Bush House @Doornkloof

General information

Modern guesthouse, off the grid with limited cell phone reception and no Internet*. Secluded without being remote, Doornkloof Private Nature Reserve is halfway between Worcester and Robertson - an ideal two hours' drive from Cape Town - but feels like you've entered another world.

The 500-hectare reserve is home to bountiful birdlife, small game, leopard, bush pigs, a migrant troop of baboons, and only four human residences. It is situated next to a game farm for added wildlife viewing opportunities.

The dirt road leading to the Bush House is more suitable for vehicles with higher ground clearance like an SUV or bakkie, but four-wheel drive is not necessary. Owing to it being a wilderness environment pets are not allowed and caution is advised with small children.

Bush House @Doornkloof offers two generous bedrooms, one with extra-length king size bed, en-suite shower room, and direct access to the pool. The second bedroom has twin beds - pushed together for king size - and a Jetmaster fireplace. This bedroom is serviced by the main bathroom with shower and bathtub spacious enough for two. All the rooms in the house have breathtaking views.

Beds are dressed for style and comfort and luxurious bath- and swimming towels supplied. You may choose between down bedding and microfibre. Each bedroom has its own radio, electric air cooler in summer and electric blankets/hot water bottles plus gas heater in winter. Travel toiletries and insect repellent are complimentary. There's a mini-hifi with Bluetooth in the lounge.

Cool off in the extra-deep plunge pool in summer and nest on the giant beanbag in winter. Rediscover the magic of radio in lieu of television and internet. While away quiet hours with a book or movie from the in-house library, play board games at the dining table or explore the excitement of the Breede River Wine Valley on your doorstep. At night, discover just how many stars there are in the sky.

Doornkloof sports one fairly strenuous hiking trail with another, longer trail under construction. You are also welcome to take an easy walk along the farm road. Mountain bike trails are close by.

Meals are self-catered from a fully equipped galley kitchen or barbecued outdoors (grid and firewood provided). The kitchen features a gas stove and electric fridge/freezer and toaster. All cutlery & crockery, a range of elegant glassware and proper utensils are provided, including a percolator and plunger for your morning coffee. There is no microwave.

Dishwashing supplies, tinfoil, olive oil, spices, quality morning beverages and home-baked rusks provided.

Once you have felt the energy of this unique place you will feel compelled to return. We are ready to welcome you.

*Wi-Fi and VoIP-phone available at owner's cottage if you really need it.

NB: The house is let as a unit, i.e. if the booking is for only two people sharing, the other bedroom remains unoccupied.

Check in: 14h00

Check out: 12h00

Interaction with guests

Unless you tell us otherwise, we assume that you came to the mountains to take a break from human interaction and won't come and knock on your door. You are, however, genuinely welcome to ring my doorbell if you need anything to make your stay more comfortable. That's what I'm here for!

At a Glance:

sleeps 4 max.
self-catering
wilderness environment – caution advised with children

- off-grid
- no Wi-Fi
- limited cell phone reception
- 2 hours from Cape Town

West Room:
- king bed (extra length)
- en-suite shower, basin & toilet
- French doors to pool

East Room:
- king/twin beds
- fireplace
- use main bathroom shower & bath

Provided:
- radios
- mini hi-fi with Bluetooth
- audiovisual library
- air coolers/heaters
- electric blankets
- hot water bottles
- outdoor firepit and braai
- potjiekos pot (size 2)
- full-sized gas stove and oven
- electric fridge/freezer
- toaster
- all cutlery, crockery, proper utensils
- a range of elegant glassware
- percolator and plunger

NO microwave

Supplied:
- quality linen (choose down or microfibre)
- bath towels
- swimming towels
- toiletries incl. insect repellent
- firewood and -lighters
- dishwashing supplies
- drying cloths
- tinfoil
- olive oil
- spices
- local ground coffee
- home-baked rusks