Mountain Pondokkie

The Mountain Pondokkie cottage sleeps 6 comfortably, 8 at a squeeze, in one separate downstairs en suite bedroom (king size bed), two loft rooms upstairs (1 king and 1 double bed) above the lounge and a queen size bed in the lounge area.  The two upstairs loft rooms are curtained off but privacy is limited so you need to share this with family or good friends!  These loft rooms are accessed by steep stairs and guests are required to use these with caution, especially with young children. 

There is a main bathroom with a bath and shower, and an en suite bathroom with a solar shower.   Linen and towels are provided.

The fully-equipped kitchen has a gas stove and a fridge with freezer space.  There is no microwave.  A wheelbarrow with a grid is provided for braais or barbecues.

Water is provided by a mountain stream which we all happily drink and a water filter is provided but please bring bottled water if you prefer.

The lounge has a fire-place and the dining/kitchen area has a very old coal stove for extra warmth in very cold weather.  The first lot of firewood is free – thereafter it is available for purchase at R30 per crate.  We do advise you to bring your own braai wood or charka however, as the wood provided is not suitable for braai-ing or barbecuing. 

There is also a covered patio with incredible views; ideal for relaxing.

You will have exclusive access to the entire house, which is situated on a ornamental fish farm.  Situated near the top of a mountain with magnificent views, it takes a rough, steep farm road to get there so you do need a vehicle with good ground clearance and preferably a 4x4 in rainy weather. We can ferry guests up to the cottage from below on request at the beginning and end of their stay - inbetween ferrying can be arranged at an extra cost of R100 per trip up and down the mountain.  Your car will be parked in a secure place.

On arrival you will need to meet with your host who will escort you and settle you into the cottage (about 1.5 km from main farm house below).  Check in time is before 6:00 p.m. as it is difficult to find the entrance to the farm in the dark.  If you are running late, you will be required to keep in touch with your host and a late arrival fee will be charged.  The cottage can be serviced at R150 per 2 hour session and must be arranged before arrival if possible.

As this is a nature retreat, interaction is kept at a minimum, but we are available for any requests or queries.

The Pondokkie is surrounded by indigenous bush. Walks have been cut through the bush and the energetic can walk for hours around the mountain.  There are two forested gorges, and cascades and waterfalls in the wet season, as well as the river below to explore.  Also great for mountain bikers!  As this is an unspoilt nature conservancy, you may come across wildlife on your wanderings if you are lucky. The cottage is surrounded by an electric fence to keep out buck, monkeys and other wildlife.  This cottage is pet friendly at an extra cost of a once-off R150 cleaning fee on condition that dogs are walked on leashes when walking outside the fence for their safety as well as that of our wildlife. 

Visitors need to respect that we do have a semi-tame feral cat in residence who is used to avoiding dogs if necessary and keeps the property rodent-free.  Please be aware of this in case of allergies to cats.

Why not book a massage treatment before you get here?  If you are interested, we will put you in touch with our talented, local therapist.

Fondly known as the Mountain Pondokkie, the house is classified as a heritage building and is surrounded by ancient and, some believe, sacred stone circle ruins.  We can organise a walking tour to these ruins if you are interested.