Quick Facts
E 18°09'05''
Budget Getaways Review
With a ringside view of the Laaiplek slipway and the comings and goings of the local fishing boats, you can't get closer to the action than the River House. In fact, any closer to the mouth of the Berg River and you would have to roll up the pants.
The River House, now three-star rated by TGCSA, is a luxuriously-fitted home, built in what's become quite typical 'West Coast'. With three bedrooms, one of them ensuite, it can sleep six in comfort. Never detracting from its setting, the general feel and decor befits a barefoot Huck Finn holiday by the river - although Huck himself no doubt had to do with something a little more modest.
Apart from simple, uncluttered bedrooms with decent linen and mattresses, the many nice features you can expect include, both an indoor and outside braai (for that barbel the wife haggled for, while you and the kids took a paddle up the river), lots of fresh lime-washed furniture, cement screed floors, exposed white timber beams, cement-textured walls, a sunny loft area for time-out, gleaming silver kitchen appliances, (including a gas hob), and plenty of happy sunlight.
Unzipping the shutters, the living area spills onto a covered stoep and the Berg River itself.
What's provided? Linen, towels, little welcoming extras in the kitchen, DSTV and secure parking.
Since you're right in the thick of things, getting stuck into the local platter of activity is the easiest thing in the world. God made the Berg River for rowing in a canoe or kayak - from the house it's a short paddle to Port Owen; it's even possible to continue to Velddrif for lunch at one of the riverside eateries.
If you don't want to pay for your fish, you can step out of bed and try your luck for shad from the jetty directly in front of the house - talk about convenient!
When the south-westerly is up and running, kite surfers tend to appear from out the woodwork.
And then of course there's the incredible birdwatching along the Berg River, with several hides to help you along, plus frequent displays of spring flowers carpetting the usually arid West Coast landscape.
Appealing or what?
"We absolutely loved our stay at the River House! The house is beautifully decorated and fully equipped with everything one needs for a weekend away.The indoor braai is a real bonus as it rained while we were there but that didn't stop us from having a fabulous time. The setting is awesome, nice and private with hardly any traffic and beautiful views across the river. I would definitely recommend River House."
(visited Aug 2016)
"During off-peak season it is worth the money, but can be very expensive during peak season."
(visited May 2016)
"Went there for my mother's 90th celebration. Stunning venue Well equipped. My mother had a ball. I could not sleep with her (snoring!) so when I went upstairs there was no bedding just took the lovely fluffy blanket and had a good night on the Saturday. The weather was fantastic. Liked the fact that there was a fireplace inside. Thank You. Would love to return some day."
(visited July 2015)
"My girlfriend and I visited the River House for the valentine's weekend. We arrived on Friday to find a stunning house at a great location-beautiful views over the Berg River mouth which can be enjoyed directly from the lounge. The house is well kitted out, with everything you could ever need and even a full DSTV bouquet. The owner is amazing, she even arranged for a small package of chocolates to be delivered to us. Definitely to be recommended!"
(visited February 2015)
"We will be back! What a beautiful surprise it was to stay in such a lovely home with such a gorgeous view of the river, and the birdlife."
(visited January 2015)
"Excellent value for money. Warm, friendly town. Breathtaking accommodation equipped with anything you could need for a breakaway from the hustle and bustle of city life."
(visited January 2015)
"We had four relaxing days at River House and just loved it. We spent hours just watching the world go by - and it all happens right in front of the house! We loved Bokkomlaan, have a drink on the jetty and watch the birds beg for bokkoms from the factory. The pelicans were particularly amusing. We can highly recommend River House and can't wait to return."
(visited November 2014)
"Visited during spring season and what a beautiful setting!! Decorated in a distinctly West Coast manner fitted with everything to make our stay comfortable! The house is also very nicely situated right next to the Berg River with full view of estuary and harbor mouth to the Atlantic, as well as the local slipway. We will definitely visit again!"
(visited September 2009)
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