Quick Facts
E 21°01'09''
Budget Getaways Review
Yet another magical house built by local organic architect, Jack Andrew, House of Eels is an architecturally-inspired affair, and although we haven't stayed there yet, what we have seen from our canoe certainly looks good.
House of Eels draws on natural materials sourced from the local environment. As in... bluegum frames, cement and river mud, reeds and restios, discarded ironwork and even sunbleached animal skulls. And, eels - housed in a pond that's surrounded by a terraced herb garden.
To the front of the house you will find awesome river views and a jetty to launch the family canoe, plus a covered dining area for post-river al fresco lunches chased by copious quantities of chilled Viognier - apparently the latest contender to dethrone chardonnay, or so say cultured winos. Not like the team at Budget Getaways who still celebrate the weekend with a papsak each.
Over to you Jack: "House of Eels draws on the pioneer's need to build homes out of whatever was naturally available. It's an evolution. We need to go back to the basics to evolve. People in the past had a quality we have lost."
Wow! Sounds impressive and definitely worth a weekend. Check it out, because at R1000 a night for the house, plus river thrown in for free, we don't think you will be disappointed.
"We had a fantastic weekend at House of Eels and loved the unique artistic design of the cottage. The setting is beautiful and our four-legged kids thought they were in doggy heaven. Will definitely come back."
(visited May 2015)
"We had a lovely stay at House of Eels. To my two girls (2 & 5 years old) it was like a Barbie Castle. Wagging dog tails showed appreciation for the wide open running space and the snoring in the warm braai room was noticeable as the evenings were a bit nippy. The inside fireplace had to endure made-up stories, puzzles and other creative activities while it gladly shared its warmth. Coffee and sundowners were turned into slow, enjoyable occasions by the deck overlooking the ponds. The recommended optional cleaning service is a real treat and we enjoyed the local insights. The setting and location is exceptional with exiting views as you visit the neighbouring towns (Stilbaai, Witsand, etc.). The only thing we missed out on is the rowing on the river which creates a longing expectation of a return visit."
(visited April 2015)
"We stayed here in a party of six for five days. There must have been some sort of miscommunication because on arrival, the house had clearly been occupied by guests a while ago and never been cleaned since. Flossie and her daughter pulled out all stops to get us settled in quickly and even made time to pick flowers and put them in all the rooms. The house is magical and we spent the first night on the lovely covered verandah and ate our dinner by candlelight. Unfortunately the next day there was no water but this was sorted out a few hours later by the invincible Pierre of Da Laafing Lion. There are a few indicators that the management of this accommodation is a little lacking. There was no boat as promised until we asked (we were told it had been stolen) and it appeared magically after the second day. Also the second fridge which we so desperately needed and had taken for granted (the manager had reassured me via email that there was plenty of fridge and freezer space) meant that a lot of our food was spoiled. As mentioned by a previous reviewer the bathroom configuration is a little awkward rendering the double bedroom attached to the inside bathroom unusable if all guest are to have access to it. Despite the problems, we had a lovely time. There is a very efficient fireplace in the main living area and the kitchen is well equipped. We loved the design of the house and the decor."
(visited September 2014)
"We had a wonderful relaxing weekend with friends! This is a great venue for friends and families to get away from it all. It is more suited for a summer getaway, but we had the fireplace going all day. Lovely bedding and interesting architecture."
(visited July 2014)
"While we had a fantastic time, it is definitely not an ideal winter venue. The bedrooms, being separate from the living are, are extremely cold with no heaters or fireplaces to warm them up with. Also, the unusual bathroom arrangements make it rather unpleasant to have to run through the rain to and from the facilities. That said, I would definitely recommend it as a summer venue and would definitely go back."
(visited June 2014)
"The curious design of the house and simple Provencal decor combine well with the gorgeous, well maintained garden and wild surroundings to create the perfect getaway. The river is a short 70m walk away and has its own private jetty and lovely match of manicured lawn to loll about on. The house is well equipped and very comfortable. Usually rented getaways have cheap linen and mediocre beds but this house has fantastic cozy beds and gorgeous linen. It is best suited to a longer stay of at least three days and you can take paddle skis down the river or play Boulez on the lawn or borrow canoes from The Laffing Lion owners to take across the river mouth about 8km away to a pristine 40km stretch of beach. Our favourite feature of the house was the protected garden. Regardless of the wind factor its perfectly comfortable in the garden so you aren't stuck inside should the weather turn. Do bring everything you need with though because the tiny store sells goods at massively inflated prices. And take torches too."
(visited January 2014)
"We really enjoyed our stay."
(visited July 2013)
"Stunning home but no water both mornings (weekend stay). Had to run around with buckets to fill toilets. Owner did not even acknowledge my email re the water problems.
(visited June 2013)
Getaway Reply
"Hi Ralene
Sorry I have been away and out of cellphone range. Just got all messages/ emails now.
We have recently replaced the pump at some cost so I am obviously distressed to hear it has broken down again. Will get onto it ASAP. The radio does not work but as far as I know the CD player does. Will check it out. Oars probably broken recently - will replace. Glad you loved the house and apologies for you and your families discomfort. Would be glad to offer your group a weekend on the house. Please email me re suitable weekend (give us a chance to fix all that was broken!)
Mike."
(Michael House of Eels)
"Wow, sooo nice to get to a house that exceeds all your expectations, what a lovely weekend we've had, clean , spacious and the decor and design put you in a complete relaxed mood. The kitchen is well equipped with lots of platters etc, which usually lacks in rentals. We will definitely return to this lovely spot. The only very slight negative is that the inside bathroom is ensuite to the main bedroom and other guests need to use the outside bathroom. But it was really not a big issue at all. Oh, and Flossie the domestic was an absolute pleasure to have."
(visited November 2011)
"Our family of four (children aged 4 and 7) and our hound had a great stay at the House of Eels during June 2009. The house is very spacious, clean, is well kitted (beautiful bed linen, all you need in the kitchen) and has a stunning design. We were welcomed with fresh flowers in every room. The proximity of the river (about 40m) and the stunning scenery made this a truly great getaway."
(visited June 2009)
"We spent a weekend at House of Eels in June with a group of friends and had a fantastic stay! Bedrooms beautifully presented and the house had everything we needed! Loads of character and cosiness. A beautiful place in every sense - the perfect retreat to get away from it all and put your feet up!"
(visited June 2008)
"As far as setting and privacy goes River Shell is great. Total privacy and an amazing setting. The paddle to the house and time spent on the River a real treat. Keep Vermaaklikheid a secret!"
(visited May 2006)
"We went with a group of friends and spent a long weekend at River Shell. It was simply awesome to get away from everything. The bathroom is something else and crossing the river quite an experience!
(visited June 2003)
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