A 40ha farm along the Goukou River, with two cottages

Budget Getaways Review

Country Cats appears to tick most 'dream getaway on a river' boxes. With a a serene setting of lush meadows loosely draped along the broad Goukou River, a backdrop of fynbos hills, friendly horses and two pretty cottages tailored to slightly different tastes, you're unlikely to go wanting. 

Happy Hollow Cottage is the more rustic and creative of the two options. Tucked into an indigenous kloof alongside the stables, it's open-plan and sleeps four. Looking at the pics, 'organic country' appears to be the decor theme, with wonky sandbagged walls, cement floors, tree trunks propping up a mezzanine level for the kids, roughly sanded doors, and liberal use of thick nautical rope. The kitchen is fully equipped with micro, fridge and stove, the open dining/living area has a fireplace, and the screened-off bedroom comes with fresh linen and towels. The open patio faces onto the kloof, harbouring a rich bird and plant life, while to the front a huge garden holds secret nooks and crannies for the kids. 

Further up the way, Reed Beds (sleeps 6) is a mix of old world cosiness and modern convenience. Again, the living and kitchen area is open-plan and fitted with elegant darkwood furniture and the all-essential fireplace. The living room and main bedroom open to a courtyard and green lawns spilling superb views across the water. There are two separate bedrooms, with the main being ensuite. A fold-out couch in the lounge can hold another two guests. Again, all linen and towels are included in the deal. The kitchen is fully equipped with fridge, dishwasher and washing machine should you wish to prolong your stay.

Since the water is central to your weekend, an old rowing boat, two canoes and a pair of paddle skis are at your disposal. Alternatively, bring along that old tub you bought off Gumtree - as long as it floats and it isn't a jet ski! For the non-waterbabes there's a picnic spot at the river and close to 40ha of fynbos hills to explore. And while there are horses on the farm they aint for ridin'. Same goes for the chickens.

Of course, if all this is not enough to keep you busy, Stilbaai, with its long beach and smattering of decent eateries, is just 10km up the way.

Getaway Facts: Country Cats Cottages
Where10km from Stilbaai
GPS co-ordsS 34°19'03''  E 21°21'24''
Sleeps4, 4-6
Equippedyes
Linenyes
Towelsyes
Fireplaceyes
Braaiyes
Meals availableno
Pet-friendlyyes
Rate guideR150pp - R300pp nightly, depending on number of guests and season (More detail...)
Activitiesbirdwatching, boating, canoeing, farm animals, fishing, hiking, restaurants, stargazing, surfing, swimming, walking, waterskiing, whale watching

Guest Comments

"We so hope that we will be able to return one day to enjoy Happy Hollow all over again. It is so special you just have to be there to understand!" (Diana Hindon, visited April 2013)
"What an amazing place to get away from the city stress. We had the best time, wish we could have stayed longer. We stayed in the Happy Hollow Cottage and we fell in love with the place immediately. What a beautiful cozy place surrounded by nature. We didn't miss our television at all! Being animal lovers we enjoyed getting to know all the horses and playing with the dogs and kitties. Our dog had the time of her life and she was made to feel welcome upon our arrival. We can highly recommend Country Cats and just say thank you so much again to John and Jean. We will definitely come visit you again. Take care." (Lize Miksch, visited March 2013)
"John was a wonderful host. He phoned us a day prior to warn us about the possibility of heavy rain in the area (and did so again on day of arrival). The pictures don't do Country Cats justice - it is much prettier in real life. I loved the small touches, like bubble bath in the bathroom. Would recommend it to our friends with kids any time!" (Esme van der Merwe, visited August 2012)
"Wonderful spot for kids, loads of space for them to run around and great swimming in the river! Just loved the al fresco shower in a beautifully secluded spot of the garden. Thanks for a lovely stay at Happy Hollow!" (Susan de Villiers, visited February 2012)
"What a great place to stay. Joan and John were welcoming and very helpful. Reed house was very spacious and comfortable. The view of the river from the front lawn was amazing and it was just a short walk down to it. The children had a ball with lots to keep them busy. Feeding the horses and chickens, fishing, swimming and exploring. It was great to be able to bring our small dog. Left feeling relaxed. Will definitely return here soon." (Pauline Lewis, visited October 2011)
"This was the kind of getaway we were looking for: cosy, quaint and calm. Still. The setting is beautiful and serene. The view of the river from the cottage patio and front yard brought sighs of relief to our souls. The cottage we stayed in is essentially a stone's throw away from the river with nothing impeding or obstructing our view of this body of water. And if you are not looking at the river as it meanders slowly by, you can cast your eye over the hills where the pretty horses on this property graze and stretch their legs. The house itself is spacious, comfortable and comforting. Enough sources of heating were provided during the colder hours. In fact, the owners put the heaters on in anticipation of our arrival which was a lovely, thoughtful touch. The beds and facilities were comfortable, leaving us only to the task of resting, relaxing, cooking and making fires. It was great that the owners allowed us to bring our two small dogs with us. They seemed to have a ball, too. The cottage is tucked away from the main house and we were also left to our own devices by the owners which we appreciated as privacy is high on our agenda when going away for a few days. This cottage is also not too far from the town so if you need supplies, a slow scenic drive of about 10-15 minutes will get you there. If you are keen enough, you'll find a few interesting gems of places hidden away here and there, but you'll have to look. For example on our last night there, we did not feel like cooking so we ordered take-away meals (ox tail stews) from one of the local restaurants located on the beach. It was delicious - the stew as well as the accompanying dishes. We didn't mind going to collect the meals ourselves - with our own dishes :-) The beaches that make up Stilbaai are just divine. The only thing we did not care for is that no dogs are allowed on most, if not all, of the beaches. We'd like to return and stay for a bit longer, perhaps also when the weather is less wet. 'Still', we enjoyed just cocooning in the comfort of the cottage; it's what the doctor ordered." (Clint Steenveld, visited July 2011)
"A quaint cottage offering a homely and comfortable stay. The owners are very attentive without being intrusive. And there are so many things to do: swimming, cycling, canoeing, hiking, visits to the town and surrounding areas... the list goes on. Best thing is, the dogs just love the place!" (Mariette Greyling, visited December 2010)
"We only stayed for one night - being a travel agent I can be quite critical - but this is a lovely establishment - it is a perfect spot for a quiet getaway but not too far out of town - beautiful. Great for family of four! I can definitely recommend it." (Elretha Lourens, visited April 2011)
"Great property if you want to be out of the hustle and bustle of town but still close enough if you want to go into town." (Gail van den Heever, visited December 2010)
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