Down a meandering dirt track and across a glossy stretch of water, the Melkkamer Manor House is perched regally on bowling-green lawns, majestic in its gaze over the De Hoop Vlei. Built by a farming family in 1907, this old, Edwardian-style homestead strikes a fine balance between established luxury and low-key warmth; its comfortable lodging, particularly affable staff and delicious food make it a wonderful base from which to explore the undisturbed beauty of the De Hoop Nature Reserve.
Recently restored by De Hoop Collection, the aged farmhouse still retains its original sandstone structure and Oregon pine interior finishes. During the day, its lofty ceilings and polished wooden floors make it a cool, shaded retreat, while at night warm chandeliers and candles illuminate the living space.
Four luxury bedrooms are available to guests, two of which are equipped with double beds and the other two with twin beds. All ensuite, the rooms offer spacious, tastefully-decorated bathrooms with baths and showers. However, the social atmosphere conjured by the Manor House staff and Head Chef Marsha’s delicious catering guarantees that guests will spend more time on the old-fashioned stone verandah or around the open-air cooking fire than in the rooms of the house itself.
A day at the Manor House begins with an early wake up and a full-but-healthy breakfast of fruit, yoghurt, croissants and muesli. This is usually followed by a guided hike on one of the De Hoop Nature Reserve‘s pristine trails; these vary from fascinating bird walks around the De Hoop Vlei, to “˜strandloping’ sessions along the coastal rock pools at Koppie Alleen. After legs have been stretched, sun sought and appetites grown, it is time to return for another luscious meal at the Manor House – a cool lunch under a large umbrella on the lawn.
The afternoon at the Manor House gives guests time to read or siesta on their beds, play a game of croquet on the lawn, or explore the picturesque Melkkamer grounds for themselves. Overlooking the Vlei nearby are the De Hoop Collection’s Vlei House, a quaint, self-catering dwelling for groups of up to eight people, and a magnificent old barn that forms a stunning venue for weddings in the remote De Hoop wilderness.
Evenings at the Manor House are spent around the fire – fillets a-sizzle and potjies a-simmer – while Kenneth, one of the staff who grew up in the De Hoop area, keeps audiences enthralled with stories of the late Madeleine, old mistress of the Manor House. Immersed in the glow of the fire, with the gables of the old Manor House silhouetted against the moon, one is overcome with the powerful sense of a bygone era. It is this escape – this peaceful step back in time – that makes the Melkkamer Manor House a truly unique experience.
Rates
R4900.00 PER PERSON SHARING (3 nights)
Rates include accommodation, internal reserve transfers, all scheduled meals, hot/cold teas, coffees and juices. Rate excludes cool drinks and alcoholic beverages.
To explore the magnificent De Hoop Trail from the comfort of the Melkkamer Manor House, contact:
De Hoop Nature Reserve
Tel: +27 28 542 1253
Email: [email protected]
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