Quick Facts
E 18°12'44''
Budget Getaways Review
It’s family reunion time and you need a sprawling holiday pad not too far from home, where the kids … and the adults can run wild. Whatever the occasion, a tastefully restored farmhouse with 6ha of land and vistas over the moody Berg River must surely cut the mustard.
HeronsRest is a renovated country abode, a mere 1km from Velddrif and another mere 150km from the mother city.
The name is apt because there's a heronary on the property, where these graceful birds nest for a few months during the year.
With a seafood platter of activities on the Berg River - including good fishing, swimming, and riverside strolls - not to mention the beach, a 5km drive up the road, the family's itinerary is pretty much sorted.
Activity list taken care of, kick back and enjoy all this group pad has to offer. While hubbie unpacks the suitcases you can get the fire going at the lapa's built-in braai, followed by a wallow in the adjacent plunge pool and a spot of Travel Channel on DSTV. We can think of worse ways to kick off a weekend…
The inside comforts appear as good. The old farmhouse, styled in a mix of modern and antique, comes with four double ensuite bedrooms, while an additional three friends can be accommodated in The Cottage, a separate annex with own entrance, two bedrooms and shared bathroom. As such a total 11 guests can be housed at Herons.
Apart from bedrooms, the farmhouse features an equipped kitchen and spacious living and dining area with fireplace to keep the icy West Coast breezes at bay. The lapa and outdoor entertainment area lead directly off the living room.
Sunsets at HeronsRest are rumored to be breathtaking and best savored at the river's edge - together with a spot of birding. A new addition is the petanque terrain, where you can while away the evenings throwing a boule or two - R400 deposit is required to hire.
Whatever sails your boat, Herons Rest is sounding more and more like the perfect West Coast retreat. A recent guest certainly thinks so: “The accommodation is superb, with every facility one could think of. If you enjoy the West Coast, then I would strongly recommend that you stay at HeronsRest.”
With a mix of laid-back charm, attention to detail and great setting, you'll wonder why you never got here earlier.
"Awesome stay! We really felt welcome with plenty of nice touches such as our name on a board in the entrance, little gifts in the kitchen without mentioning some flowers and fresh fruits. The house is spacious with a bathroom in each room which makes it perfect when you are in a group, no bathroom queuing. The highlight is the lapa, very charming, spacious and practical. We spent most of our time there and had a lot of fun. The house is not in the wild so if you are looking for total remoteness, nature experience then it is not the place. But for a friends gathering and chilling around it is perfect. We will go back."
(visited December 2015)
"HeronsRest is under new management, and Shane has been a great host. The setting is beautiful and peaceful and very child-friendly. I would recommend it anytime!"
(visited June 2015)
"This lovely house met our every need. We were so pleasantly surprised by what we found. We holidayed with three generations of one family so our needs were many and varied. They really have thought of everything down to the last detail. There was little need to even leave the place in the three days we were there. Mercia was so warm and welcoming and her hospitality was wonderful. We would happily go back to HeronsRest."
(visited January 2015)
"If you are looking for somewhere to just relax and unwind, to get away from the pressures of city life, then HeronsRest is the ideal place. The bedrooms are beautifully furnished, all on suite. But it is the personal touches and beautiful artwork that make this such a special place. We loved spending time relaxing in the garden at breakfast time, and at the splash pool in the early evening while preparing for our braais. This is a perfect getaway for quality family time and for getting back to nature."
(visited January 2015)
"Aaaah what an amazing place! This was our first family vacation in many years and we had such a gorgeous time, that we did not want to go home. The facilities are clean, modern and oh so comfortable. Our group ranged in age, but everyone's needs were met. The owner is very professional and has great work ethic. We will recommend HeronsRest to anyone wanting to take a break along the West Coast. Even Velddrif itself is perfectly situated with easy access to many other surrounding arrears and activities. I personally would love to experience HeronsRest in the winter as i suspect it would be beautiful. Ten out of ten."
(visited January 2015)
"We have been to many self-catering places but Herons Rest is by far the best. Clean, neat and peaceful, it truly is a home away from home. The peacocks were beautiful and the donkeys enjoyed the apples and carrots, the plunge pool was awesome. Already planning my next holiday. Next time I'll take a week, two days just wasn't enough. Thank you for a great time. You can be proud of your establishment."
(visited April 2014)
"The owner was warm from the beginning of the enquiry. She took the time to call and email back. She also accommodated the change in number of guests from 10 to 6. We received a warm welcome. The place was spotless and had everything one could need and all the comforts of home and more. Very spacious inside and out. Extremely peaceful. We will definitely go back. Kids enjoyed feeding the donkeys and peacocks. Herons Rest definitely comes across as a place that the owner personally takes care of and wants her guests to enjoy. The d�cor has been well thought out. The garden, plants and trees, very well looked after and maintained. This has been by far the best accommodation we have stayed in."
(visited April 2014)
"Have just spent a wonderful week at HeronsRest. The three young grandchildren were in heaven. They could swim, ride their bikes, feed the donkeys, feed the peacocks, go fishing and more, and all very safely. When the kids are happy, the adults can relax, and this we did. The accommodation is great with all en-suite rooms, DSTV (so we did not miss the cricket), a wonderful lapa for meal times and just the right size pool to cool off in. We wanted for nothing as every detail has been thought of including the very welcome fans in each room for those very hot nights. The two older grandchildren cried bitterly when they had to come home! We will definitely be back.
(visited December 2013)
"This is a venue with definite "wow" factor from the moment you step into the main house. The farm house is spacious, airy and very modern. All our bedrooms had en-suite bathrooms which was a bonus. The highlight, without a doubt, is the lapa which is the ideal entertainment area (with another telly!) for large family get-togethers. This is an establishment I would recommend if you want a peaceful holiday with all the comforts of home."
(visited December 2013)
"Wonderfully maintained. Spent time at the pool and many braais in the lapa. Peaceful and safe and plenty of room. Thoroughly recommend it."
(visited December 2013)
"We rested our stiff legs here for two nights after completing the Postberg Trail and it was exactly the treat we needed - spacious, spotless and comfortable. The beds are firm, the showers work perfectly, the kitchen is well appointed (with complimentary fresh eggs and lemons), and DSTV means nobody had to go to the pub down the road to watch the rugby. The lapa is a highlight - we loved the candlelit dinners and the blankets for when it got chilly. The kids found peacock feathers, we watched the herons nest-building and there's a fiscal shrike's larder tree right by the front gate. Add a very thoughtful host and excellent value for money and we'd definitely stay here again."
(visited September 2013)
"Dit was 'n wonderlike naweek. Die fasiliteite is fantasties en die ligging perfek. Ons het baie lekker gekuier en gerus. Ons sal definitief weer by julle kom bly."
(visited August 2013)
"Perfect place for a family getaway. We really had a wonderful break. Thanks so much. We will be back."
(visited July 2013)
"We had a wonderful say at HeronsRest and would very much like to return in the near future. It is a lovely setting and has all the comforts you need when you are away from home."
(visited May 2013)
"The accommodation is superb, with every facility one could think of. If you enjoy the West Coast, then I would strongly recommend that you stay at HeronsRest."
(visited February 2013)
"We've stayed at Heron's rest twice already and each time we have had the absolute best time. The hosts are so accommodating and friendly that we'll continue to visit HeronsRest as much as possible! It's a home away from home with all the modern trimmings and more that one could as for!"
(visited January 2013)
"All good except for the unfortunate unwanted and unexpected swarm of mosquitoes which evidently was an unusual occurrence."
(visited December 2012)
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