Bontebokskloof Manor
Bontebokskloof Manor
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Adjacent to the N2, the farm is located in the countryside, a stone’s throw away from picturesque Swellendam, with a clear view of the Langeberg Mountains. This working farm grows Lucerne, Canola and Wheat, and as the seasons progress, the resulting mauves, yellows and greens are a sight to behold.
The Breede River cuts a channel through the surrounding Overberg farmland and its irrigation systems form rainbows of colour in the sunlight, against the backdrop of grazing cattle and crop fields.
Old Milkwood and Yellowwood trees, thornbush forests, are native to the kloofs, riverbeds and ‘koppies’, where fynbos and aloes with their fire red flowers, create a pastoral, tranquil atmosphere.
The old Cape Dutch farmhouse has recently been restored to its former glory and is a fully furnished, self-catering guest house. It can accommodate up to 3 families, sleeping a maximum 15 people, with 5 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms.
The old mud and brick walls keep it cosy in the wintertime and the high ceilings, cool in the summer.
Settle down with a good book, on the massive north west facing ‘stoep’ couches, forgetting about life’s hustle and bustle and even time itself, enjoying the peace and quiet.
Like all old farm houses, the kitchen and adjacent braai area, are the heart and soul of Bontebokskloof Manor. The fully equipped kitchen, with its 14-seater dining table, opens onto the vine covered pergola and swimming pool. The braai area has an unspoiled view of the mountains.
The lounge, featuring an old (untuned) piano with lots of atmosphere and good ambience, be lazy in front of the fireplace, under the watchful eyes of one of South Africa’s most beloved poets, Uys Krige. Born on this farm, he wrote the beautiful poem, ‘Die Plaashek’, The Farm Gate, on his return from the second world war.
What To do
On The Farm
On The Farm
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Outdoor enthusiasts can hike, run and cycle on the trails. Why not have a sundowner or even a picnic at the Milkwood Grove after a leisurely walk through the forests or a short hike along the riverbed. The less physically inclined can bask around the large swimming pool. On a cloudless, full moon evening, you might take a short hike to the nearby Hilltop picnic area, where you can experience the magic of a simultaneous sunset and moonrise, sitting next to the age old Gwarrie tree. Bring binoculars to really see the stars, then take the well marked trail back down in the moonlight. An African Fish Eagle is a resident on the farm and you may be lucky enough to hear his haunting call, in the early morning or late afternoon. Blue cranes frequent the fields and Bushbuck play in the kloofs and riverbeds.
About Swellendam
About Swellendam
And what to do in and around the area
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The picturesque town of Swellendam is 15km away, west on the N2 and connects the Southern Overberg with the Garden Route. Swellendam (founded in 1747) is the third oldest town in South Africa and the Dutch Reformed Church on the main road was built in 1911. Although the town has the feel of a rural farming community, there is a small Mall with a Checkers, Clicks and other store and food outlets for your convenience. There are numerous Restaurants, Coffee & Gift Shops, Boutiques and Historic sites to visit in and around Swellendam, we list just a few of our favourites below. Swellendam and the surrounding area has a population of about 43 478, most living in the farming area. Farming is the heartbeat of the town’s business sector. Farming is mostly wheat, canola, oats, sheep and dairy. Some other industries in town include tourism, boat manufacturers, home industries and crafts.
Bee Things
Honey and Craft Shop
Honey and Craft Shop
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Visit the local honey shop for tastings, gifts and delicious honey and local products. JW’s Beekeeping Honey & Equipment is dedicated to harvesting and producing the highest quality of 100% pure South African honey with an ongoing commitment to environmental awareness and promotion of beekeeping to the general public raising awareness of the importance of bees to mankind.
Bukkenburg
Pottery Studio
Pottery Studio
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David Schlapobersky and Felicity Potter are South African Studio Potters who have been working in the tradition of high temperature, reduction-fired pottery, producing stoneware and porcelain since 1973. Their gallery is open daily and this spacious, well-equipped studio allows groups of up to eight people at a time.
The
Drostdy Museum
Drostdy Museum
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The Drostdy Museum is actually a collection of several historical buildings that include one of the oldest surviving examples of a Drostdy building in South Africa, hence the name of the museum. It is not only a beautiful museum that includes large grounds and a typically nineteenth-century Cape garden but is also one of the country’s finest museums. Built in 1747, the Drostdy served as the official residence and seat of the magistrate of Swellendam. It is a gorgeous example of Cape Dutch, minus its original façade gable and was enlarged to twice its original size between 1812 and 1825. Today it looks exactly as it did in 1844 with a thatched roof, gentle curve above the front door, and walls of clay and unbaked brick in earth mortar, including a painted lime-plaster floor in the parlour to imitate tiles or marble. The remaining buildings include the Ambagswerf, an open air section displaying tools and equipment that would have been used by artisans of the time, Mayville House, a water mill and some fine examples of 18th century furniture.
The Dutch
Reformed Church
Reformed Church
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Swellendam’s iconic white church is renowned for its unique architectural mix and is one of the most photographed churches in Southern Africa.
Under The
Oaks Market
Oaks Market
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Please enjoy the Saturday Market with simply the best vibes, local produce, live musicians and fantastic nibbles and drinks. Weather dependant.
