Looking for an affordable weekend break near Cape Town? These self-catering cottages and guest houses were some of our favourites from 2015. They’re all under R400 per person per night, although that might mean making a group booking, and come endorsed by our Getaway journos and contributors.
Also read: 26 affordable weekend getaways near Cape Town
Please note that the prices below are subject to change at each establishment’s discretion and should serve as a comparative guide only. Check with each establishment before making a booking.
1. Assegaaibosch Manor House, Assegaaibosch Nature Reserve
Cost: From R1240 for up to four guests and R280 per person thereafter (maximum six).
Contact: Tel 0214830190, capenature.co.za
Assegaaibosch is close to Cape Town, furnished with most mod cons, but still has the feeling of being deep in a forgotten valley. Built in 1790 and now a national monument, the homestead keeps its charm and originality with high-beamed yellowwood ceilings, wooden floors, stable doors, sash windows and wooden shutters.
It’s not old fashioned, though. The kitchen is fully equipped for self-catering, the bathroom is huge, with a freestanding bath and a wheelchair-friendly shower, and large leather couches dominate the open-plan lounge and dining area. There is a master bedroom that sleeps two and a four-sleeper room. For chilly nights there’s a wood-burning fireplace but during the day it’s lovely to relax on the patio in the sun. It’s part of the Jonkershoek Nature Reserve, so you’re bound to see day visitors at the picnic site, but it’s far enough from the house to give you a sense of privacy. You can join them at the braai spots down the way or have your own (Weber provided). There’s no TV so bring a good book and some games for the kids (or they can run about the big lawn) and, if you absolutely must know, there’s clear cellphone reception.
2. River’s Edge, Stanford
Cost: From R1250 a night (sleeps eight)
Contact: Tel 0742034151, capevillarental.co.za
The Cape Whale Coast, especially Hermanus, is popular with holidaymakers, so if you’d prefer a more tranquil getaway, head for River’s Edge, a quaint home on the banks of the Klein River in Stanford. It’s the kind of place families or groups of friends will head back to year after year. Picture a big yellow cottage with blue window frames, a large neat lawn and French doors opening onto a shaded wooden deck with outdoor dining. Top all of that off with the sound of the river flowing below, and it’s enough to make you wish you had booked a longer stay. The four bedrooms (two
en-suite) have a rustic but chic feel, with screed floors, pastoral linens and wooden sash windows. The master bedroom upstairs has its own balcony ‒ great for letting in the breeze. Downstairs, a colourful Le Creuset-equipped kitchen overlooks the dining table and quirky lounge. Vibrant quilts and eccentric cushions cover comfy couches surrounding a cosy fireplace and TV (DStv on request). With room for eight (ideally six adults and two children), At River’s Edge is the ultimate family escape for any season.
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3. Avalon Springs, Montagu
Cost: Units from R800 a night (sleeps four).
Contact: www.avalonsprings.co.za
Montagu’s busiest resort remains Avalon Springs, right on the hot springs that attracts a diverse range of holiday-makers. Chalets are built into the side of the mountain with beautiful views of the valley and Langeberg Mountains beyond. The resort has a variety of indoor and outdoor pools, fed by natural thermal springs. Other amenities include a giant waterslide, kiddies play park, bars, 24 hour café, and restaurants.
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4. Chartfield Guesthouse, Kalk Bay
Cost: From R700 per night per room (sleeps two)
Contact: Tel 0217883793, chartfield.co.za
I have a love affair with Kalk Bay, so being able to stay here, particularly off-season, when
I want to switch off is a treat. The owners, the Blöchligers, state on their website that their family is new South African ‒ and they truly are. She’s local, he’s from Switzerland, and so Chartfield has a great combination of clean, slick professionalism ‒ runs smooth as clockwork ‒ and colourful heart. Besides the views and proximity to the sea, what I
love is that they keep it simple but classy ‒ there’s good art on the walls and in the garden, the linen is top quality but clean and simple white, and the breakfast is delicious ‒ in fact, many locals frequent the place just for it, as non-stayers can take advantage of the restaurant space (only open for the first meal of the day). The guest house is very central, which means it is safe to walk to restaurants and shops, and there’s a wonderful pool overlooking the expansive view, if you’d prefer to avoid the sea. The best rooms to book are the ones that are not off the corridors ‒ I found the comings and goings a bit noisy ‒ so these are the back rooms (quieter), or the front ones where there’s little foot traffic and the sound of the sea masks the rest.
