A husband-and-wife 
team is transforming a well-known Kimberley landmark into an integrated hospitality destination.
Chaeslin Trollip and his wife, Suemeney, co-own House of Eden Est. The couple are also senior pastors of Crossover City Church, which is based at House of Eden Est on the same property.
Formerly known as Diggies, House of Eden Est is a three-star graded hospitality establishment comprising a restaurant, lodge and conference centre. The couple acquired the business with the assistance of government funding. It caters to leisure travellers, families, business visitors, churches and organisations hosting large events.
Trollip said their journey into the hospitality sector began after the church started using the property.
“We initially came here because our church was renting the entire property. The opportunity arose when we discovered that the whole place was for sale. We looked at the figures and realised that it was an interesting opportunity. That prompted us to enter the industry,” he said.
The couple began the acquisition process in 2022 and formally took over the establishment in December that year. They subsequently renamed and repositioned the business.
“We offer accommodation, conference facilities and an on-site restaurant, among other services. It is essentially a threefold business, with all the different parts supporting one another,” Trollip explained.
The acquisition was supported through blended funding from the National Empowerment Fund (NEF) and the Northern Cape government. Trollip said the business received R14.8 million, comprising a government grant and an NEF loan.
House of Eden Est is conveniently located close to Kimberley Airport, the Diamond Pavilion Shopping Mall and the city's central business district.
The lodge has 20 rooms, including four family rooms and 16 standard rooms. Its conference and events venue can accommodate up to 1 000 people, while the restaurant and pub can seat approximately 300 guests.
Overcoming challenges
Despite these assets, Trollip said running the establishment has not been without challenges.
“It has been tough. When you move into a house, you do not necessarily see all the cracks immediately. You discover them as you settle in. We have had to work through challenges involving staffing, taxes, maintenance and the general costs of running a property of this size.
“A major challenge is that the business remains underfunded, and that has prevented us from operating at 100% of our intended capacity,” he said.
One of the planned developments is an indoor trampoline park, which would be the first facility of its kind in Kimberley and the Northern Cape.
“It will be a large recreational area where families can spend time together. People attending conferences will be able to stay overnight, while families will be able to enjoy the different facilities available on the property.”
The business currently employs approximately 15 permanent and casual workers. However, Trollip believes further investment could enable House of Eden Est to increase its workforce to between 25 and 55 employees.
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