Relight your fires this winter
Whatever the weather, a fireplace that’s alive and burning, affectionately sets the scene for family, friends and lovers to gather together, and let the life around it unravel. Crackling away throughout the day and well into the night, a fire brings vitality to the space it occupies. With its golden hues beaming out from the pit and its flamboyant flames dancing in the open air. The cozy warmth, the burning aroma and the hissing, crackling sounds as the wood flakes to ash, make it a beautiful thing to witness. But it also plays an integral role in the antics and entertainment that ensues after a fire has been lit. It becomes the life and soul of the party, keeping the games going, the conversations flowing and the cheeks glowing, when the cold sets in.
As we embark on the frosty journey towards the peak of our winter, it’s good to be reminded of the bliss that comes with the cold. ’Tis the season to retreat to those cozy cabins, flock towards the fire, cook up feasts for your crowd, and warm those cockles as your heart sings along to Billie Holiday. We’ve put together a long list of classically snug hideaways, all guaranteed to appease our want for warmth…
Bobbejaansberg
This hideaway, surrounded by mountains, perfectly depicts an idyllic setting for a wintry getaway. With its stone fireplaces aplenty, the warmth envelopes you as you look out over the rugged terrain of the Klein Karoo.
Read more
De Hoek
Call on the weekend clan, and head for Barrydale to this remote, charming home that’s layered with comfort and charm. Perfect for families or groups of friends wanting to get away and get cozy in nature.
White Waters
Contemporary in its build but rustic in its approach, this beach bungalow in the quirky village of Kommetjie, is a wonderful spot to retreat to for those weekends away, beside the sea, in the winter sun.
Read more
Tankwa River Lodge
In the heart of the Karoo, where the winter light is magical and the warm daytime temperatures drop each night, this hideaway is perfect for the whole family, including the animals, to go remote and snuggle up beside the plethora of fireplaces. Read more
Stone House
It’s almost as if you want the storms to brew and the cold to hit, so that it warrants the huddling beside one of the many stately, stone fireplaces in this remarkable hideaway. Watch the waves crashing right in front of you, from the warmth of inside.
Read more
Danielskraal Farm
An old, charismatic farmhouse, tucked away in a valley, exudes its warmth from the outdoor firepit and central open fireplace in the heart of the living space. An ideal spot for group gatherings at weekends, far away from the wet city streets.
Read more
22º East
A vibrant and vivacious home that brings bursts of colour to those dull, wet days, this hideaway warms up winter with its fireplace sitting centre-stage. Encased in glass, it pulls the outside in, without allowing its temperatures to follow.
Read more
Baxter House
Without having to face a long, wet journey out of town, take a scenic drive south to Simon’s Town to this gorgeous getaway by the sea. Watch the late winter sun rise as you cozy up with the kids and sip hot chocolate, doing puzzles on the floor beside the fire.
Read more
Bella Rosa
Load up the car with your barbours, bikes, wellies and dogs, and head for the hills of Tesselaarsdal for a family weekend away of fun and frolics in the countryside. When you’re not out exploring, there’s a place to huddle beside the fire, in almost every room.
Read more
Farmhouse on Keermont
Overlooking the Keermont vineyard in Stellenbosch, the farmhouse tackles winter with the warmth of good wine. From its massive kitchen Aga, large roaring fireplaces and well-stocked library, to its deep bathtubs and grand piano, this hideaway entices you to stay inside.
Read more
God’s Window
A place of pure serenity and stillness, with crisp, clean mountain air, winter walks don’t get more exhilarating than in the hills of this hideaway. Whether you venture out into the wilderness or not, the calmness, the open fireplaces, the books and comfy couches all warm you to your heart’s content.
Read more
Hope Cottage
Gracefully standing amongst the vines of the Constantia wine region, this old, yet beautifully refined cottage, calls for intimate evenings in front of the fire, telling stories and sipping on the grapes from the neighbouring estates.
Read more
Koningsfontein
Sitting on the banks of the Goukou River in Stilbaai, this delightful thatched hideaway is ideal to retreat to in winter. Watch the birdlife darting about the river from the enclosed outdoor sun-trap, or the big, comfy beds, or perhaps one of the free-standing Victorian bathtubs with the enchanting open fireplaces, crackling around you.
Read more
Staart Farm
A classical colonial farmhouse in the Paardeberg Valley, with expansive views over the vineyards and olive groves, and open fireplaces featured in almost every room. There’s no escaping the warmth, romance and charm of this hideaway.
Read more
Synergy Treehouse
A truly unique place to retreat to, nestled between branches and boulders, this tranquil treehouse opens out to the nature surrounding it, in the hills of the coastal village of Scarborough. Gather around the outdoor fire pit or indoor wood-burning stove and watch the sunset over the ocean.
Read more
The Observatory
Head deep into the savannah bushveld where the wildlife roams free around this remarkable property in Limpopo. Winters in the wild are unique and invigorating with breathtaking sunrises and sunsets, crisp air, and endless conversations around the slow-burning fireplaces.
Read more
The Pavilion
An extraordinary home completely encased in nature, this hideaway, situated in the Cradle of Humankind maintains minimalism and refinement, throughout. The floor-to-ceiling glass windows draw you out to the rolling wild lawns, and tall trees, as you relax in the sunken bath or stoke the fire that’s burning long into the night.
Read more
The Quarters
The wonderful thing about winter is that its chilly temperatures warrant wine-tasting around the clock. This old and elegant farmhouse sits on the soil of the renowned Meerlust wine estate in Stellenbosch. Vast and luxurious beds, comfy chunky sofas, and a massive fireplace in the heart of the home make this a perfect winter hideaway.
Read more
Seagull Cottage
Winters spent in the West Coast National Park are magical and entrancing where the waters of the blue lagoon pacify all year round. Escape to this haven of a hideaway with your favourite people and light all the fires, pour the wine and put on that weekend wintry wear. Everything about this cottage is warm soup for the soul.
Read more