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E 19°27'31''
Budget Getaways Review
Do your kids bedside stories have you hankering after that perfect Hansel and Gretel country cottage, vine-covered trellises, evergreen lawns, dappled sunlight, a quant little village nearby where never a harsh word is spoken?…
Question is, how to turn fairytale into reality?
Well, we’ve got good news for you… There's no need to endure a longhaul flight to Yorkshire or crack open a new volume of Aesop's Fables. Simply get yourself to the enchanted world of Bed Lemon Cottage - appointed a pink Smartie throw from home, in Stanford's old quarter.
Perfect for a family gathering or a bunch of friends and their offspring, Bed Lemon has chocolate-box country cottage written all over it. It sleeps up to six in the main house and an additional two in the en-suite garden cottage.
The cottage is warmly decorated with antiques, Persian rugs, a combo of wood and terracotta floors and rustic timber beams. The downstairs lounge and kitchen offer relaxed living, which continues onto the covered outside dining and entertainment area - the latter, in turn, overlooking the garden and sparkling pool (with safety net).
The lounge has an open fireplace for the chilly Stanford winters (free basket of wood provided). The main bedroom is located downstairs, along with a Victorian bath placed casually in front of a small fireplace. There’s also a shower and toilet ensuite and double doors opening onto a private patio.
The other three bedrooms are upstairs and comprise a double and two single rooms, serviced by a shared bathroom tucked under the eaves. Keeping the chaos in the clouds, there's a large upstairs entertainment area for the kids.
Moving across to Granny’s Cottage - where you can banish a sulky teen or gran herself - you'll find a double room and small bathroom with shower. French doors open onto the courtyard and pool area.
The garden at Bed Lemon is a delight - perfectly level, with large trees rustling in the coastal breeze and the Klein River Mountains forming a dramatic backdrop. It's built for family sport - dads versus sons, moms versus daughters, that type of thing, where new pecking orders can be established over the course of weekend. The garden is fully fenced and pets are welcome by request. What’s more, there’s a productive little veggie patch where you can grab a few bits and pieces of garnish to go with the braai.
With generous flowing spaces, country cottage appeal, central location and laid-back charm, Bed Lemon Cottage appears to sit right up there with the best in group escapes. And with guest comments like, “We would highly recommend Bed Lemon to anyone wanting a special family getaway! Five stars all round!,” this ain't no fairytale.
"From the moment we arrived, we realised Bed Lemon was special! The decor so authentic and classic, the simply and cleanly decorated rooms, the huge garden spaces, the open plan living space, and the gorgeous patio, where we spent most of our time. All these lent to a relaxed and pleasant stay, which we will all remember fondly. The two kitties that kept us company, and the regular visits from a neighbour's little boy made us feel that much more at home. We already knew that Stanford is a lovely town from previous visits, but this time, we hardly ventured out (getting two toddlers out can be a challenge), preferring to prepare our favourite meals, throw a ball, and catch-up as a family. Thank you Sandy for a wonderful getaway spot!"
(visited March 2015)
"Oh my gosh! It's difficult to put into words just how much fun and how easy our experience was at Bed Lemon. The hosts are one step ahead of you. Any worry (firewood, directions, proper coffee and cooking utensils and and and) are taken care of. The hosts messaged us with details just as we formed the thought: I wonder if they'll take the pool cover off? Clean, with an old, safe feel, the kitchen sink must weight as much as the house. SOLID. Quality. With the beautiful french doors, oak table and new fixtures it has a feeling of being looked after. There was a happy feeling that each of us got as you put your feet on their green manicured lawn. Close to the town, we walked to the market on Saturday for freshly baked bread. I can't wait to go back, swim in the pool and enjoy the outdoor shower / floating bath (didn't realise until now how much fun surrounded water). Go there!"
(visited January 2015)
"In 2013 we celebrated my 60th here, so this was our second stay at Bed Lemon. We have already booked the third one for November 2015, I just wish I had more birthdays in a year. Bed Lemon is a home from home, generous in all its appointments, warm, friendly, so very uncomplicated and easy going. Thank you Sandy, you are the perfect host and a remarkable ambassador for Stanford."
(visited November 2014)
"Loved the cottage and the very large garden which the two poodles had a fantastic time in. Its nice and close to the shops to take a stroll in the mornings to get the paper. The pool is well kept and clean. Overall had a great time, highly recommended."
