Asher Riverside Cottages

"The hospitality and the friendliness of Ada and Dichter greatly adds to the already impressive appeal of this getaway. This was not our first trip to Asher, nor will it be our last. The comfort and the restfulness of the cottages allows you to recharge and relax. The added pleasure of sitting in the wood fired hot tub after a long day simply puts this place over and above all others. If the tub has cooled it adds a welcome relief to the hot days as well. The location of the hot tub next to the braai just makes it such a well organized and social setting. Comforts abound with all that you need. It really doesn't get better than this."

(visited Jan 2021)

"We enjoyed a restful couple of days here. The flies were a nuisance, and the hosts apologised for them, but not sure what else they can do as it's a farm setting with animals around."

(visited January 2021)

"We loved our stay at one of the cottages. It's a very peaceful place and set in a beautiful surrounding. The 4 cottages are far apart which makes it very private. The view from the stoep is mesmerising! The beds are very comfortable and everything is clean. It was just the 2 of us, but next time we would like to bring the whole family. The rustic feel of the place is ideal for families. Surrounded by wine farms it's a must to go on a wine tasting tour, we enjoyed our visit to Viljoensdrift. Our hosts made us feel at home and were very helpful."

(visited Nov 2020)

"It's a beautiful setting, with amazing hospitality, and good for the soul. Also love that they cater for recycling, which is something we seldom find when visiting self catering accommodation. We had such a lovely time at Asher Cottages and will definitely be back."

(visited October 2020)

"Ons moes eintlik langer gebly het! Die eenhede is baie privaat met lieflike grasperke voor die huisies. Lekker om wakker te word met uitsigte van die rivier en die berge voor jou. Die gasvrou, Ada, was baie behulpsaam en vriendelik. Ons kom verseker weer terug. Ek sal die plekkie as 'n "gem" beskryf."

(visited Sep 2020)

"We had a lovely weekend at the end of July. We loved the tranquility and quiet of the river side."

(visited Jul 2020)

"Pure magic. Quiet and peaceful. Great to lay on the grass and read a book with all the little birdies. Hot Tub was divine to watch the sunset from."

(visited Jul 2020)

"This has to be a little gem in the heart of the Breede River. Ample comfortable accommodation, Relaxing in the wood fired hot tub in the dead of night with nothing but nature around you. A braai fit for a big party and lots of enjoyment. Privacy and serenity comes by default. This is always a really worthwhile visit. Welcomed and loved by the owners from the moment we arrived. It all adds up to a perfect stay. Without a doubt an all time favourite spot."

(visited Feb 2020)

"We loved the small pool just outside our cottage that provided a welcome cool splash during the day and a hot tub experience in the evening. The Breede River is only a few meters from the house making it a wonderful view from the veranda and perfect for bird watching. We enjoyed using the supplied canoe to row up and down the river. (It would be great if there was a way to access the river for a swim without having to pass through itchy water grass plants, but we understand that the variable level of the river makes it hard to build something for this purpose.) The house itself was cute, cosy and clean. Our kids loved the loft sleeping area. We had all that we needed to make our stay pleasant. Ada was efficient and helpful. Very good at communicating and making us feel at home."

(visited Dec 2019)

"Second time going. Hands down most amazing stay, great hosts and unbelievable settings."

(visited Nov 2019)

"Uur hosts were very welcoming but kept their distance (which we liked). The setting was majestic and tranquil, except for the calming sounds of nature. The wood fire hot tub was the feature of the weekend for us! With more than enough wood supplied to keep the braai and the tub going all weekend and more readily available at the main house. Once a morning the two farm dogs would visit to say hello and then goodbye. Definitely a perfect getaway in my book and if you need to keep up with the Kardashians, you can for R40 a day (DSTV - you have to pre-book). Loved it so much, i stepped out of character and wrote a review :) Wilton Brandt"

(visited Nov 2019)

"What an amazing little gem! The cottage is right in the riverbed with the most amazing views. Sunset is especially magical and that hot tub is worth going back for year after year. The setting is peaceful and we spent evenings relaxing in the hot tub while looking at the stars. The cottage is pristine with everything you need including a solar portable light (so take it outside as soon as you arrive) and a fireplace inside and out. The only thing we missed was salt :) so remember to pack it in unlike we did. Unbelievable value for money. Back for sure in December!"

(visited Nov 2019)

"Instantly fell in love with this amazing place and will definitely return. From the cool loft for the kiddies, to the unbelievably huge patio and braai, the amazing little wood-fired jacuzzi, the curious visits from the friendly and adorable farm dogs, and the breathtakingly idyllic riverside setting. This is hands down a firm favourite on my getaway to-do-list. Some of the best star-gazing ever - keep a lookout from the warm jacuzzi for a shooting star if you're lucky enough to spot one!"

