Quick Facts
E 19°16'31''
Budget Getaways Review
Take a deep breath, 'cause this review is jam-packed…
First off, they don’t call this the Hemel and Aarde Valley (Heaven and Earth Valley) for nothing. And in this case you have 10ha of hemel to make your own for a few days.
Lying in the protective shadow of the Babylonstoren, Emett’s is surrounded by trout dams, olive groves, vineyards and tracts of fynbos - all life's good things. Apart from appealing setting, the Hermanus neon lights are a mere 10 kays down the road, which translates into plenty weekend possibility.
Emett’s offers a choice of four stylish and well-appointed abodes. These range from a rambling farmhouse to three cosy cottages. Your final decision will largely be dictated by the size of your party.
Kicking off with Sunbird Farmhouse, this is perfect for a family gathering. It's a double-story house sleeping eight, with a large lounge/dining area and 16-seater dining table to entertain that busload of envious day visitors.
The kitchen is farmstyle, with all the modcons - dishwasher, icemaker (very important!), fridge-freezer and washing machine. There’s a separate TV room with DSTV (bring own smartcard & decoder) and HD flat screen. Upstairs you'll find two generous double bedrooms, both with ensuite bathrooms and Victorian baths. Down on ground level there's another ensuite double bedroom.
Take another breath because it doesn’t end here: 16m lap pool, outside braai and pizza oven, big stoep with views down on to the Hemel and Aarde Valley…
Next up is Strelitzia Cottage: character-packed with high reed ceilings and equally appealing views stretching over the valley. Strelizia has an open-plan kitchen and spacious lounge with fireplace. The lounge spills onto a wrap-around stoep and outside braai area. Upstairs you’ve got a double loft-style room with ensuite shower and toilet, while a further two double rooms can be found downstairs, with shared bathroom and shower.
A quick slug of the Red Bull and we continue….
Barn Owl Loft, as the name says, is a loft unit above the farm barn. Stylishly decorated, it comes with open-plan kitchen and big living area with wood-burning fireplace - this opens to a timber deck overlooking the dam, valley and mountains. There are two double bedrooms, both with ensuite bathrooms and over-bath showers.
Finally... Olive Tree Cottage is the cozy romantic option, sleeping two in a double ensuite that zips open to a patio. The kitchen is open-plan to the living room (with fireplace) and yet another patio, again with built-in braai and seating area as standard. You’ve got a second bathroom with bath and your own flatscreen telly should you need it.
With an appealing setting, plush finishes, close proximity to Hermanus and its whales, a long activity list (including some great local wineries), Emett’s isn't bad value, with rates ranging from R1995 per night for Sunbird Farmhouse, down to R825 per night for Olive Tree Cottage.
What's more, it ticks a whole bunch of useful boxes: whether it be for a deserved family escape or romantic weekend for you and loved one.
"Jannie welcomed us to his cottage warmly. We then spent two delightful days sleeping in the beautiful bed, strolling around the picturesque property, wine tasting in the amazing area and braaing with the best view ever! We shall return."
(visited Jan 2017)
"Absolutely fantastic. We will definitely go back!"
(visited Nov 2016)
"I don't think I will ever tire of the Hemel en Aarde Valley. Emett's Cottage is set in the middle of the valley with sweeping mountain views from all their porches. The cottages are spacious, we stayed in Der Werf and Strelitzia this time but have booked all the cottages on a previous visit. They are well equipped and comfortably furnished. The gardens are immaculate and yet rustic and best of all is Jannie's self depreciating humor and gentle hospitality. A great choice for a large group or family reunion. So much to do in the surrounding area, personally superior to staying in busy Hermanus. We will be back, thanks Jannie!"
(visited Oct 2016)
"We had some issues with the tv and fireplace but other than that it was a lovely weekend away."
(visited Jul 2016)
"Love this place...will always go back there. That view when you wake up in the morning is perfect!"
(visited Mar 2016)
"Fantastic venue for our book club getaway. Spectacular setting and everything you need is provided. Can't wait to go back in summer to use the beautiful pool."
