Description
Rustic meets luxury with this off grid eco-compound complete with two plunge pools, uninterrupted 360 views and private access to the beautiful Duivenhoks river. 3 1/2 hours drive from Cape Town on route to the Garden Route. The sleepy hamlet of Vermaaklikheid is a hidden treasure and holiday destination. The property is set on a ridge of coastal forest overlooking the Duiwenhoks river, 6 km upriver from San Sebastian Bay. Rate includes 2 bags of firewood per day, WIFI, use of watersport gear.
The space
The property power is supplied by solar pv system. A cluster of white stone buildings interlinked by well maintained walkways. Thorn & Feather was built in 2013 using local materials. Three separate sleeping cabins (white stone cottages): "Annabelle" cottage: 1 x Queen size bed + 1 x single bed; "Astrid": 1 x queen + 2 x single beds; "Sam": 1 x queen bed. The maximum capacity is 6 adults (2 sharing per cottage) and 3 children.
The "Bathhouse". Experience piping hot water (originating from two "donkeys" (Boilers)) flowing into a stone bath and shower. Each space is partially open to the bush with views of the river.
The main building contains a fully equipped kitchen and dining room spilling onto a large closed deck (stoep) area; that leads to an open deck with open fire-pit, plunge pool and magnificent views of the river and mountains. From the deck, via the milkwood forest, a walkway flows down to the river passing a plunge-pool and reading / meditation space, ending up at the waters edge where a selection of watercraft are available for guests. Optional items at very reasonable rates include WIFI; Fire/Braaiwood (Rooikrans); and half or full day cleaning.
Guest access
The property has private river access (floating jetty). There is no slipway. Guests wishing to launch motor boats may do so at any of the two public slipways in Vermaaklikheid, then drive their boat to the jetty. Guests are asked not to engage with nearby farms to ask for access to their private slipways.
The watersport store contains triple and double canoes; double kayaks with fishing rod holders; oars; life jackets for kids; and other accessories. There are two paddle boards (old windsurfers).
Other things to note
The following information is available in the Property Manual (available at the property).
DIRT ROADS
40km of dirt road between Vermaaklikheid and the N2. The last 400m to the property involves a steep incline. This section of road is in poor condition. Guests do not require a 4 x 4 as the road is compact but it is advisable to drive very slowly on this last 400m. Vehicles with a high clearance can drive a little faster.
VERMAAKLIKHEID (offers nature, peace & quiet ....and nothing else!)
.... is NOT a town / village / dorp. There are no grocery stores. Guests must purchase all food & beverage before arrival. For top ups there are multiple retail stores and chemists in three towns, Riversdale; Heidelberg and Stilbaai; all three are roughly 45km from the property.
PLEASE BRING
Beach towels, dishwashing liquid, toilet paper, matches, spices, and any other items you would expect to fall outside the self-catering deal. If you forget something, please ask our staff – they have access to emergency supplies.
IT IS NOT NECESSARY TO BRING
Braai grids, potjie pots, cutlery, crockery, bedding and bathing towels. The property has a very basic medical kit. The kit may not carry pain relief medication.
WATER
Drinking water is supplied by a rain collection tank and filter system with a dedicated tap in the kitchen. The tank is small, full and well maintained. Guests sensitive to this type of system are encouraged to bring bottled water. General purpose water is supplied by a nearby spring.
TOO MUCH NATURE? Caveat.
After many years of cleaning this propery (regularly and thoroughly), my colleagues and I, admit defeat in one area. Spiders and Scorpions do get in the property. Guests are likely to see a spider in the far corner of a room near the ceiling at some stage in their trip. The majority are not poisonous, and those that are, do not target homo sapiens! Such creatures will try to get away. Occasionally, a scorpion is seen. The same dynamic applies. The property manual provides detailed information on this subject and nature in the area. Guests with strong phobias should probably not visit this area.