Aloe Cottage, Darling, Western Cape on Budget-Getaways

Budget Getaways Review

Located within a small fynbos estate of ten houses on the outskirts of the village, Aloe Cottage offers arguably the best views and, rand for rand, the most luxurious self-catering stay in Darling.

Hogging a good position at the edge of the estate, the cottage is circled by a small garden that has come along very nicely since Captain Getaway first paid a flying visit several years ago, with indigenous plants, thriving trees and a community of weaver birds.

Within Aloe's neat and pretty exterior lies an extraordinarily high level of finish and attention to detail. As such it's a refreshing alternative to some of Darling's more gloomy Victorian offerings. Combining modern convenience and comfort, Aloe Cottage is as such suited to anything from a romantic weekend to a family outing.

The interior has been lovingly decorated with top quality linen, furniture and artwork. Downstairs you will find two ensuite bedrooms (with Queen and twin beds, respectively), an open-plan kitchen with an array of gizmos to satisfy the Jannie Olivier in you, and an open-plan dining and living area - naturally with fireplace.

French doors swing open to a sheltered verandah with built-in braai and a view of rolling hills and farmlands, backdropped in the distance by hazy mountains.

Back inside, stairs from the dining area lead up to a pretty loft with a second living area, a queen bed, ensuite bathroom with freestanding Victorian bath, and yet more in the way of panoramic views - yielding a baie mooi outlook at night.

Now, just to give you a taste of all that' s included at Aloe… Dishwasher, gas stove, electric oven, fireplace, fans, books, games, WiFi, DStv, DVDs, hammock, mountain bikes, free wood etc, etc. In short, Aloe Cottage is one of those spots that understands the peculiar needs of the Budget Getaways traveller.

Couple this dangerously high level of comfort with easy walking distance to Darling's gentle attractions, what you've got here folks is a Budget winner.

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Guest Reviews

Overall Rating (based on 1 reviews)

Standard of facilities

Appeal of setting

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"The garden needs a bit of work. House was very well equipped."

(visited Mar 2023)

"Aloe cottage is very well appointed and very comfortable, stunning views across the fields from the lounge, country style fitted kitchen and great shower/bathrooms. Added benefit of bikes to ride. Highly recommended."

(visited Oct 2018)

"Extremely well-equipped home, and having each bedroom en suite suited our party of six retirees perfectly. Paul was helpful and available immediately to assist with a small hiccup with the alarm. Lots to do and see in Darling."

(visited Apr 2018)

"I really don�t want to tell anyone because this gem should be kept a word-of-mouth otherwise we�ll never get another booking. Never has a website been true for the pictures. Unexpected bottle of wine on arrival. This is a home away from home. To the extent that we extended our two nights stay to four nights. �Paul, my brother is going to book in a couple of weeks and I�m booking a week in July. Keep it open for us.� Just AMAZING - A GEM!"

(visited Mar 2018)

"A beautiful setting, very peaceful. The neighbors are very close to you but no real disturbances. We loved the DVD's and board games. It was the ideal place to just chill and spend quality time with loved ones."

(visited Oct 2017)

"This was our second time here. It is really great and affordable."

(visited Jul 2017)

"A fantastic stay. We could not have wished for a better unit."

(visited May 2017)

"This was our second time visiting Aloe Cottage. Absolutely loved it. Stunning house, well-appointed and a very relaxing weekend."

(visited January 2015)

"Wonderful cottage in the heart of Darling. We truly enjoyed our stay at Aloe Cottage. The three-bedroom (all en suite) cottage is beautiful. It is very well equipped (the kitchen is amazing), has a small enclosed garden which is perfect for the kids, and a beautiful view from the comfortable stoep. We really enjoyed the fact that there were bikes we could use to explore the area. A real gem. Will return."

"Very well stocked and comfortable. Beautiful view and close to town so convenient. Pity there were no tools to fix the bike brakes. Good base to explore the area."

(visited July 2014)

"Had an awesome time, peaceful place, very homely and safe space to be."

(visited April 2014)

"Well kitted out spot. We really enjoyed our stay. Very clean and well set out. Lovely to chill on the back stoep and take in the view."

(visited February 2014)

"I enjoyed my stay at Aloe Cottage and would stay there again."

(visited May 2011)

"Having stayed at Aloe Cottage in winter and summer, it has all the features you could want in a very well furnished and equipped home away from home. The stoep overlooking the fields with roaming cattle is the perfect place to unwind with a good book in the summer months. There is no better way to spend a cold Darling winter night in front of the fireplace with a glass of red wine in the very comfortable lounge. A stay at Aloe Cottage will remain on our calendar each year to get away from the madness of city life! Perfect for a romantic getaway or with a group of friends."

"If you are keen to go to Darling it is a lovely, comfortable place to stay with everything that you will need and well positioned to go into the town and to explore the wine farms - really enjoyed it."

(visited March 2011)

"Aloe Cottage is the ideal place if you want to get away from everything and just relax. Being situated in Darling means its close to CT (easy for a quick weekend break), close to the beach, awesome wine farms, Evita se Perron for some comedy, etc. It has splendid views of the platteland - rolling hills as far as the eye can see (perfect for those of us glued to a computer 8 hours a day). At night the stars are awesome. The cottage itself has all the mod-cons. It really is a home away from home. The decor is of a high standard, cosy and yet sophisticated. The beds are very comfortable and the linen is top class. The kitchen is kitted out with every accessory you could possibly need whether you're a quick braai kind of person or cordon bleu chef. There is also a dishwasher and washing machine. The lounge has dstv (you need to bring your own card though), a good selection of interesting books, magazines and board games. There's lots of information on what to do in the area but the house is so stunning that its also perfect for doing nothing. There are bikes that you can use if you need to stretch your legs. The town is in quick walking distance and there are some really lovely restaurants there if you're not keen on cooking. Paul, the owner, is so accommodating. This was the second time we'd stayed at Aloe and everything was completely flawless. From a cost perspective Aloe Cottage is very reasonable. You can easily sleep 6 people but there is space in the loft for several more. We will definitely be staying at Aloe Cottage again."

"We stayed at Aloe Cottage in September, the weather was wonderful and just made the setting overlooking the farmlands extra beautiful. We all had a great time and will definitely be back. I brought my daughters, my mom in law from Pietermaritzburg, and my dad - who stayed at a B&B in town but enjoyed sitting on your verandah during the day and in the sun at the door watching the birds in the fever trees. Aloe Cottage is well appointed, very comfortable and the setting is tranquil and relaxing. The cottage is a short bike ride from the centre of the village, the people we met were friendly and helpful and we would certainly visit Aloe Cottage again."

(visited September 2010)

"I have returned to Aloe Cottage various times as it is a beautiful home away from home. It misses nothing, so when you are going on holiday you have piece of mind that you will find everything you need there. It is also great value for money and luxurious in a perfect country setting when you need to relax and get away from the hustle and bustle of everyday city life. One thing I love about it is the cleanliness too. I would return there any day!"

(visited February 2010)

Aloe Cottage

Darling, Western Cape

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