The Schoemanskloof Retreat comprises two self-catering guest cottages on Falls Fish Farm (we do goldfish and koi) in the beautiful indigenous valley of Schoemanskloof - The Bakoni Hide-Away half-way up the mountain and Khaya Mandevu at the bottom. The Bakoni is an off the grid cottage. It is accessed by vehicles with high clearance only (4x4 in wet weather), but we are happy to shuttle guests up to the cottage from the main gate upon request. Khaya Mandevu near the river below is an old farmhouse, overlooking a dam with a stunning view of the mountain. It is more easily accessed than the B
The Schoemanskloof Retreat comprises two self-catering guest cottages on Falls Fish Farm (we do goldfish and koi) in the beautiful indigenous valley of Schoemanskloof - The Bakoni Hide-Away half-way up the mountain and Khaya Mandevu at the bottom. The Bakoni is an off the grid cottage. It is accessed by vehicles with high clearance only (4x4 in wet weather), but we are happy to shuttle guests up to the cottage from the main gate upon request. Khaya Mandevu near the river below is an old farmhouse, overlooking a dam with a stunning view of the mountain. It is more easily accessed than the Bakoni but also needs a vehicle with fairly high clearance.
Khaya Mandevu can accommodate six people in three bedrooms, and a 7th at a squeeze in an alcove in the lounge area while the Bakoni is designed ideally for 2, 3 or 4 at a squeeze.
Both cottages are ideal getaways for nature lovers and those keen on activities like birding, hiking and mountain biking.
The Bakoni Hide-Away cottage is designed for 2 but another 2 (adults or children over the age of 5) can sleep on 2 mattresses placed on the mezzanine floor above the lounge/bedroom area. The mezzanine is accessed by steep stairs and guests are required to use these with caution, especially with young children.
There is an en-suite bathroom with a shower, basin and toilet. Linen and towels are provided.
The fully-equipped kitchen has a gas hob and a fridge with freezer space. Both cottages have outside braai/barbecues with grids.
Water is provided by a mountain stream with water filters for drinking water which we all happily drink but please bring bottled water if you are worried about tummies not used to it or be prepared to boil the water.
The lounge has a cast-iron stove in the fire-place but no TV. The first lot of firewood is free – thereafter it is available for purchase at R40 per bag. There is also a covered verandah and the totally secluded cottage is surrounded by indigenous bush - ideal for relaxing.
Khaya Mandevu has a bedroom with a king size bed & bathroom en suite; a 2nd bedroom with a king size bed or 2 singles, a 2nd bathroom with a shower and loo; and a 3rd bedroom with 2 single beds in it. A long couch in the entrance alcove can be used to squeeze in a 7th guest. There is also an outside shower and a small dip pool. The fully equipped kitchen has a fridge/freezer and a gas stove.
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