Rustfontein Guest Farm

As far as group getaways go, you don't come closer to the ideal than this.

Hugging the banks of the Goukou River and 14km upstream from Stilbaai, Rustfontein ("Fountain of Rest") is exactly that: a place to kickback, relax and put aside those urban worries. This small working farm features an olive grove, a vineyard, a fruit and nut orchard, a small flock of sheep and a couple of cattle - all framed by a long stretch of water and 630ha of fynbos.

The owners also produce their own red, namely a cabernet, merlot and shiraz and what's more, they're sulphur free, which means no after effects the next morning.

Now to the accommodation. This is a privately appointed old farmhouse, which has been beautifully and creatively restored into an elegant country retreat. Unlike some farmhouses we've come across in our time, Rustfontein is rustic-luxury comfort all the way.

The house can sleep a whopping 18 guests in five double bedrooms (three of them with singles added), plus there are four more single beds scattered around. As such it's the perfect place for two or more families who want to spend some quality time together. Percale cotton linen, a stone fireplace, nice decor and furniture, a Victorian slipper-bath with a view, water from a nearby spring, al fresco dining under the milkwoods, are all part of the appeal.

A mere 200m from the front door, the Goukou River is good for canoeing, swimming and birdwatching. For more action, there are long walks to be had in the fynbos and ancient milkwood forest - which is also good terrain for your mountain bike. Like we said, if it's the perfect group getaway you are after...