(visited October 2014)
"We absolutely loved our weekend at Bed Lemon Cottage! Sandy, our host, was great. She welcomed us warmly and explained how everything worked. The cottage was very spacious and well kitted out. We were very thankful that we could take our ridgeback with us and she had a wonderful time running around in the huge garden. The attention to detail of everything was much appreciated, beautiful finishes in the house and an exquisite garden. Our 3-year old son loved swimming in the pool and we loved braaiing in the garden and lying on the grass enjoying the quiet (except for the noise of our son!). A really relaxing, wonderful weekend away. Just what we needed to renew ourselves."
(visited October 2014)
"We were seven married males on our latest "Boy's Weekend Away" and Bed Lemon Cottage was ideal for us. We all had our own beds, there was a big kitchen and pantry, a long table for card games, a huge garden for cricket and we were very close to the shops. Sandy was the perfect host; she was there to greet us when we arrived, and then she left us to our own devices, letting us know that we should contact her if there was the smallest problem, which there was not. I would definitely recommend Bed Lemon Cottage, and would most certainly visit again some time in the future."
(visited June 2014)
"Bed Lemon is amazing. So many fantastic nooks and crannies and things to do that it was surprising that we actually spent most of the weekend doing nothing. We were an all-girl group but we felt safe all the time. Warm and cosy rooms, complete with hot water bottles, a gorgeous bath in the main room, two fireplaces, a spacious kitchen and pantry with two fridges and the pool which we used despite the fact that it was 14 degrees. We needed nothing more, even though the TV wasn't working for our karaoke plans. But the best thing of all was Sandy, the owner, who just radiates love and care. She made sure we had everything we needed and was always available just in case, but at the same time giving us utmost privacy. I highly recommend this cottage for a group/family getaway. Cosy enough for bonding and big enough for quiet time when you need it."
(visited June 2014)
"The house was amazing. Super garden with a pool. Facilities in the house were well catered for. Our family had a great time staying in the house. Walking distance from the main street."
(visited May 2014)
"What makes Bed Lemon Cottage an extraordinary, special place is generosity and kindness. Our stay at Bed Lemon Cottage was a family get-together to celebrate a special occasion. What a wonderful three generational time we had - from the age of 7 months to 60 years, everyone enjoyed the tranquil setting, the home-from-home atmosphere, the lush garden and fabulous pool. We delighted in the abundance of possibilities, which was supported by the surprisingly harmonious and seemingly uncomplicated community life of Stanford. We hope to be back soon."
(visited November 2013)
"My daughter Ron�l booked us for four nights in Bed Lemon Cottage but on the forth day she said there is no way that we are going back home after the piece and quiet we had in this wonderful cottage with the huge garden. She booked a further 7 nights and at the end of this we were very sad to leave. The cottage was very clean and had absolutely everything we needed for our stay there. This historic house in Stanford is within easy walking distance to the centre of town and the river. The spacious family area and the open fireplace were our favourite place to be after sundown. Thank's a lot Sandy and Jeremy for your kindness and the wonderful stay we had in Bed Lemon Cottage. We shall be back soon!"
(visited June 2013)
"Our family had a lovely weekend break at Bed Lemon cottage. The only thing we wished for was that the time hadn't gone by so quickly. Sandy handled our booking so well & Jeremy was very warm in welcoming us to their cottage. Our kids had an awesome time swimming as did the adults. The cottage had absolutely everything we needed and more! Such a great home away from home. We will definitely be back!"
(visited March 2013)
"Very comfortable, homely accommodation. A great family getaway for all ages. Wonderful setting within easy walking distance to the village and the river. A relaxing, mellow weekend, enjoyed by all!"
(visited August 2012)
"Wonderful setting in a beautiful village. The house is charming, neat and clean on a massive property in a very quiet area. Lots of activities in the area run by some real professionals"
(visited July 2012)
"Well positioned in Stanford - a walk away from everywhere. Comfortable bedrooms, spacious family area, beautiful garden setting. A perfect place to get away for a weekend of relaxing. Hosts very helpful and friendly. Will definitely go back there again."
(visited July 2012)
"Gorgeous little historic house in the heart of Stanford with stunning personalised interiors and lovely white washed cement floors. Beautiful understated simple rural aesthetic which delights the senses. Great garden with pool."
(visited April 2012)
"Beautifully appointed, decorated and cleverly done. Very comfortable. Attention to detail, right down to lovely crisp white linen and fresh flowers! Stunning, spacious garden setting in the gorgeous Stanford village. We would highly recommend Bed Lemon to anyone wanting a special family getaway! 5 stars all round!"
(visited April 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