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5. De Hoop Cottage, Tulbagh
Cost: From R770 to R840 a night (sleeps five)
Contact: dehoopfarmcottages.co.za
Part of four
De Hoop Farm Cottages, this is a rustic bungalow that sleeps five in two bedrooms and has great views. While you are there you can enjoy a day swimming, canoeing and fishing in the farm dam, or hiking, mountain biking or bird-watching.
6. Eikelaan Farm Cottages, Tulbagh
Cost: R1000 a night (sleeps four to six)
Contact: eikelaan.com
Eikelaan Farm Cottages offers excellent value self-catering accommodation in three cottages all located a stone’s throw from each other ‒ here
the best option (most private; great view from the deck;
two separate bedrooms) is Winterhoek Cottage, which sleeps four or six with a sleeper couch.
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7. Fig Tree Cottage, Greyton
Cost: From R1200 to R1800 a night for a cottage (sleeps 4
)
Contact: Tel 0723418061
Fig Tree Cottage, privately owned and situated on Vigne Lane – the prettiest and leafiest street in the historic village of Greyton – is undoubtedly the most charming and luxurious accommodation in the village. Beautifully decorated in country-house style with hugely comfortable indoor and outdoor areas, interesting old furniture, mixed with eclectic art and a large garden filled with hydrangeas, wisteria and grapevines, nothing is overlooked here. With a large selection of books, magazines, DVDs and a gorgeous shaded braai area, a kitchen with absolutely everything you could wish for, two bedrooms and bathrooms, plus an outdoor shower, this is the perfect place for a weekend or midweek break, within walking distance to shopping and restaurants in the village, yet secluded and secure – it’s a real find. The owners live in the village and are at hand if needed at all times, yet guests will have their privacy protected. In winter a large fireplace is there for warmth.
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8. Fisaasbos Se Huis, Tulbagh
Cost: R1600 a night, sleeps eight (minimum two-night stay)
Contact: fisaasbos.co.za
On the other side of Tulbagh, under the towering Winterhoek peaks (near Mont Rouge) is Fisaasbos Se Huis ‒ old-fashioned rondavels that have been combined into a three-bedroom cottage that sits under huge trees. The cottage has two bedrooms with a double bed (one with a fireplace) and a third bedroom with two bunk beds.
9. Four Seasons, Montagu
Cost: R800 per unit (luxury unit sleeps two, others sleep four)
Contact: montagu4seasons.co.za
Tucked behind a gate on
the main retail drag are three small fully equipped self-catering units, each with their own entrance and braai, arranged around a paved area surrounding an enormous oak tree. Ignore the so-called luxury unit that sleeps two ‒ the real bargains are the two-bedroom units for R800 per night. Neat as pins, they have luxuries such as hand-embroidered linen and have been thoughtfully equipped by owner-manager Carina Joubert, who also makes restaurant bookings. This is a bargain if you’re passing through, particularly for a family of four.
10. Galashiels Lodge, Stanford
Cost: From R225 a person a night (self-catering), B&B R250 a person a night
Contact: www.galashielslodge.co.za
Set in extensive and beautiful gardens with tinkling fountains and waddling ducks, this Victorian house comes complete with
a whisky bar. It’s cosy and comfortable and you’ll feel
at home. The lodge is also within easy walking distance of all that the village of Stanford has to offer.
11. Hartebeeskraal, Paarl
Cost: From R300 per person a night, if you’re eight guests
Contact: Tel 0767050504, hartebeeskraal.co.za
Vineyards give way to orange groves as a dirt road leads to this self-catering cottage, mountains on all sides. Built in the 1800s, it was the first building on the property, and housed two well-known authors ‒ one of whom, Alba Bouwer, has kin resting under tombstones on the farm. Nowadays it’s host to the Durr family, their five friendly dogs as well as
their grapes, citrus plums and sweet potato plantations. Firewood on the farm is in abundance, and luckily so. The fireplace in the cottage holds a central position in the sunny kitchen and begs to be lit. The rooms are simple, with the floor-plan layout and single bathroom a throwback to another era of design and living. The four rooms range from king-size to bunker, with the smallest room housing
a bunk bed. The lounge and kitchen are open-plan and lead out into an enclosed courtyard. The cottage overlooks vineyards, with views of distant Paarl and Paarlberg. It’s quiet, with only the sounds of farm life.
