Budget Getaways Review
Occasionally ye old Captain Getaway stumbles across a gem that boldly ticks just about every box on the Show Me The Perfect Getaway show.
And we've got a strong feeling Libertas Guest Farm near the Wilderness Lakes slots right into this category.
It’s hard to say what’s more appealing at Libertas: the superb accommodation, the breathtaking landscape, or the long list of action-packed activities on tap.
Let’s kick off with the accommodation. Newly renovated, this character-packed old homestead reeks of simple elegance. Cement screeded floors, raw timber, earthy fabrics, original yellowwood beams and ceilings, oodles of space and country views...
The house can sleep a crowd of 12, making it the perfect spot for that large family gathering you’ve been planning for granny’s 90th.
Three spacious bedrooms, two with Queen beds and the third with two singles (of course, 100% percale linen on all) make up the main sleeping quarters.
And then, up the stairs you'll find a large open-plan loft room with bean bags, TV and DVD player, plus four more single beds and two extra mattress. Ideal for the sulky teen, rowdy kids and gran herself - if you can get her and her Zimmer up there.
Bathrooms? Plenty of options here. The grander among them with bath and shower and views over the garden. Stepping outside in your Crocs and Virgin Active towel there's an outdoor shower to satisfy the naturalist in you.
The farm-style kitchen is fully equipped and open-plan to a spacious dining room. The living room is fitted with a stylish Hot Art ceramic fireplace, ideal for that cozy blaze, accompanied with a mug of OB's during the winter months. Leading off from here is an old-style voorstoep, where (if not careful), you could literally grow old gazing at the Outeniqua mountains.
There’s an outside braai area and fireplace, not to mention boma braai under a large oak tree next to the house. What’s more, there’s a “bottomless” supply of firewood - yip, just like Mugg & Bean's bottomless coffee, only more satisfying. What's more is that if you really have to surf the web while enjoying your bottomless crate of firewood, a wi-fi connection is available throughout the house, at a fixed rate of R95 for 1GB.
The lawned expanse around the house is built for the kids to run wild. There are swings in the old gum trees nearby, and a volleyball court if you're coming with a full team. Definitely bring along the bikes 'cause this is cycling utopia. The same goes for the fishing rods, with good catches to be had in the farm dam.
Kids can discover a bit about livestock farming, with plenty of dairy cows and calves on hand.
All in all, more than enough options to fill a generous bunnychow.
By the sounds of it, Libertas is a unique spot in a unique setting. In fact, maybe we'll book it for the next Budget Getaways bosberaad - that's if they'll have the motley crew.