Bibi's Joy

Swellendam, Western Cape

230km from Cape Town

'Rustic-modern' solar powered cottage in a secluded setting outside Suurbraak village - Suurbraak (20km from Swellendam)

19 Reviews - Read them Best rating of 5 based on 19 reviews.

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Well-equipped and functional kitchen with gas hob
Open plan dining/lounge area
Dover and indoor braai
Cosy kitchen and dining space
Closed combustion fireplace with a lovely view from the inside
Newly renovated shower with a view
Geberit dual flush toilets
His and hers custom-made basins
Comfortable beds with good quality linens
Second fully equiped bathroom
Second bathroom shower with a view
Second bedroom
Third full bathroom for the kiddies
Third dual flush toilet
Veranda
View from Lounge
Cool path with seating area
Path up the slope for an incredible view of Suurbraak
Dramatic sunsets
Boisterous calfs playing all over

Rate Guide

R300pp nightly; R180 for children.

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Budget Getaways Review

Let’s set the tone with a recent guest comment: “If you need peace and tranquility away from the city bustle, this is the place to go. Rustic, comfortable, serene... after one day you don't want to leave.”

Another one: "It really is the ideal breakaway location if you want to get away from the city rush."

Rustic-cut-with-the-modern Bibi's is, but with a good dose of creature comfort thrown into the healthy cocktail.

Perched just outside Suurbraak - a charming little Moravian mission station some 20 kays from Swellendam - the Langeberg casts its cool shadow over the cottage, making this a dream destination for junkies who like their nature laced with a dash of colourful local kultuur.

The cottage is an off-the-grid number, powered by solar and gas. The views are put to good use with large glass sliding doors in the living area. Sharing the space is an equipped kitchen, decked with Dover stove and a fireplace for cosy winter vibe.

Sleeping-wise, Bibi's has two bedrooms - both ensuite (showers only), with all linen and towels included. And then we have an extra eight stretchers for the mob, which can be set up in the bedrooms or living area. We predict fun times ahead.

Head out to the covered outdoor patio, where you'll find cooling misters to ease the summer blaze, and a braai to cap the day in a Jurassic Park garden.

Stepping off the property, there's a swimming hole about 500m away, plenty scope for long walks and cycling, and the Paradise Organic Restaurant in Suurbraak itself.

Off the main track, a combo of solitude and sociable village, easygoing vibe, plenty of outdoors, Bibi's Joy packs some hearty punch.

Quick Facts

Where

Suurbraak (20km from Swellendam)

GPS

S 34°00'09''
E 20°39'48''

Sleeps

4 (plus 8 stretchers for the kids)

Equipped

Yes

Linen

Yes

Towels

Yes

Fireplace

Yes

Braai

Yes

Meals

No, but organic restaurant nearby

Pet-Friendly

Yes

Activities

birdwatching, canoeing, hiking, mountain biking, museums & galleries, restaurants, stargazing, swimming, walking

Guest Reviews

Overall Rating (based on 11 reviews)

Standard of facilities

Appeal of setting

Professionalism

Value for money

"We arrived in the pouring rain only to find Bertie waiting at the door for us with the indoor fire already roaring. Instantly we knew we had made the right choice. Bertie quickly gave us a tour of the place and then disappeared into the cold night. It was everything we were hoping for - remote, quiet and well kitted out. Our days were spent walking in the mountains and feeding the local horses, while our evenings were spent around the fire with a good bottle of red wine. The perfect break from city life...."

(Dale Symons, visited Sep 2017)

"We had a lovely stay at Bibi's Joy. The setting was perfect and it is definitely one of those hidden gems. The accommodation was well equipped, comfortable, we couldn't ask for more."

(Rene Adams, visited Sep 2017)

"Absolutely amazing holiday cottage in a stunning garden amidst spectacular surrounds."

(Katja K, visited Sep 2017)

"Chicken soup for the soul! Having two small dogs, it is always difficult to find accommodation that will allow pets and that has large, enclosed garden. From the minute we arrived to the second we left, the Manager, Berti, made us feel very special - that no request was too big or small. The setting and the house are magical and anybody with children or active pets will have a special getaway. I will definitely be a regular visitor."

(Samantha Corrigan, visited Aug 2017)

"A lovely place. We really enjoyed it."

(Dianne Fischer, visited Aug 2017)

"Can I stay forever? This home ticks all the getaway blocks! Berti is the friendliest character and so professional. We felt right at home and so did our pets. We've traveled extensively with our three dogs but few places have been as well suited to their needs as Bibi's is. Walks right outside the gate up onto the mountains and the river mere footsteps away. And the terraced garden! Absolute heaven. Thank you to our hosts for sharing this wonderful place with us."