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12. Houw Hoek Inn, Elgin
Cost: From R337,50 a person a night
Contact: houwhoekinn.co.za
A gracious combination of old world charm and modern conveniences, the Houw Hoek Inn is the oldest hotel in South Africa, located on the site of a toll gate established in the Dutch East India era. The groove in the wooden floor
at the entrance bears testament to the countless footsteps that have passed through this historical establishment since the 18th century. The furnishings are elegant with an emphasis on comfortable, with large spaces and terraces with views of the magnificent mountains. Relax in the beautiful surroundings or enjoy the large variety of activities available, including miniature golf, swimming, hiking, pool and bird-watching.
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13. Klein Nektar, Montagu
Cost: R600 per night for two people, R100 per extra person (maximum four)
Contact: Email [email protected], montagu-ashton.info
At the end of a long dirt driveway that leads through a working smallholding, you’ll find this low-slung, two-bedroom (both with double beds) farmhouse, surrounded by an olive grove, Chardonnay vineyards and sheep. The Montagu centre feels miles away, yet restaurants are within easy strolling distance. Tastefully furnished and comfortably equipped, with a deep shaded stoep on which to lounge and admire the views, this is a truly peaceful respite. There is no electricity, no Wi-Fi and limited cellphone reception ‒ ideal for the jaded city dweller needing to defrag.
14. Kogman and Keisie Guest Farm, Montagu
Cost: From R350 per person sharing
Contact: www.kogmanandkeisie.co.za
Kogman and Keisie was undergoing a massive renovation at the time of inspection and should be offering five lovely new bedrooms with fabulous views over the village and the nature reserve. Kogman and Keisie is also a working farm with olive trees, farm animals and a small vineyard. They grow their own vegetables, pomegranates and lavender with owner Petrus Jansen inviting guests to pick their own organically grown vegetables.
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15. Koo Karoo Guest Lodge, Montagu
Cost: R305 per unit per night (sleeps five)
Contact: www.kookaroo.co.za
A 100 year old Victorian house with large comfortable rooms, a coach house converted into a self-catering cottage and an additional self catering apartment. The cottage in the back garden of the lodge is a self-catering bargain. It’s basic but clean.
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16. Moolmanshof, Swellendam
Cost: From R350 a person a night
Contact: annascollection.com
Moolmanshof, built in 1798, is said to be the oldest house still standing in Swellendam and has been beautifully restored with plush rooms in the main house and charming self-catering cottages set in lush gardens. Stroll around the park-like gardens, relax under the oaks or cool off in the sparkling saltwater pool.
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17. Oudekloof Wine Estate & Luxury Farmhouse, Tulbagh
Cost: R4000 for the whole house, self-catering (sleeps 10) with discounts on more than three nights
Contact: oudekloofwineestate.com
Built high up on the foothills of the mountains, the gabled Oudekloof has been beautifully renovated, equipped and dressed, with a modern open-plan downstairs living space that opens onto a deck overlooking magnificent views of the vineyards and Witzenberg mountain range. The house is available on a B&B or (with advance warning) DBB basis; better still ‒ given that this has the most inviting kitchen of all the large self-catering houses in Tulbagh ‒ it can be taken over by a group of 10. There is an enormous open fireplace in the living room, a large pool from which to enjoy the views and mountain trails to cycle or walk. The old wagon route over the Obiqua is on the property and more than half the estate’s 440 hectares is set aside to protect indigenous wildlife, fynbos and renosterveld.
Room tip: There are two other smaller self-catering options on the farm but the five-bedroom main house is the one to book. Best spots are the upstairs Cabernet and Shiraz suites with gorgeous thatch ceilings and views; Shiraz and Chardonnay both have Jetmaster fireplaces.
