Adjacent to the N2, Bontebokskloof Manor is located on a working farm in the countryside, a stone’s throw away from picturesque Swellendam, with a clear view of the Langeberg Mountains, and can accommodate up to 3 families, sleeping a maximum of 15 people.
The old Cape Dutch farmhouse has recently been restored to its former glory and is a fully furnished, self-catering guest house, that offers 5 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, a spacious kitchen and dining area, and a cosy lounge.
The main bedroom is furnished with a queen-size bed and has an en-suite bathroom with a large shower, toilet and twin basins. The smaller, adjoining bedroom contains 2 single beds. The third bedroom contains a queen-size bed, has beautiful views and makes use of a guest bathroom with a bath, large shower, toilet, and twin basins across the hall.
The fourth room is furnished with 3 single beds, and the fifth bedroom has 2 single beds. The large games room functions as a sixth bedroom and can sleep 4 youngsters under the age of 16 on single beds. This spacious room is filled with books, table tennis, flat screen tv, board games, cards and more. The 3 rooms share the use of a guest bathroom with a bath, large shower, toilet, and basin located across the hall. Linen and towels are supplied for convenience.
Like all old farmhouses, the kitchen and adjacent braai area, are the heart and soul of Bontebokskloof Manor. The fully equipped kitchen has a large fridge-freezer, stove, microwave, tea and coffee facilities, as well as a washing machine and tumble dryer. With its 14-seater dining table, the kitchen opens onto the vine-covered pergola and swimming pool. The braai area has an unspoiled view of the mountains.
The lounge features an old, untuned piano with lots of atmosphere and good ambience. Guests can relax in front of the fireplace in front of the TV, under the watchful eyes of one of South Africa’s most beloved poets, Uys Krige. Born on this farm, Uys Krige wrote the beautiful poem, ‘Die Plaashek’, on his return from the second world war. Wi-Fi is available.
The old mud and brick walls keep the house cosy in the wintertime and the high ceilings, cool in the summer. Settle down with a good book, on the massive northwest-facing stoep couches, forgetting about life’s hustle and bustle and even time itself, enjoying the peace and quiet.
Outdoor enthusiasts can hike, run and cycle on the trails. Guests can 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. 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. 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
