Oh there’s something about the Breede! Anyone who has the fortune of frequenting this remarkable 300km-stretch of riverside bliss will tell you just how magical the Malgas life is. A beautiful body of water meandering the landscape, carving out an aquatic playground for us all to relish and revel in. A rugged terrain that rises and falls with mountain ranges and gentle hilltops. Home to the birds, the bees, the butterflies and little buck.
Revered as the best fishing estuary, you’ll be out with the early birds and your worms. Or getting the skis on at dawn, before the river traffic begins. Perhaps a sunrise paddle in the kayaks or on the SUPS. Stunning walks along the mountain trails or a nice little hill climb for those that enjoy a hike.
Or, you’ll be watching all of the action from the sublime comfort of your mammoth bed. Cocooned in the linen, listening to the squeals of joy that echo around the banks of the river. When you’re on the Breede, no matter the size of the clan or motive of your getaway, there will always be those moments when you simply savour the stillness, feeling the lovely breeze that wafts those earthy Overberg scents. Reminiscent of a farm life. It’s the place to really live the outdoor life. Even when you’re in a state of splendid repose, indoors.
Resplendent river holidays
At Milkwood Cove, you’ll be doing all of that. Early mornings on the lovely long verandah, with a delicious coffee as the kids light up the KolKol for their first dip of the day. Then onto the boards and the tubes as you glide down the river to the community’s trading post. Grab some freshly baked breads and warm croissants and head home for brunch.
More relaxing on the loungers, swimming in the pool or games on the lawn. There are enough hours in the day to dive into more chapters of that book. With all of the lovely sunny reading spots or cosy indoor nooks, you’ll make it through a novel a day, almost. All of the meals will be around the long tables, with the farm-style kitchen sitting perfectly open-plan.
There will be the odd picnic on the lawn or on one of the sandbanks that’s formed a little island. A quick row of the boat over to the beaches for a bit of cricket or treasure hunting for nature’s jewels. Then back for some pizza making in the pizza oven and hanging out around the boma. The sun will be setting and the marshmallows will be toasting. A magical time to resume the river watching as the colours bounce off the surface and back into the sky.
With its six beautiful bedrooms and enough bathrooms to keep the whole clan happy, a pyjama lounge with a TV, a large open-plan living and dining space, multiple levels of outdoor entertaining and reclining areas, there’s ample space for all of your favourite people. When you’re not all bonding on the water, you’ll be making memories around the fireplaces. Relishing the tranquility of riverside bliss.
Written by Colleen Ogilvie