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The Retreat at Groenfontein

 
 

Description

The Retreat is an old Victorian farmhouse in the lovely Groenfontein Valley conservancy, bordering on the 129.000ha Swartberg World Heritage Site and situated 20kms northeast of Calitzdorp on a scenic, winding gravel road, 59kms northwest of Oudtshoorn, and 38kms southwest of the Cango Caves, on scenic winding gravel roads, just off the magical Route 62.

Graded 3 and 4 stars by the TGCSA.

This lovely home has 4 comfortable en-suite bedrooms in the main house leading onto a patio, and 4 luxury rooms in 2 garden annexes, all with fireplaces, King-size beds, which can be made up as twins, the 3 larger with a Victorian bath and shower, the smaller with shower, all with magnificent views of the mountains, 2 with separate bedrooms with 2 single beds; while in the main house, the lounge and dining room - each with a fireplace - lead onto the verandah overlooking the sweeping gardens and majestic Swartberg.

Your hosts, Grant and Marie, enjoy treating guests to true Klein Karoo hospitality. The smell of fresh coffee welcomes you back from a morning walk to a hearty breakfast on the terrace, where dinner – cooked with Marie’s continental flair - is also served on most summer evenings. Vegetarian and problem diets are well catered for. The Retreat has a full liquor licence and carries a selection of the fine wines of the region.

Take a lazy afternoon stroll in the peaceful lanes of the Groenfontein Valley, stop for a swim on the new rock-pool trail, enjoy energetic walks into the foothills of the Swartberg in the sparkling mountain air, or simply relax at the pool and let the peace and silence soak into your soul.


German, French, Swedish and Italian spoken. Children welcome.


Proud holders of AA Accommodation Award 2003, 2004 and 2005 and Hall of Fame 2006, 2007 & 2008


Check-In  02:00 PM   Check-Out 11:00 AM

Price & Availability

ON REQUEST
Thursday 11th September
  • Per Person Sharing:
  • R450
  • Per Person:
  • R600
  • Per Unit:
  • R1350
  • Minimum Stay:
  • 2 Nights
 
Check-in
10 February 2012
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En-suite BedroomX 4
Includes: Breakfast & Dinner
4 comfortable en-suite bedrooms in the main house leading onto a patio.
 
En-suite Bedroom
Sleeps 2 Price: p/p sharing
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Luxury SuitesX 4
Includes: Breakfast & Dinner
4 luxury rooms in a converted weaving-shed/milking-shed, with King-size beds, which can be made up as twins, the 3 larger with Victorian bath and shower, the smaller with only shower. They all have a magnificent view of the mountains
We let these luxury rooms for a minimum of 2 nights.
 
Luxury Suites
Sleeps 2 Price: p/p sharing
  • R550
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Rate Colour Key:
 
On Request
 
Unavailable
 
Unspecified
* Please note that these rates are a guide and are subject to change. Please confirm availability by requesting a quote.

En-suite Bedroom x 4

Includes: D B & B

4 comfortable en-suite bedrooms in the main house leading onto a patio.

Features available

Luxury Suites x 4

Includes: D B & B

4 luxury rooms in a converted weaving-shed/milking-shed, with King-size beds, which can be made up as twins, the 3 larger with Victorian bath and shower, the smaller with only shower. They all have a magnificent view of the mountains
We let these luxury rooms for a minimum of 2 nights.

Features available

Facilities

Facilities and Services

  • Fax
  • Internet Access
  • Parking Available
  • Laundry Service
  • Garden
  • Bar on the Premises
  • Swimming Pool
  • Library
  • Off Street Parking
  • Fireplace on the Premises
 

Dining

  • Restaurant on the Premises
  • Breakfast Served
  • Lunch Served
  • Dinner Served
  • Set Menu Offered
 

Facilities in Rooms/Units

  • No Smoking in Rooms
  • Heater in Rooms
  • Fireplace in Rooms
 

Environment

  • Mountain
  • Countryside
  • Nature Reserve
  • River
 

Activities Nearby

  • Bird Watching
  • Fishing
  • Golf
  • Ballooning
  • Caving
  • Climbing - Traditional
  • Fishing - Fly
  • Fishing - Freshwater
  • Walking
  • Hiking / Backpacking
 

Languages Spoken

  • English
  • German
  • French
  • Italian
 

Grading

  • 4 Stars - Tourism Grading Council of South Africa
  • AA Highly Recommended
 

The Retreat at Groenfontein Map

Nearby Places

*Distances are shown as the crow flies and not necessarily the actual travelling distance.

In and Around

Popular Attractions
Nearby Locations
Nearest Airport
Featured Destinations
Gallery and Museums
 

Customer Reviews

Reviews 5 of 8
An outstanding destination
Wendy Hartley, South Africa
04 January 2011
The Retreat exceeded our expectations. The valley is outstanding and well worth the trip along the scenic road. Our room was very comfortable and we slept like babies. The food and hospitality was second to none. The walks are clearly marked. Our two nights stay there was the highlight of our trip to Cape. Do not miss the drive over the Swartberg pass - truly spectacular!
Thoroughly enjoyed our stay
John Hodgson, South Africa
22 April 2010
Although the 1.5kl to the retreat was narrow and windy the road was in good repair. We thoroughly enjoyed the lovely clean home style guest lodge. Well run and most hospitable together with excellent meals. Despite the recent fires, we enjoyed our ambles round and admire the way they have cleaned up all the fire damaged areas.
Definitely a place to return!
Ariane Spitaels, South Africa
11 August 2009
Retreat describes it perfectly: from the escape along the winding dirt road, to the fabulous room with the surrounding view and only the sound of birdsong and wind on the air, and the lure of paths disappearing into the hills. We were well spoiled and felt as though we made friends over the dining table.
This truly is the perfect Retreat:
Anonymous, South Africa
21 June 2009
A magnificent home in wonderful surroundings, well off the beaten track. It ranks as the best guest house we have ever stayed in. The hiking trails/walks accommodate every level of fitness. Guests are treated like one of the family, with everyone eating together, and the food is 10-star. Grant and Marie and their staff are attentive to every possible need, and nothing is too much trouble. We took advice from another comment and stayed two nights in order to enjoy an entire day of ... more
Fantastic stay,
Anonymous, South Africa
15 March 2009
The 19km drive on the gravel road was well worth it when we arrived at our destination. The house is wonderful and the views spectacular. The food was outstanding, the breakfast and dinner wonderful. Great base for driving around the Karoo and the Swartsberg pass. You must stay 2 nights, 1 simply isn't long enough to relax and enjoy the view and the walks in the mountains!

Show More Reviews
From R450
 
 
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Customer Rating

8 Customer Reviews
 
 
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from 8 Guest Reviews

An outstanding destination…”  Read More

Wendy Hartley, South Africa - 04 January 2011

Thoroughly enjoyed our stay…”  Read More

John Hodgson, South Africa - 22 April 2010
Groenfontein
Bedroom
Bedroom
Lounge
Dining Room
Food
Verandah
Sunrise
Panorama
Front View
Map