Relaxed country living in the Overberg
Set on acres of rolling manicured lawns that flow into the bullrushes and the banks of the Breede river, in the Malgas, with the Potberg mountain range of De Hoop Nature Reserve in full view.
Once upon a time, many a moons ago, the owners of Breede Riverhouse 327 bumped into each other along the bustling corridors of their high school and discussed their impending holiday plans. Upon discovering that they would both be venturing to the Breede River, they arranged to meet up.
Many journeys around the sun later, as husband and wife, they came across a spectacular spot with a humble house upon the same river banks they’d frolicked along as wee young teens. This would be the spot for them to plant some roots and create new memories as a family.
According to the owners, it was the river that chose them rather than them choosing the river. For years they frequented the place that introduced them to young love, an appreciation for the wild meandering river, its secret beaches and venturesome hiking and biking trails. It became the place that represents half a lifetime’s escape into nature, and harbours the memories that have been ardently created over the years, and all the ones that are still to be made.
A neighbourly wave and nod from the river’s community of boaters, kayakers, skiers and swimmers, as the action on the water is underway, is almost mandatory. The affection is palpable. So much so, it’s likely the odd few river friends will park their boats up against the jetty, or drag the canoes up the slipway and plant themselves on the deck, around the boma, snack on a boerie roll, sip on a generous gin and tonic, with a large side order of good old river banter.
A tranquil river retreat
After some unfortunate flooding in 2008, the original house was washed away and so began the laudable build of a perfect hideaway that discreetly reveals itself from the billowing hills it nestles beneath.
Six gorgeous bedrooms and five bathrooms wing the main body of the house that’s open plan, connecting the fully-equipped modern kitchen to the dining space that sits adjacent the cosy living space and its inviting wood burning stove. Solid American walnut floors – audaciously laid by the husband of the home – run the length of the living spaces with retractable doors opening out to a long, wrap-around verandah with comfy recliners and seating spaces, a fabulous open braai area and views of the magnificent surroundings from every angle.
A separate cottage with its own bathroom sits behind the lovely back courtyard and its milkwood tree for those that like that little extra space from the rowdy crowd that’ll be emphatically telling stories around the fire pit or throwing some darts, perhaps cartwheeling across the lawn or just hanging out under the stars, listening to the water gently lap against the banks. You will cherish this family weekend getaway as you drift off with the sweet sounds of familial love and laughter.
Breede Riverhouse 327 is a place that invites memories to be made, of jumping from the six metre rock that’s just around the bend into the river, or picnicking on a sandy beach that’s just around another bend, where the space is vast enough for a competitive round of beach volleyball.
If you crave the serenity and natural beauty of the countryside, and Breede Riverhouse 327 is already booked, check out our other options for country living
What we love!
- Being enveloped by the open space as you enter the home through the back courtyard, with the beautiful views of the rolling lawns and the river beyond that draws you out into nature.
- Listening to the magnificent birdlife that adds a chorus of sound to the stillness, from the fish eagles to the Cape Vultures and the little Sugarbirds, the Weavers, the Barbets and the Darters.
- Spending early mornings and late afternoons on the lower garden, where the deck and enclosed little spot with a boma and jetty sit upon the river.
- Watching the sunset behind the mountains as the colours of the water transform.
- Enjoying the view of the vines of Sijnn Winery – the only vineyard in the region – from the stoep is a real treat.
What you need to know…
- The property is about a 45-minute drive from Swellendam, along a 40KM gravel road from the turnoff from the N2.
- There is a battery backup system which will keep the lights, WiFi and TV working when load-shedding occurs.
- There is a great little convenience store only a 5-minute drive from the property where you can buy freshly baked bread every morning. Be sure to get there early, before the eager bread eaters deplete all of the hot stock.
- If you fancy a different gathering spot for an hour or two, a community bush pub is around the bend.
- Across the river, it’s a 20-minute drive to Sijnn Wines, for some wine tasting and yummy cheeseboards.
- If you fancy the ocean for a morning, the surf of Infanta is only a 20-minute drive to the river mouth where you can swim, surf, snorkel and spear fish.
- When fish is on the evening’s braai menu, just across the Malgas Pont, into Witsand, there’s a little market and a fish restaurant for you and your cooking clan to head off and source the catch of the day.
- As well as the canoe, the jetty to moor your boat and the slipway to launch it into the water, there is also a slippy slide that can be attached to the jetty for some extra water activities.
- It goes without saying the fishing on the Breede River is great, with an abundance of kob, grunter, steenbras, carp and leery.
Reviewed by Colleen Ogilvie
Edited by Dawn Kennedy