Marloth
Nature Reserve
Nature Reserve
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Marloth Nature Reserve offers various day trails, ranging from easy, short walks to more strenuous, longer hikes. These trails lead into the shady green indigenous forest, where cool pools and waterfalls wait to be discovered. Day walks are open from sunrise to sunset. Avid birders should be on the lookout for the reserve’s 114 species, including the African Fish Eagle, Black Eagle, Wood Owl, Red-winged Francolin, Tambourine Dove, four different species of Woodpecker, and the Cape Vulture.
Grootvadersbosch
Nature Reserve
Nature Reserve
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Grootvadersbosch Nature Reserve encompasses 250 hectares of indigenous forest. There are a variety of day hikes as well as longer, overnight trails on offer. The reserve’s highest peak, Grootberg, is 1637 metres above sea level. Most of the thirty-five typical Southern Afrotemperate forest are present, including Stinkwood, Yellowwood, Red Alder and the dominant Ironwood. This is an excellent birding destination with more than 196 bird species regularly spotted. Hikers are likely to bump into bushbuck and spot baboons and smaller mammals when out on the trails. Grootvadersbosch Nature Reserve has a magical, fairy tale quality, leaving visitors with the lasting impression that they have stepped into another world. Hikers walk in the dappled light of the precious indigenous forest, and swim in the cool tea-coloured river water while shaded by ancient trees.
Hiking
Trails
Trails
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- Marloth Nature Reserve 3,0km (8 min drive)
- Bontebok National Park 6,9km (13 min drive)
- Suurbraak 27,5 km (21 min drive)
- Grootvadersbosch Nature Reserve 45 km (42 min drive)
- De Hoop Nature Reserve 49,5 km (49 min drive)
All part of SANP, so bring your Wild Card.
Mountain
Bike Trails
Bike Trails
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- Marloth Nature Reserve 3,0 km (8 min drive)
- Bontebok National Park 6,9 km (13 min drive)
- Canola Fields
- Countryside
- Explore Swellendam
- Suurbraak Trails 27,5 km (21 min drive)
- Grootvadersbosch Conservancy 45 km (42 min drive)
Swellendam Mountain Bike Club has various cycle routes, from green, red and black.
Bontebok
National Park
National Park
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Bontebok National Park is part of the Cape Floral Kingdom and is abundant in exquisite flora. You are very likely to see a number of animals while here including the Grey Rhebuck, Red Hartebeest and the Bontebok, and perhaps a few smaller animals. Along the riverbank there are picnic areas to relax with a bbq facilities. Perfect for a day out with the family, friends or even if you’re travelling solo.
Swellendam
Golf Course
Golf Course
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Swellendam Golf Course, with its 360-degree views are nothing short of breath-taking. The nine-hole course can be played as such or as an 18-hole one with a par of 72. It is situated right at the base of the Langeberg Mountain Range and the surrounding views include the farms, town and the gorgeous Hermitage Valley.
After leaving Swellendam,10 kms East along the N2, do not miss the Buffeljagsrivier BP Garage on your right. Stop for their famous ‘roosterkoek’ at The Oude Post Bistro, you won’t regret it! There has been a trading post on the site of BP fuel station since 1730.
Drive the glorious Tradouws Pass to Barrydale, constructed by Masterbuilder Thomas Bain between 1869 and 1873. The Tradouw Pass meaning Womens Path in the old Khoi language is a winding drive, through some of the most fascinating and rugged mountain settings in the Langeberg. Along the route there are designated parking areas from where you can view the river, rock pools and waterfalls and in some places you can even fill up your water bottle with fresh spring water.
Once in Barrydale, you have to experience Diesel & Crème Milkshakes! The variety and quality of their milkshakes alone make the trip worth it! The friendly staff and Vintage décor all combine to ensure a memorable experience. There are plenty of wonderful Coffee, Speciality and Souvenirs shops, Art Galleries and various Restaurants to choose from, you will not be disappointed. From Barrydale, take Route 62 in either direction, for numerous wine and or port farms.
Bontebokskloof Manor
Accommodation and Layout
Accommodation and Layout
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- The main bedroom has a queen bed and en suite bathroom (large shower, toilet and twin basins), with an adjoining small bedroom with 2 single beds.
- The third bedroom has a queen bed, beautiful views and spacious, with built in wardrobes and a guest bathroom (bath, large shower, toilet, twin basins) across the hall.
- The fourth bedroom has 3 single beds, this bedroom is spacious, with beautiful views and a guest bathroom (large shower, toilet, twin basins) across the hall.
- The fifth bedroom has 2 single beds with a guest bathroom (bath, large shower, toilet, twin basins) next door.
- The large games room functions as a sixth bedroom and can sleep 4 youngsters. This spacious room is filled with books, table tennis, Flat-screen TV, board games, cards and more, with a guest bathroom (bath, large shower, toilet, basin) across the hall.
Bontebokskloof Manor
Facilities and Services
Facilities and Services
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- BBQ, ‘braai’ area with outdoor seating and equipment
- Bontebokskloof Manor has all necessary security features
- Games room with numerous board and card games, books, table tennis and more
- Washing Machine and Tumble Dryer
- Flat-screen TV
- Wi-Fi is available in all areas and is free of charge
- Linen and towels supplied
- Fully equipped kitchen, including large fridge / freezer, stove, microwave, kettle, coffee machine and toaster
- Large outdoor swimming pool with loungers and umbrella