The Retreat is a gracious Victorian farmhouse in the lovely Groenfontein Valley conservancy, bordering on the 129.000ha Swartberg World Heritage Site and situated 20kms northeast of Calitzdorp on a winding gravel road, 59kms northwest of Oudtshoorn, and 48kms southwest of the Cango Caves (gravel and tar roads) just off the magical Route 62.

This lovely farmhouse offers 2 garden suites and 2 garden rooms with spectacular views of the mountains. In the main house, there are 3 comfortable standard en-suite bedrooms with French doors leading onto a patio. The guest-lounge and dining-room in the main house, each with a fireplace, lead onto the verandah overlooking the sweeping gardens and majestic Swartberg.

At the retreat, there is no cell phone reception so the tranquillity is unbroken by loud conversations that command attention. Enjoy peaceful walks along the charming lanes of the Groenfontein valley, climb into the foothills of the Swartberg, or simply relax at the pool and let the peace and silence soak into your soul.

Conservation Highlights:

1. The Retreat lies in the Gouritz Cluster Biosphere Reserve, a large conservation area which aims to co-ordinate the protection of three international, biodiversity hotspots that overlap in this region.
2. There's no big-five experience here. To really appreciate the beauty, the wonder and the survival strategies of the proteas, legumes, irises and succulents you need to get down on your hands and knees and look closely.
3. The mountain stream running through The Retreat's property, which eventually feeds into the Gouritz River, is home to a number of species of indigenous fish - such as the slender, red-finned minnow and Cape galaxia.
4. The Retreat itself has a low carbon footprint: water comes from our crystal-clear mountain stream; most of the electricity comes from the sun; we recycle almost everything, or make compost to enrich our own organic veggie patch.
5. The Retreat is a birder-friendly establishment, as certified by BirdLife South Africa.

Contact Details:

Grant & Marie (Owners)

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