There’s a lot of history to this beautiful bolthole in the Western Cape countryside. Settled along the banks of the Duiwenhoks River, Vermaaklikheid – loosely translated from Afrikaans, means ‘enjoyment’, ‘entertainment’ or ‘recreation’. It’s a perfectly fitting name for such a wildly, tranquil spot. Seemingly unto
As the property has only one bathroom and two outdoor showers, with the converted barn sitting 50m away from the main cottage, it is ideally suited to families with a maximum of 4 adults. The kids occupying the barn with the six single beds.
The property rests on the Duiwenhoks River, a 3/4-hour drive from Cape Town. There are a number of beautiful hiking and biking routes for you to explore.
Swimming in the river is absolutely blissful but it’s important to be aware of the changing currents that do flow – always chaperone the kids when they’re in the water.
Take the time to make a wonderful journey of the Garden Route. Stop off at the little dorpies along the way. Stocking up on those essential souvenirs that we all need so badly. Josie’s General Store will supply treats like good coffee and yummy croissants. Visit Ronnie’s Sex Shop, then Diesel & Creme in Barrydale. Depending on your route, there is La Mont Cheese in Swellendam, Springfield Estate in Robertson, and the revered Graham Beck Estate.
If Hill House is not available on your dates, browse our full collection of exclusive-use holiday houses along the Garden Route.
uched by the hands of time.
No more than a three and a half hour’s drive away from the city of Cape Town, Hill House is a rustic thatched Cape cottage, earnestly inviting you and your getaway guests in to a restful Garden Route hideaway. The natural surroundings are home to over one hundred species of birds and a seemingly infinite variety of indigenous fynbos plants. All waiting to be discovered along the endless biking and hiking trails.
The interiors of the cottage are warm and welcoming. Simply decorated with vintage treasures and sentimental collectables that the home’s owners have sourced over the years. Embracing the cosy atmosphere of the little hideaway, yet not detracting from the views of the landscape. Overlooking a stretch of the river, with its very own private slipway and jetty.
Early risers can spend their morning hours cycling along one of the many nature routes or paddling, swimming and fishing in the river. Many relaxing moments spent on the deck, reclining on the daybed or being lulled into an afternoon nap in the hammock. Fresh bread or pizzas will be on the go. Leisurely prepared in the pizza oven after working up an appetite from all of the outdoor activities. The open, outdoor fire-pit provides the perfect spot for an evening beneath the stars. Telling those riveting stories and listening to the cackles that come about from family banter.
Slow days by the water
Accommodating as many as ten of your holiday clan, Hill House is best suited to a maximum of four adults and six children, specifically for fun family getaways. Pivoting from the banks of the river. Three bedrooms – one of which being a large, dormitory in a separate barn, with six single beds for the kids – one bathroom and two outdoor showers. With plenty of living, lounging and entertaining spaces for all of the fun to unfold.
A gorgeous wild garden with plenty of shade, where afternoon naps and deep dives into novels will ensue. This laidback farm-style hideaway is perfect for relishing life’s most simple pleasures, far from the rush of the city. The remote, tranquil home is a haven for quality time spent with loved ones in the most beautiful, quintessentially South African settings. It’s the perfect retreat in which to rejuvenate and reconnect.
Edited by Colleen Ogilvie