River Magic Cottages

   

Vermaaklikheid

Three designer cottages appointed in a pastoral and river setting

Budget Getaways Review

The name isn’t an exaggeration – both the setting and the three cottages, Backtrack, Glory Be and Base Huis, are magical.

Set 300m from the river, Backtrack is an architecturally-styled stone, thatch and glass cottage in a tranquil milieu of open green and whispering papyrus.

Inside, the cottage has a sun-drenched central living and kitchen area, flanked by ensuite bedrooms. Skylight-type windows and glass French doors add to the ethereal quality – no sleeping late here. The finishes include terracotta and cork floors with shell inlays, cane furniture and an open fireplace.

River Magic’s second cottage, Glory Be, is an unqualified gem worth every cent. Listen to this. To get to the cottage guests are ferried 2km up  the river, your car, your Nokia and your worries left behind on the other side.

In our case, we stepped ashore to an orange autumn sun dissolving into black mountains, and hadedas and herons flapping their weary way home.

Apart from the odd boat chugging by, Glory Be is totally private, and the elements of glass, thatch and wood, and the general floorplan of a central open living area with bedrooms on either side, are similar to Backtrack. 

Moving downstream, Base Huis is a recent addition to the magical family Andrew collection. Sitting above the river (at times in!), this was the original family home, and features the same natural elements as the other cottages, as well as an indoor and outdoor braai, plus lovely balconies from which to survey the surrounding beauty. 

Idyllic, what?

Getaway Facts: River Magic Cottages
Whereon Vermaaklikheid outskirts (& 35km from Riversdale)
GPS co-ordsS 34°18'41''  E 21°01'45''
Sleeps6,12,10
Equippedyes
Linenyes
Towelsno
Fireplaceyes
Braaiyes
Meals availableno
Pet-friendlyyes
Rate guideR150pp - R250pp
Activitiesbirdwatching, canoeing, fishing, mountain biking, swimming, walking

Guest Comments

"Had a great weekend stay here. The cabin was very well equipped and comfortable and we felt like we had the river to ourselves! Our dog loved it too, although we must have pulled over 100 ticks off of her throughout our stay. Kyle took us up the river and was very helpful and professional. Thanks for a great stay. (Karen Collins, visited May 2013)
"For those who truly want to get away from it all, this is the spot. No sight or sound of humanity for an entire week. Temperate evenings with soft cool breezes blowing over you through open doors, long sunny days on the stoep sipping G&Ts, overlooking the river, just us, the birds, the fish and our dogs, a true respite. Facilities are humble yet complete, appropriate for the setting and compliment the sense of mystique and adventure. Anything more contemporary would detract from the experience." (Patrick Killick, visited March 2013)
"We had really fantastic weekend with friends visiting from the UK. The only noise was from the birds and the sound of our children squealing as they jumped into the river from the jetty. Even the dog enjoyed canoeing up the river to spend the morning on the little beach. The manager, Kyle was very helpful and hospitable, as was the ferry man, Justin. We also had a lovely welcome from the owners. The house was clean, well-equipped and comfortable. The architecture of the house gave each family their privacy and the kids loved having their own dorm to share. We really don't have any complaints - it was a near perfect weekend. If you bring your dog be warned that he may come back from walks in the bush with a lot of ticks on board, so a tick collar is recommended. We highly recommend 'Glory Be'." (Sarah-Jane Knight, visited February 2013)
"One of the most special places on earth and one I will continue to visit and hopefully retire to one day ;-)" (Claire Muzzelle, visited May 2012)
"Stunning setting for a magical break-away. First holiday with our dogs and they loved it as well. Will definitely be going back!" (Nicolette Smith, visited March 2012)
"Watter belewenis. Ek en my vrou en dogter het vir 11 dae leeg gelê in Glory Be. Dit was sommer groot lekker kry met deure wat dag en nag oopstaan of jy nou tuis is of nie. Geen bekommernis van alarms, goed wat veilig wegpak moet word ens. nie. 'n Skelm viervoetige het een aand ons vars broodrolletjies gesteel seker omdat hy al moeg was vir insekte en veldkos. Voëls wat soggens in die takke voor 'n oop deur jou vroeg soggens wakker sing.'n Heerlike rivier om in te swem, visvang, roei en ons het krappe gevang wat groter as 'n eetbord is, selfs een wat meer as 2kg weeg. Daar is ook 'n lekker paadjie agter die huis wat teen die rante uitgaan om te stap en Turksvye wat in die veld gepluk kan word. Ons Persiese kat het gedink dit is die hemel waarin sy is. Om weg te kom van die stad se gejaag en TV en sulke goed is dit die regte plek om jou kop weer skoon te kry. Ek sal net aanbeveel wanneer langer as drie daar gebly word om 'n klein motorbootenjin saam te vat. Ons sê ook baie dankie aan die eienaar Paul en sy vrou vir die vriendelike ontvangs en lekker gesels." (Iain van Schalkwyk, visited January 2012)
"River Magic Cottages are fantastic. My son and I spent five days at Glory Be and it was truly a special time. I cannot recommend it highly enough." (Daniel Evans, visited June 2010)
"Magic: that's what Backtrack has in common with the River Magic cottages on the same property situated on the lovely Duiwenhoks river. Designed to offer relaxed living in total harmony with the unspoilt setting, so that the gentle swaying and swishing of the tall reeds outside and the sky with its clouds and stars are as it were brought right inside to make you forget of stress and exhaustion. The nearby river further offers water-related activities that will keep everyone busy to their heart's content. On top of all this: the people are friendly and helpful. Highly recommended!" (Adriana Nuss, visited December 2009)
"Peaceful, tranquil, amazing, and relaxing - is what Glory Be offers. This place is a hidden gem and I am glad that we have discovered it. The boat row over was eventful, with neither one of us able to row in a straight line. We conquered the river by going in alternating left and right semi-circles. What a lovely, tranquil surprise awaited us. Just the two of us went, but we will certainly be back on our own and with many friends who have drooled over the photos." (Geila Wills, visited February 2007)
"We took our three little boys and they had a ball. Swimming, fishing, paddling on the canoe and their favourite was the 'King Swing'. A very special place but pack light and bring a little engine so you can putter down to the sea." (Christo and Meriel, visited January 2007)
"Vermaaklikheid seems like a second home now! You can't ask for a more tranquil setting and everything is very comfortable. The dogs loved the boat trip! We'll definitely be back." (Anina Hicks, visited December 2006)
"I spent a part of my honeymoon at Glory Be, an absolutely magical setting, sundowners on the river every night - however, our stay was spoiled slightly by the presence of workmen who came to the cottage two days in a row to do different things - was horrible. But otherwise great accommodation and setting." (Gillian Faichnie, visited December 2005)
"Well equipped and neat as a pin! A home away from home...we'll be back!" (Lindi Broughton, visited April 2005)
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