(visited Aug 2019)

"This is the first time we have tried this wonderful farm. The cottages are absolutely amazing. The addition of the fantastic hot water (wood fired) cuddle puddle is a must to try. Fishing was not the greatest - but that was not the fault of the cottage, probably due to the lack of water in the river - or just bad fishing on our part. From the time we arrived to the time we left - we were made to feel welcome by Ada and Dichter. The cottage is spacious, warm and has all you require for a great stay. I think the only recommendation I would suggest - Try to make some stairs in the bank to get down to the river. But for us intrepid warriors it was no big deal to get down there. But for some it could be a little troublesome. The canoes were absolutely awesome, stable and comfortable to allow long hours of fishing and long paddles up or down the river. Will we be going back there again? Ohhhhhh HECK YES !It was like have the Huckleberry Finn adventure with stylish accommodation. The night sky is something to be seen whilst basking in the hot water of the plunge pool late at night."

(visited Apr 2019)

"Absolutely fantastic setting, everything in the cottage was so cozy and comfortable. Our family had an incredible weekend we have no issues with regards to this place. Ada was very welcoming will definitely be going back."

(visited Apr 2019)

"This was by far one of the best weekends we had as a family. The beautiful view, the Jacuzzi, the absolute peace and quiet :-) We have loved every moment about it and will be back soon! Our kids aged 6 and 9 did not want to leave. Thank you for a great budget getaway!"

(visited Feb 2019)

"Excellent Value for money, spacious, beautiful views. The hot tub was a real treat. Lovely stoep and massive fireplace, also has an indoor fireplace for cold nights. Well equipped kitchen, even had a spare gas bottle and Potjiekos pot. Cows chilled in the Garden and there is also a free canoe to use. Beds not super comfortable and lots of flies. However it was such a beautiful and tranquil experience and I think we got way more than we paid for. They also provided plenty of free wood. I can't wait to go back. Almost want to say it was horrible so I can keep this gem to myself."

(visited Jan 2019)

"For sure one of the best getaways thus far. Thanks to Ada and her boys for assisting us when we had our breakdown. Your assistance was greatly appreciated by all."

(visited Oct 2018)

"It was more than perfect, exactly what we both needed and the wood fired hot tub just added the cherry on top. Ada was so helpful even though we got there well over check in time, she really accommodated us so nicely and made us feel at home. Will definitely be back very very soon! Thank you Dickter and Ada for a great weekend getaway!"

(visited Oct 2018)

"Loved it! So relaxing. The cottages were well-spaced for privacy, spacious and had a lovely view. The wood burning outdoor hot tubs were a new experience. Sublime to lie back in hot water, watching the bird life while the sun sets. We will certainly be back!"

(visited October 2018)

"Lovely farm breakaway in an amazing setting! Great value for money. The wood fired hot tubs are just perfect!"

(visited Oct 2018)

"We've found our perfect getaway. If it is serenity and peace you want, this is the place to go to. Our host, Ada, was exceptionally hospitable. The cottage is well kept and in pristine condition feeling like a home away from home. We really didn't have to take anything with. Just food and clothing. We will be going back very soon."

(visited Sep 2018)

"Loved our stay, came home relaxed enjoyed every minute."

(visited Jun 2018)

"We had a fantastic weekend, hope to return very soon. The warm pool is a lovely idea, didn't want to get out."

(visited May 2018)

"The cottage got some new additions like a hotpot and van outside, which adds to the value. Ada was very helpful when the kettle broke. We enjoyed the peace and serenity next to the river."

(visited Dec 2017)

"Such a wonderful spot with excellent bird spotting."

(visited Jan 2017)

"I really had an amazing getaway at Asher Riverside Cottages. The cottage was fully equipped, had amazing views of the river and many more!"

(visited Dec 2016)

"It's a beautiful place for resting!"

(visited Dec 2016)

"So peaceful and good for the soul. We absolutely loved our weekend at Asher Cottage and can highly recommend it to anyone needing to get away and relax. There are stunning views and the hosts are very friendly."

(visited Jul 2016)

"We had a fantastic break-away at Asher Riverside Cottages with the family. This was our second visit and we enjoyed it even more than the first. We have recommended it to other family members who have already booked for next month! We will definitely go back soon."

(visited May 2016)

"A visit to Asher Riverside Cottages was exactly what I needed to get away from the hustle and bustle of city life. The owners are friendly and the cottage is spacious and secluded. We had easy access to the river and canoeing was a special treat. We loved it and would like to come back again soon."

