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| Calitzdorp/Oudtshoorn:The Retreat at Groenfontein |
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| To make a reservation enquiry, click on the "reservation" button at the bottom of the page. |
The secluded Groenfontein valley with it's historically intact, charming architecture is one of the Western Cape's best kept secrets.
The Retreat At Groenfontein nestles in the shadow of the majestic Swartberg mountains, 20 km's north-east of Calitzdorp, close to Oudtshoorn and on the Groenfontein Road to the Cango Caves. The lovely Victorian house, which dates from 1910, comprises five comfortably appointed en-suite bedrooms with French doors leading to a veranda, two dining rooms and a large lounge with fireplaces, opening to another spacious veranda.
There is a magnificent rose garden and large lawns with rock gardens filled with indigenous Karoo plants.
It is possible to cool off in a plunge pool, in the rock pools of the river or in the large dam. There are numerous trails and walks into the kloofs or onto the mountains
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The lovely Victorian house dates from 1910 and offers beautiful views of the Swartberg
(Click for a larger picture)
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Activities:
Bird Watching Excellent spots for birding on farm, at dams and along river.
Hiking Trails Enjoy a leisurely amble along peaceful country lanes or a climb into the mountains and kloofs for the more adventurous. Marie and Grant are busy re-establishing a hiking trail to "Die Hel" on Groenfontein.
Other Activities The Groenfontein valley is registered as a conservancy comprising ten land owners on 12,500 hectares. The constitution specifies that not only the flora and fauna must be conserved and protected but also the intact vernacular architecture, which puts one back a hundred years in time when traveling through the valley. No electrical pylons mar the beauty of the landscape, all the inhabitants still use alternate energy options. A goal of the conservancy is also to involve local farm labourers and families in upliftment projects.
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| Rates: |
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| Remarks: The rates are per person per day including breakfast and a three course dinner. Luxury rooms R550 and R500 per person. Standard rooms R450 per person.
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| Rooms include : |
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| Airconditioner |
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Dining room (small pic) and one of the bedrooms (large pic)
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| Nearest Town: |
| Calitzdorp |
| Distance: 20km |
| Police: Yes |
| Hospital: Yes |
| (Clinic in Calitzdorp). CALITZDORP is known as the Port Capital of South Africa. This is where the annual Calitzdorp Port Festival is held. Calitzdorp, overlooking a valley that spills like a "Horn of plenty" from the Swartberg foothills, is the fruit-bowl of Kannaland and source of the country’s finest port wines. If the Klein Karoo or Kannaland of old still lives on then its spirit is here, lingering perhaps in some vista of loft-doored cottages up to their cheeks in orchard bloom. For nowhere is the authentic character of a Klein Karoo community and the unique character of the region better preserved. In the spectacular mountains that shelter Calitzdorp on three sides, Nature too, seems unspoiled by the twentieth century. Awaiting the ecology-minded explorer is a wealth of flora, fauna and geological fascination. No wonder that so many visitors stay longer than they intended, soaking up the beauty and - why not? - a little of the wine! RESERVATIONS: Make a reservation enquiry (only an enquiry) by clicking on the reservation icon at the bottom of this page or contact the Farmstay reservation office hours: 039 313 0770 or phone August after hours on 082 882 7475. E-mail enquiries to August at august@farmstay.co.za |
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Tourist attractions in the area.
The guesthouse is close to the Cango Caves, ostrich farms, cheetah farm, camel rides and some beautiful scenic routes such as Swartberg Pass and Meirings poort. Calitzdorp is a charming town with four wine cellars and five port producers. The town has many charming coffee houses,restaurants, shops and an art gallery. There is a walking route in the town guiding vositors to various places of interest. The Retreat at Groenfontein is situated 20km north-east of Calitzdorp and 60km north west of Oudtshoorn on its own winding road into a kloof with no passing traffic. The property borders on Cape Nature Conservation land, the Swartberg Nature Reserve and is traversed by the crystal clear Nel's River, which rises in the Swartberg mountains and feeds the Calitzdorp dam.
They are only 4,5 hours drive from Cape Town, 2 hours from George and 1 hour from Oudtshoorn.
The Groenfontein road also continues to the famous Cango Caves and via the Swartberg Pass to the Karoo Town of Prince Albert through breathtaking scenery.
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Agricultural sites of interest in the area.
Neighbours farm with ostriches, sheep, cattle, dairy and tobacco. Calitzdorp has wineries, port production and fruit farming. |
| The Menu |
| The meals at Groenfontein have a health emphasis, using herbs and vegetables from the garden.
Guests can enjoy Karoo lamb dishes and local Cape specialties. We also cater for vegetarians.
Meals are served under the stars on the veranda in the summer or in the beautiful dining room, with a crackling fire, during the cold winter evenings.
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Dinner bed and breakfast |
| Farm Details |
| Farm Name/s: | Groenfontein Farm - 560 ha | | Farming Activities: Grant and Marie have been developing the guesthouse since they bought the farm. They farm some lucerne and are planning to plant olive trees. |
| Farm History: Previously, Groenfontein was South Africa'a biggest walnut farm. In recent years it was used for grazing by the semi-retired owner's sons. |
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| A bit about your hosts: |
| Marie came from Europe in 1984 and worked at MalaMala for over two years. She met Grant in 1987 and they then joined a lodge in Okavango. In 1990 they went to Namibia where they became shareholders/managers of Lianshulu Lodge in the Eastern Caprivi which they developed into one of Namibia's leading lodges. They sold their shares in 1998 and bought "Groenfontein" which they have developed into a lovely guesthouse. |
Your hosts Grant and Marie (small pic) and Calitzdorp Dam (large pic)
(Click for a larger picture)
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| How to get there: |
| Route map supplied when reservations are made. |
Photo gallery
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The road leading to the farm (small pic) and beautiful spots to enjoy nature (large pic)
(Click for a larger picture) |
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View from the house (small pic) and beautiful setting in the Swartberg mountains (large pic)
(Click for a larger picture) |
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![The lovely Victorian house dates from 1910 and offers beautiful views of the Swartberg](javascript:neWin("guest_images/id87_1l.jpg","The",600,398))
![Dining room (small pic) and one of the bedrooms (large pic)](javascript:neWin("guest_images/id87_2l.jpg","The",600,398))
![Your hosts Grant and Marie (small pic) and Calitzdorp Dam (large pic)](javascript:neWin("guest_images/id87_5l.jpg","The",600,398))
![The road leading to the farm (small pic) and beautiful spots to enjoy nature (large pic)](javascript:neWin("guest_images/id87_3l.jpg","The",600,398))
![View from the house (small pic) and beautiful setting in the Swartberg mountains (large pic)](javascript:neWin("guest_images/id87_4l.jpg","The",600,398))