Quick Facts
E 20°34'00''
Budget Getaways Review
If there was ever a place to arm yourself with a good book and a fishing rod, it’s this Breede River gem.
Perched on the western banks of one of the Cape’s favourite waterways, the two character-packed earthy cottages are surrounded by aloe-studded farmland to the sides and moody brown river to the front.
Sound like your kind of spot? Well then, lets get down to it...
Both Aloe Cottage and Swallows Nest sleep four, making this a perfect spot for two families or a group of friends.
Aloe Cottage is a thatch and stone abode that sits elevated and further back from the river. The cottage has two double rooms in the loft section, while downstairs you’ve got a relaxed, open-plan living area, equipped kitchen and a bathroom with shower.
The living area spills out onto a large wooden deck with jaw-dropping views over the river and farmland beyond.
What’s more, you’ve got your own pool table and dartboard - speaking personally of course, but in the BG office we find nothing quite beats a game of pool and a sundowner at the end of a lazy work day?
For closer communion with the hermit crabs and the sound of lapping water we would opt for Swallows Nest - a tad more pricey but it sits virtually on the water's edge. A timber construction that's equally as appealing as Aloe, it comes with two bedroms and a bathroom with shower.
A large deck leads from the open-plan kitchen and living room, with doors spiiling out from each bedroom.
You’ve got an indoor fireplace, you've got TV and DVD player and DSTV - though with surroundings like this you would be a little crazy to turn it on.
To the side of the cottage there's an additional deck for topless bathing and even a circular firepit for the evening braai and post-burnt chop stargazing, which is second to none in these parts.
So, pack the kids, gran and gramps, the mountain bike, the walking shoes and the bird book. Because, be it a romantic break or a weekend away with the tribe, Fish Eagle Cottages couldn’t be a better place for all to run (and swim) wild.
"Fantastic! Really fantastic, thank you."
(visited May 2014)
"Lovely cozy place in a magical setting!"
(visited May 2014)
"Such a beautiful spot for a break away from it all. Tucked away on the steep riverbank, at the end of a winding, undulating dirt track (warning: as the owner says, you really ought to have a 4 x 4 to get here) you have an unspoiled view of the river and the untouched (barring a few telegraph poles and dairy field) hillside opposite. The wooden cottage has everything you need, and is constructed with pretty perfect proportions, with lots of natural light and an airy feel, so one doesn't feel 'cooped up' at all. But, at the same time, it's not too big and there's still a lovely cosiness to the cottage, with its wood-burner and surplus of cushions and blankets. Being just one of a handful of other cottages on this stretch of river, we felt like we had the whole river to ourselves. And, for a young family with very little 'kit' other than swimsuits, the cottage's canoes were a real treat and we were out paddling every day. (Perhaps families who all love canoeing should bring extra along too so they can paddle out as a family). The mild inconvenience of the geyser not working meant for an extra sense of adventure as we were lucky enough that the upper cottage was vacant and so we simply trekked up there by the light of the moon and stars for our evening shower."
(visited April 2014)
"The drive was long and tiring, but completely worth it. We have found a hidden gem and will continue returning to swallow's nest as often as possible. This place is particularly great for couples who need to rediscover each other or adults who need a break from "reality"."
(visited January 2014)
"Not for the elderly due to steep inclines to, but a great venue nonetheless."
(visited November 2013)
"We went on a family holiday and we were impressed by this piece of heaven . All you need and more at this stunning venue highly recommended."
(visited November 2012)
"I will recommend this to anyone looking for a break from the hustle and bustle of city life. It has excellent views, the facilities are great. The cottage was exceptionally clean! Relax, have a braai and absorb the sounds of the river and its inhabitants. I will definitely be back!"
(visited September 2012)
"Swallows Nest cottage is the picture of tranquillity. If you are looking for a quiet and secluded getaway for you and the misses, or a fun filled weekend away with friends, this is definitely your spot. Amazing views from the wooden deck where one can sit and relax and take in nature at its best. Enjoy a good book, a paddle down the Breede River, a massive bonfire in the boma or a lazy Sunday afternoon fishing session off the jetty, this place offers just about everything one needs to recharge the batteries. Well equipped, clean and well maintained, it feels like your home away from home... but without the hustle and bustle of the City life. On Monday you'll feel recharged after an awesome weekend away!"
(visited August 2012)
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Where You'll Also Find Us
Arniston (Waenhuiskrans) • Barrydale • Beaufort West • Betty's Bay • Bonnievale • Bot River • Bredasdorp • Caledon • Calitzdorp • Cape Agulhas and Struisbaai • Cape Town area • Ceres • Citrusdal • Clanwilliam & Cederberg • Darling • De Rust • Franschhoek • Gansbaai • George • Grabouw & Elgin Valley • Greyton • Heidelberg • Hermanus • Knysna • Ladismith • Laingsburg • Lamberts Bay • Langebaan • Malgas • Matjiesfontein • McGregor • Montagu • Mossel Bay • Napier • Oudtshoorn • Paarl • Paternoster • Plettenberg Bay • Prince Albert • Pringle Bay, Betty's Bay and Kleinmond • Riebeek West and Riebeek-Kasteel • Riversdale • Riviersonderend • Robertson • St Helena Bay • Stanford • Stilbaai • Strand, Gordon's Bay and Somerset West • Swellendam • Tulbagh • Velddrif • Vermaaklikheid • Wilderness • Witsand • Worcester & Hex Valley • Yzerfontein • Baviaanskloof • Cape St Francis & St Francis Bay • East London • Graaff-Reinet • Hogsback • Jeffreys Bay • Makhanda (Grahamstown) • Middelburg • Nieu-Bethesda • Rhodes • Sutherland