Handpicked for you...

There are some homeowners who effortlessly weave a rich story through the style and character of their home’s wares, who create a narrative for their houses to sing to those who wonder through their open doors. Indeed, the owners, have spun a Cape Dutch fairy tale in the rustic and infinitely charming form of Jonkmanshof, two guest houses a few doors from each other, each with two generous suites which can be taken individually or one can take a whole house for exclusive use.

These historic Cape Dutch farmhouses are situated in the tiny town of Montagu, in the western part of South Africa’s Little Karoo. Despite its modest population count, the little farm town boasts some of the most majestic of mountain landscapes. Painted in the traditional warm ochre hue and white, the gabled farmhouses each have beautifully stocked Mediterranean potted citrus gardens with views onto the surrounding mountains.

The interiors of the homes are brimming with nostalgic, richly South African, old-world beauty. From the handmade clay tiles beneath one’s bare summer feet to the original river-reed ceilings, Jonkmanshof homes are something to behold. Almost every room is inhabited by a curated collection of the most magnificent antiques, all of them well-loved and well-used. Each house also has a collection of contemporary South African art. 

The kitchens are as grand as they are inviting and cool, offering a respite from the summer heat and perhaps something to nibble on your afternoon walk through to the garden or cosy up next to the AGA stove in winter that warms up the kitchen and dining area. At 20 Bath Street, the library, otherwise known as the ‘Room of Curiosities,’ is one of the owners’ favourite spots, amidst the century-old books, treasures and talismans, take a seat, grab the nearest novel or magazine and escape. This house also has a rare indigenous succulent collection in the greenhouse that adjoins the dining room. 

These are getaway homes of rare and dignified beauty. Once you leave you will have made a generous, elegant, eccentric and richly distinguished new friend in the form of Jonkmanshof.

What we love!

• Jonmanshof is co-owned by super-talent Jacques Erasmus of Hemelhuijs fame – so rest assured you will not want for anything in Jonkmanhof’s glorious kitchens!
• A wonderful three course dinner can be booked at time of making reservation, R550 per person for 2021 bookings, excluding drinks and a minimum of 4 guests required.
• Breakfast eggs don’t come much fresher – they are laid in by Jonkmanshof’s ridiculously pretty chickens, found in the gardens.
• Found on the iconic Route 62, the area around Montagu is well known for its excellent hiking and mountain biking trails.
• There are exceptional wine farms in the area to visit.

What you need to know…

• In the same street sits Jonkmanshof’s own farmstyle shop, De Nagmaal that stocks handmade citrus preserves, beautiful ranges of ceramics and exquisite dish towels and more.
• Children under 8 are welcome when booking a house for exclusive use.
• Please note that each property is made up of 2 bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms for either exclusive use or per room bookings. 
• 20 Bath is the bigger house, has the library and succulent greenhouse. 30 Bath is slightly smaller and 80m up the road from 20 Bath.

Have a look at this beautiful video of Jonkmanshof by Valentina Nicol for House and Leisure