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18. Rainbow Glen, Montagu
Cost: Prospect from R450 per night for the cottage; Almond from R600 per night and Muskadel from R1200 per night
Contact: rainbowglen.co.za
Rainbow Glen wins hands down due to the beauty of its location, green shaded lawns and a large pool in what feels like the backyard of the surrounding mountains. It’s not luxurious but the views and sense of space are worth their weight in gold: just seven units, each with their own sit-out and braai area. Facilities and finishes are basic but it’s clean and cheap. It’s family-owned and family-aimed: bunnies, chickens, a play area and cool pool are a hit with kids. Well-behaved pets welcome.
Room tip: Favourites are the stand-alone Muskadel (sleeps eight in three bedrooms), Almond because it’s on the end (sleeps four) and stand-alone Prospect (sleeps two). All have kitchenettes but are within walking distance to restaurants.
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19. Raptor Rise Cottage, Tulbagh
Cost: From R1400 a night (sleeps up to eight)
Contact: raptorrise.co.za
If you’re looking for privacy and peace amid rolling fields, a deep stoep from which to enjoy the mountain panorama, a spacious lounge-dining room with a large fireplace,
a well-equipped kitchen and a fair-sized swimming pool in your own private garden, Raptor Rise Cottage is for you. Averil and Bill Slater renovated this in order to stay here while they fixed up their old farmhouse, and it’s clear from
the level of detail that they are perfectionists.
They never did move in ‒ the cottage was commandeered by their guests, and has been busy ever since.
They are now developing other buildings on the farm ‒ Bill recently renovated the stables (situated near the main farmhouse) into four very compact self-catering units (each sleeping two) and a two-bedroom family unit.
Room tip: Even if you’re just two, Raptor Rise Cottage
is the one to book. Sleeps up to eight: four in two en-suite bedrooms that lead off the lounge; the upstairs loft (accessed via an outside staircase from the kitchen door) has four single beds and glorious views.
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20. Rhodene Farm Cottages, Prince Alfred’s Hamlet
Cost: From R250 per person a night
Contact: rhodene.co.za
A cluster of comfortable cottages set on a working fruit farm, situated at the foot of the Skurweberg mountains with a view across the lush Ceres valley. You can simply relax at your cottage, walk or cycle in the mountain or fish in the dam. All the cottages are fully equipped so all you need to bring are your food and drinks.
21. Saronsberg, Tulbagh
Cost: Cottages range between R800 (one-bedroom, sleeps two) to R1200 and R1600 (two-bedrooms, sleep four). Serious discounts offered for two or more nights
Contact: saronsberg.com
Saronsberg is a wine-farm gem: a triple volume gallery-tasting room overlooks a dam from which an Angus Taylor statue rises like a mythical female Pan, as majestic as the mountain views and wines of equal stature. Once you’ve admired the art collection (considerable)
and tasted the Shiraz (heaven), it’s pure decadence to pop a bottle under each arm and stroll across the lawns to your cottage and light the fire. Each of the 16 renovated labourer’s cottages is set far enough apart to enjoy a modicum of privacy but close enough to enjoy as a small or large group (the ‘village’ has a total of 51 beds). Interiors are restrained and tasteful, as you’d expect from an owner this passionate about art,
and each features a large open fireplace around which the seating is arranged (sadly this convivial arrangement is rare in the valley ‒ far too many stoves stuck in corners, or braai-style fireplaces in kitchens and dining rooms). There’s also a communal pool with a very nice shaded function area, furnished with long tables and benches.
Room tip: Number 11 has unobstructed mountain views.
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22. The Coach House, Bredasdorp
Cost: From R270 a person a night
Contact: Tel 0284253004
Sleep where wagons and horses were once housed in this charming century-old thatched cottage. Accommodates five people with three single beds in the loft. Tea, milk and rusks provided on arrival.
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23. The Green House, Tsitiskamma
Cost: From R750 per night for the house (sleeps four)
Contact: stormsriver.com
A well-equipped self- catering house on a large property with ample lawn space for kids to run riot. The two en-suite rooms, one with a fireplace, have beautiful views of the Tsitsikamma Mountains.
A lounge complete with full DStv opens on to a deep stoep with a braai for perfect summer evenings.
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