(Joanne Walter, visited Feb 2017)

"We had a pleasant stay in the cottage but the heat of the day made being inside unbearable. The micro-misters outside gave some relief, but the cottage is more suitable for a winter getaway (wood stove, Dover stove and an inside braai plus double glazing). The kitchen facilities and bathrooms are all excellent, with attention to detail. The quirky garden is pleasant but somewhat marred by wattle and bluegums looming from surrounding properties. We spent afternoons and evenings sitting in the shade at the outside fire-pit."

(Martin Mossmer, visited Dec 2016)

"A little piece of paradise. The photos do not do it justice. There's no TV so you are able to really enjoy the surrounds and plentiful birdsong. Every need and more is catered for both winter and summer. The house layout is well thought out and very spacious, light and airy. The garden is enclosed and safe for children and little pets. Will we go back - absolutely we will!"

(Cheryl Quantrill, visited Nov 2016)

"Bibi's Joy was a great getaway - away from the hustle and bustle of the city. I loved that I could take my dog with me, and he loved the spacious grounds - I think he had the best time! The warm hospitality we received was a lovely way to start the weekend. We will definitely consider visiting again, perhaps in the summer."

(Jodi von Buchenroder, visited Jul 2016)

"What an amazing place to getaway from the hustle and bustle of life. The garden is amazing with all the little ornaments hidden in between the plants. The patio is a lovely place to have your first cuppa in the morning and to watch the birds. Had lovely walks in the forest and even spotted several baboons. The only thing I didn't like were the rubber snakes in the garden - not nice for someone who has a snake phobia. But will definitely be back."

(Angela Sass, visited Mar 2016)

"We had fantastic stay. Really amazing getaway in extremely comfortable accommodation. The garden and birds are wonderful and the walks lovely. Hospitality was very impressive and we felt very welcome and relaxed. Spoilt with a massage by Dori and a delicious lunch at paradise organic garden. Highly recommended getaway."

(Helen Wright , visited January 2015)

"Perfect getaway from the hustle and bustle of the city. Quiet and peaceful with all the amenities of home (except the TV and WiFi, of course). Close enough to both Barrydale and Swellendam to browse and be a tourist, but far enough away to not intrude in your solitude. Perfect setting to sit in front of the roaring fire under a blanket with a good book."

(Lynley Hooper, visited July 2015)

"Bibi's Joy is a wonderful solar powered cottage on the outskirts of a hidden away little village called Suurbraak at the foot of the Langeberg Mountains. It's a beautiful gentle town and close enough to Swellendam and Barrydale for day trips if you want to explore the area. The house is lovely with a fully equipped kitchen and indoor braai and fireplace (the only thing missing from this establishment is an outside braai but we were there in winter so it didn't bother us too much!). The owner Peter is honestly the most efficient person I have dealt with in self-catering adventures. The neighbours who showed us around were also kind wonderful people who added to our stay. There is a beautiful garden and we have a two-year old little boy who loved seeing the goats, horses and chickens of the surrounding neighbours and the birds visiting the garden. And there is a small tributary of the river behind the house which is a quick easy walk and nice and safe for him to play and enjoy. Off the beaten track, great hospitality and lovely place."

(Mandy Schreiber, visited June 2015)

"I would highly recommend this little piece of heaven! We had an absolutely amazing weekend. The best part of this weekend is the fact that it was a pet-friendly so I could bring my two fur-children with and they had an absolute ball! The only bad thing about this weekend is that it was too short. Thanks again Peter for the wonderful experience."

(Janine Fourie, visited April 2015)

"Very well equipped, definitely suited my purpose for a quiet break."

(Michael Pretorius, visited February 2015)

"If you need peace and tranquility away from the city bustle, this is the place to go. Rustic, comfortable, serene, after one day you don't want to leave!"

(Marcelle Moses, visited June 2014)

"The nature lover will enjoy the solitude and the silence."

(Loni Eager, visited August 2014)

"My family and I stayed here and it's is significantly located in nature with good environs. It really is the ideal breakaway location if you want to get away from the city "rush". Thanks to Bibi and Peter for a wonderful stay. You will surely see us again."

(Andre Damon, visited October 2014)

"Nice quiet setting and relaxing atmosphere. Will be visiting the house again."

(Leon Ely, visited November 2013)

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Getaway Map

Bibi's Joy, Swellendam, Western Cape

GPS: S -34.0024 E 20.6634

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Bibi's Joy, Swellendam

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Bibi's Joy

(sleeps twelve, minimum stay one night)

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2019-09-01

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