(visited Feb 2016)

"Wonderful cottage, spacious and well equipped. Pack extra clothes if you are going to use the kayaks, you do get wet but it is so much fun!! The flies were not much fun but Asher Cottages do provide fly paper and spray. The cottages are amongst cows and horses so it will happen."

(visited Feb 2016)

"Bonnievale is such a gem and offers so much. We could have stayed another week at Asher. We loved going down to the river to fish, playing with Buks the local doggie on the beautiful lawn in front of the cottage, sleeping in the loft, making as many fires simultaneously as possible, going cheese tasting, wine tasting, sitting on the large stoep and taking in the view of the Breede river, watching the train go by, listening to the birds. There are so many places to go see, Bonnievale wines is excellent, The Bontebok park is half an hour away, Robertson is half an hour away (Van Loveren, Birds paradise, Viljoensdrift boat cruise), McGregor is half an hour away with the donkey sanctuary. What a valley and what nice people. Life is slow (like the tractors you see all the time) and good here. We will be back."

(visited July 2015)

"Lovely weather, stunning sunsets, enjoyed canoeing on the river, very peaceful."

(visited May 2015)

"The setting is really lovely being right on the banks of the river. The cottage itself was spotless and had everything needed for the weekend but lacked "personality". That being said, we had a very relaxing time and will certainly recommend it."

(visited May 2015)

"We had an absolutely phenomenal stay at Asher Riverside Cottages over the May long weekend. We went as a large group of friends, and stayed in two cottages, which were both immaculately clean, comfortable and well-appointed. Being close to the river, surrounded by countryside, meant that people could spend time relaxing together, or going for a paddle, or a run, or bird-watching, or golf, or swimming, or fishing, the list goes on and on. If you are looking for a place to totally relax, this is the place for you. We can't recommend Asher enough."

(visited May 2015)

"Had a fantastic family getaway. Beautiful setting and wonderful accommodation. Great bird life."

(visited April 2015)

"The highlights of our stay was the evening strolls in the vineyards and the fun we had with the kids in the river. The flies were a nuisance. The layout of the cottage was ideal. Great place for a family breakaway!"

(visited February 2015)

"Awesome getaway, beautiful surroundings. River level low during our stay due to lack of rain in catchment area, but that did little to diminish the enjoyment of our stay. The cottage is as big as a house and has everything we needed and more all provided, especially the bedding was awesome! We felt safe although cottages quite a distance away from one another. Truly a memorable holiday and we will definitely be going back. Heads up, plenty of free fire wood is provided although it does not make nice coals for braaing so take a bag of charcoal with. There are also some flies on hot December days so take some Doom and citronella candles to make your stay great."

(visited January 2015)

"Great all around, highly recommended."

(visited January 2015)

"We had an awesome stay in the cottages. Easy to get to, beautiful view and very relaxing."

(visited January 2015)

"Great value for money, peaceful surroundings, friendly hosts, will use them again."

(visited January 2015)

"We had a very relaxing calm peaceful time away from the hustle and bustle of city life and would recommend it most definitely to friends and family, I'd go back anytime. We enjoyed our daily four-legged visitors (cows) tremendously. My family enjoyed the river and canoe rides even though they we scared at first but with Ada helping out with life jackets it made it more 'survivable' as my daughter said! Amazing and a wow place with lovely owners."

(visited December 2014)

"Die huis met sy groot stoep het 'n pragtige uitsig op die Breede Rivier en die berge in die agtergrond. Hier het ons heerlik gekuier en net weereens besef in hoe 'n pragtige land ons woon. Dit is die ideale uitspanplek om ontslae te raak van die stad se gejaagdheid en net die rustige natuur te geniet. Ada en Dickter het uit hul pad uit gegaan om dit vir ons so gerieflik as moontlik te maak. Sal beslis weer soontoe gaan!"

(visited December 2014)

"It's all that we wanted! A quiet peace of heaven to just relax and recharge."

(visited December 2014)

"We recently spent a fantastic 5 days at one of the Asher Cottages outside Bonnievale. The setting is gorgeous. The river is large and deep and canoeing is a blast. The cottage is very well equipped with everything you could need and the loft room for the kids was a big hit. There is lots of space inside the cottage as well as on the large stoep with a breathtaking view of the river. Ada de Wet was welcoming and hospitable, making it clear we could come to her if we needed anything but otherwise left us alone which is how we like it. Just one remark to take note of, the access to the river is very steep indeed. No issue for the teenage kids but would be trying for anyone with even minor mobility issues. The distance between the cottages is absolutely fine for privacy, as long as you don't mind the occasional cow checking out what you are up to that is!. We loved it and would definitely go back."

(visited December 2014)

"Very nice 'out of the city' kind of place."

