from stone and iron age farmers from around the 14th centuary. The village grave yard has evidence of the S. African wars of 1900. It is also believed that the mysterious Kruger Millions were hidden close to Machadodorp, so bring your metal detectors! If Treasure Hunting is not your thing, Machadodorp has the My Body My Space Art Festival in March. Contemporary Dance performers entertain in the streets, and local artists and crafters arrive to sell their wares. Machadodorp is surrounded by beautiful scenic hills. Activites include hiking, horse riding and fly fishing.