Buren Cottage, Noordhoek

Buren Cottage is situated in the horsey heart of Noordhoek, on a pastoral smallholding circled by magnificent mountain views and within earshot of the crashing waves on Noordhoek beach. Horse paddocks frame one side of this luxury thatch abode, a private entrance with ample off-street parking the other.

An old traditional cottage that's been given a major facelift with upmarket finishes (but certainly not at the expense of old Noordhoek pastoral ambiance) you'll discover very little has been left off your must-have creature comfort list. With two bedrooms it's suited to couples or a family of four - and with little notable variation between low and high season prices it's within reach of the local weekender.

Bad news (or good, depending where you stand), no kids under six years are permitted due to the many fish ponds on the property. 

Buren is a cottage for all seasons: for winter there's an open fireplace, electric heaters and electric blankets on the comfortable beds, while in summer you have the choice of two braai spots to burn that chop, a built-in braai and a Weber. There's even a Jacuzzi and sauna at hand which guests can use on request.

The airy living area is downstairs and open-plan with a generous dining table, couches, DSTV and a music system. Alongside is a very well equipped kitchen, featuring just about every mod-con, from coffee percolator to snackwich maker. The main bedroom (with Queen bed) is also downstairs and ensuite, while the second bedroom is tucked into the thatched loft and features a Queen, as well as a single bed and baby cot. Full linen and all towels are provided (as well as bath robes - Huge Hefner here we come!) and the cottage is serviced during the week.

When not swanning about in your bath robe or pondering life over a leisurely al fresco lunch, from the front door it's mere hop and skip to the local shops, restaurants, pubs, and the longest beach ever - accessed two minutes by car or better still, on foot. To reiterate: if it's a pampered weekend you're after, that's easy to get to and within financial grasp, Buren ticks just about every box.