Calitzdorp, Route 62, Western Cape

Winner AA Accommodation Award 2003, 2004 + 2005 Hall of Fame 2006 and 2007(Category Guest House Full Service) **** & ***

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

This lovely home has 5 comfortable en-suite bedrooms in the main house leading onto a patio and 2 new luxury rooms in a converted weaving-shed, both with King-size beds, which can be made up as twins, the larger with a Victorian bath and shower and a magnificent view of the mountains, the smaller with shower and a view from the verandah; 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.

We enjoy treating guests to true Klein-Karoo hospitality with hearty breakfasts and traditional home-cooked dinners served with a continental touch. Vegetarians are welcome and we cater for problem diets. We have a full liquor licence and carry a selection of wines from the region.

Enjoy peaceful walks along the charming lanes of the Groenfontein valley, climb into the foothills of the Swartberg, or simply relax on the stoep and let the peace and silence soak into your soul. German, French, Swedish and Italian spoken. THE RATES INCLUDE DINER!