Quick Facts
E 19°02'59''
Budget Getaways Review
Berghoff, a sprawling mountain protea farm perched above the world alongside the Groot Winterhoek Wilderness Area, has four cottages, views to heaven and back and a remote atmosphere.
Erica sits among fynbos and pine on a hill above the hazy Citrusdal valley, while down the track and out of sight Disa gazes upon a glistening trout-filled dam. Barbi (from the species P. Barbigera) also overlooks the dam and has a panoramic view of the surrounding mountains, which is best appreciated from the wide stoep.
Location mainly differentiates these cottages – all have green roofs, metal windows, long stoeps with built-in braais and airy interiors with all the mod-cons. Like your hosts, the cottages have friendly down-to-earth personalities and everything and more is in place for a relaxed weekend. The interiors are open and light and suited to the surrounds. Tiled floors, carpeted bedrooms, simple furniture spanning several eras, a Jetmaster, linen and towels and a whole bunch of personal touches, from free wood to soap, are features in all three. And all at a very reasonable price tag.
Klipspringer is Berghoff's new addition and, while still rustic and relaxed around the edges, is probably the poshest of the lot. It's appointed in solitary splendour on the farm bordering Berghoff and comprises a double-storey timber chalet, with awesome views stretching towards Piketberg. Solar and gas-powered it's fully equipped and has both indoor fireplace and built-in braai on the stoep.
Apart from the rugged mountain and fynbos setting, which harbours rheebok, grysbok, two jackal species, lynx, baboons and Cape mountain leopard, the dam is a big attraction, with yellowfish and sawfin and a choice of dinghy, canoes and sailboard to paddle your way to the other side. There is also endless possibility for walks in the pristine fynbos and hikes into the Groot Winterhoek Wilderness Area (permit required), as well possibilities for horse riding over weekends and public holidays.
For the rest of us debauched lot, a short stroll up the hill behind the cottages leads to a brilliant view over the Swartland and the perfect sundowner spot – where we predict many a corked chardonnay will be quaffed while the sun melts into the distant ocean.
"It certainly has the WOW factor. Fantastic setting with outstanding views and fully equipped. Great value for money, a give-away price."
(visited September 2012)
"Absolutely amazing spot! Such peace and tranquility. Perfect for adults, kids and dogs! Our staffie has been depressed ever since we got back! We stayed in Barbi, great for us as with little kids it was best to be a bit removed from the dam and from up there you can just sit on the stoep and admire the endless mountain views or walk and walk and walk. It was very chilly at night but both indoor and outdoor fireplaces and heaters in all the rooms made it very cosy. Will have to try it out in summer too though!"
(visited July 2008)
"Enjoyed it very much. Quiet and peaceful for all the nature lovers. Highly recommended and good value for money."
(visited February 2008)
"We enjoyed unforgettably magnificent views from Barbi Chalet. Not even a power cut could detract from the enjoyment of our stay as the cottage was equipped with a gas oven and a gas lamp, in addition to the usual electrical appliances. This destination definitely rates as one of my favourites and is excellent value for money."
(visited February 2008)
"Definitely recommended if you need to be away from everything and all!! We stayed in the Disa Cottage, and it was really a place beyond our expectations. The fireplace (there is ample wood) was most welcome, as the nights were quite cold, since you are literally on the top of the mountain. Pack some winter woolies! Absolutely 'a home away from home' - the cottage is well-equipped so there is really no need to take anything, just enough food and clothing. Absolutely peaceful, private and really a place to rejuvenate - worth every cent ! Just arrive early (before sunset) as it gets quite dark - it's just you and the beautiful mountain surrounds. Ben - thanks for your hospitality."
(visited August 2007)
"We stayed in Erica which was very private and had wonderful views of the surrounding mountains. The fireplace was a bonus as the summer nights were chilly on top of the mountain. Tip: pack some winter woolies. We had the place all to ourselves and it was sooo peaceful! The dam was very clean and stocked with trout - sadly our novice attempts at fly-fishing produced no results. We'll be back!"
(visited December 2006)
"What an awesome setting! Everything was perfect - from our warm welcome note on the door, to the inviting dam and stunning views from the stoep! A delightful way to spend New Year and our dogs loved it!! Thank you Denis and Aleysia, we will back."
(visited January 2006)
"The best part about this was the fact that there was only one other chalet and it was out of sight, so it felt like we had this beautiful place to ourselves. The dam was splendid - we spent 90% of our time in the water."
(visited December 2005)
"This is an amazing find, one which we will use over and over again - winter and summer. Set in a totally unspoilt area. Facilities in the cabins very basic, but all there - really no need to take anything except big towels if you want (towels provided are very small!). Took our dog with and he thought he had died and gone to heaven :-) Well worth a visit."
(visited December 2005)
"Wonderful setting with the most beautiful sunsets. A place to unwind and switch off. Make sure that there is enough firewood since there is no cellphone reception to phone the farm. We had to find our own firewood in the dark when we realised there was nothing left... good way to get to know the neighbours."
(visited November 2005)
"A place you can return to again and again, winter or summer."
(visited October 2005)
"A marvellous hideaway in the mountains with great trout fishing."
(visited April 2005)
"Stunning location, great dam to swim in, everything you need in cottages - a great weekend away and less than two hours from Cape Town."
(visited February 2005)
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