Riverside BlissÂ
A sublime riverside retreat on the banks of the Duiwenhoks River, Hill House is that perfect Garden Route escape in Vermaaklikheid, for families to live out their countryside dreams.
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 untouched 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 with the clan. 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.
What we love!
- Long nights spent on the verandah, listening to the river lap against the banks and night birds chirp. Some might be spread out on blankets on the lawn.Â
- Warm evenings spent beside the fireplaces. Those special family moments of connecting over boardgames and snacks.
- The property is furnished in a laidback countryside fashion. Soft, neutral tones and textures, with the occasional bold statements of colour displayed in the artworks and collectable ornaments. It’s really all about the landscape and not detracting from what’s going on around you.
- There are ample spaces around the property where you can enjoy a different view, set up a long table, and let the good times unfold.
What you need to know…
- 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.
- If Hill House is not available on your dates, browse our full collection of exclusive-use holiday houses along the Garden Route.
Edited by Colleen Ogilvie