(visited October 2014)

"Our stay was awesome. Quiet and peaceful with time to think and relax, bathe in the sun, take a nap in peaceful surroundings ... even the fish bit in order to ensure that you enjoy the fishing. Nature and man worked together to ensure we had a joyful time."

(visited October 2014)

"Great getaway for a great price."

(visited September 2014)

"It truly is a spectacular setting, and the facilities are charming and adequate. Clean comfortable and welcoming. The owners were extremely professional. The directions and descriptions are all spot on. The pictures just don't do the experience justice!"

(visited September 2014)

"We thoroughly enjoyed our stay and kids had a blast sleeping in upstairs bedroom, as well as exploring around. Enjoyed the trips in canoe on river as well. Evenings were enjoyed on stoep with fire blazing (wood supplied by Ada - thanks)."

(visited January 2014)

"The owners were friendly and helpful. When my sister got lost they offered to fetch them. We have two recommendations: Accessibility of the river is poor, it was too steep; and the kids kept on sliding and for my older sister it was to steep to reach the water. At night we were bitten by mosquitoes and during the day the flies were hard to keep at bay. Mosquito nets would have been handy."

(visited January 2014)

Getaway Reply

"Thank you for the guest comment. Robert Hoeksema did not make a booking with me for January 2014. After Bonnievale we are the first north facing cottages with the river in view. The height of our riverbanks make it possible for guest to enjoy a cottage with in 20m from the river. Unfortunately we do have one cottage with more difficult access towards the river. The river banks in our area are very sensitive and due to the fact that the Breede River are really "breed" (broad) at our part of the river when in flood, it is not possible to do anything to accessibility to the river. Structures are usually washed away during floods. The flies are unfortunately part of farm but we do try to control it. We spray the cottages on a regular basis and have a few active fly bags at the back of all the cottages. A can of Coopex Aerosol in all cottages help guest to control flies and mosquitoes during their stay."

(Ada De Wet)

"This spot was really perfect for us. Wanted a quiet place to go away to and found the Asher cottages absolutely fantastic. Such an incredible setting at a great price. Canoeing or swimming in the river during the warm days and fire in the fireplace at night. No disturbances - exactly what you need to get away from the city."

(visited March 2013)

"Absolute value for money. Beautiful, private setting. Did lots of bird watching."

(visited January 2013)

"This is our third time we have visited Asher Cottages, and it never fails to be a memorable weekend. From the basic, clean and functional facilities, to the brilliant braai setup, to the clean river and canoes, I can't rave enough about this place. Thank you for having us once again! We will be back next year for round four without a doubt."

(visited March 2011)

"We stay stayed at Asher during the first week of January and overall had a very relaxing stay. The bathrooms are lovely and spacious and the beds extremely comfy. The loads of free wood are enough to melt any hardened SA male. On the down side, the access to the river was extremely disappointng. We stayed in cottage no.2 and to get into the river we had to walk down a boiling hot tree trunk off a rather steep embankment in order to avoid the green slush along the river edge. Very very difficult for small children and dangerous for pregnant woman. We did devise a plan for getting into the canoe (which was great to have), which was also tricky to access, and then paddling out in order to get my 4 year-old into and out of the river safely. All very doable, but it did make going for a swim quite an effort. No such thing as a quick dip - frustrating when it is 39 degrees... Overall, we did have a lovelly time and I would definatley recommend it. Just the river access from cottage 2 is a big problem, especially for little children."

(visited January 2011)

"We had a stunning time. Will go back again and again and again."

(visited March 2010)

"Kos vir die siel en gees, regtig nader aan God kon ons nie gewees het nie! Die verblyf, natuurskoon en gasvryheid is beslis 'n WENNER!"

(visited July 2009)

"What a great getaway!! Perfect for a break from the city life. Great views of mountains, right on the river. The canoes are fun! All in all a great way to relax and spend time with the family. Thanks again Ada."

(visited April 2009)

"The accommodation exceeded all expectations. Ada shows her hospitality by adding little things that make a huge difference and are not usually available in self-catering accommodation, like little chocolates for guests, classy wine glasses, an exceptionally well stocked kitchen. The setting is mind-blowing and a fabulous place to escape civilisation."

(visited October 2008)

"What an amazing place to just totally relax! The cottages are right on the river, the bird life amazing, even spotted an otter! It was so good to just get away and do nothing... Ada, thank you for your hospitality, we will most certainly come again.

(visited September 2008)

"Fantasties!! Wil jy afskakel en weer jouself vind? Dit is beslis die plek. Dankie aan Dickter en Ada wat sulke "stunning" mense is en 'n bietjie van hulle wonderlike lewe met ons kon deel."

(visited January 2007)

"It exceeded all expectations. The spaciousness of the cottage was great."

(visited July 2005)