(visited July 2015)
"Always an excellent getaway! Thank you, Jannie, for being such a fantastic host."
(visited June 2015)
"A magical spot, we absolutely love it. Highly recommended."
(visited February 2015)
"Had a lovely couple of days at Emett's Country Cottages. Great welcome by Jannie. Apparently they were doing some painting near the cottage we booked, so he graciously upgraded us to a bigger cottage. Cottage was perfectly with anything we needed. We particularly liked the view over the valley and mountains and the variety of lovely birds that is attracted by the beautiful surrounding gardens. Nearby are an awful lot of great places for lunches and wine tastings. Can recommend the 8 tapas with wine tasting at Creation Wines. Amazing quality and value for money."
(visited January 2015)
"This place was perfect for a family holiday in such a gorgeous setting. The kids had plenty of room to ramble and explore in the endless garden. It is well positioned close enough to Hermanus while being far enough away to get the rural peace. The house was huge and comfortable. We will definitely go back."
(visited January 2015)
"We visited Emmets Hemel for my birthday weekend and had a relaxing yet fun filled weekend. Felt welcomed (Jannie is a gem and kept us giggling) and thoroughly enjoyed our stay. The house is beautiful and we loved the outdoor area. We are currently plotting our next trip but to stay in the big house hopefully."
(visited January 2015)
"Had a wonderful and peaceful weekend. Everything was perfect. Highly recommended."
(visited January 2015)
"What a wonderful weekend getaway right in the centre of Hemel en Aarde Valley! Thank you to Jannie for being a fantastic host and giving us great ideas on how to spend our days in the valley. The Olive Tree Cottage is very cosy and has a great view of beautiful dams and berry farms. It's the perfect spot to curl up with a glass of wine and great company. A lunch or paired tasting at Creation is definitely a must too."
(visited November 2014)
"We had a lovely stay in Strelitzia cottage. I would recommend it to others."
(visited October 2014)
"What a beautiful spot! 7 of us stayed in the Sunbird House, so luxurious (especially the bathrooms!) with every amenity you could wish for. Jannie was very welcoming and hospitable, we will definitely go back!"
(visited October 2014)
"Our host was responsive, accommodating and helpful. The loft we stayed in was excellently furnished and extremely comfortable, perfectly fitted for any kind of weather. The location is beautiful. They were able to accommodate our 6-month old son who has very exacting standards! We couldn't have asked for more."
(visited August 2014)
"Great winter getaway and the loft is spacious, has a view and provides good heating. Caring management make the stay a real pleasure!"
(visited July 2014)
"We stayed at Emett's Country Cottages for a weekend with friends and family. Being close to the shops, wine farms and lovely restaurants, we didn't get to do half of what there was on offer. In fact, Emett's setting is so beautiful and tranquil, that we could have just stayed there all weekend without going out. Jannie, thanks for the well maintained gardens, ensuring that the house had everything we needed and providing us with information regarding the surrounding area. We'll be back!"
(visited July 2014)
"Nothing short of absolutely amazing. My boyfriend and I stayed at the Olive Tree Cottage for a weekend. It's two months later and i still cannot stop telling people how breathtaking it was. The hospitality is phenomenal! The View is stunning. Its so peaceful and stunning. gosh, there isn't a word to describe the stay there. I will definitely be returning. Hopefully for a much longer stay. Thank you Jannie and thank you to everyone else at Hemel En Aarde Country Cottages."
(visited June 2014)
"This was the most amazing place we have ever stayed at. The setting was fantastic situated right in the valley with beautiful views. Little ponds all over which were stunning. The owner was very friendly and accommodating. The house was very country cottage like with a beautiful little french fire place. The best part of it all was that it was in the middle of the Wine Route."
(visited June 2014)
"What a fantastic getaway. My wife and I had the best 11th honeymoon. Even when the wind was howling outside, the fireplace kept us cosy. The views from the cottage and on the many walks around the farm are breath-taking. The estate manager was very friendly and helpful. He did everything to make our say as comfortable as possible. I highly recommend these cottages to families with children because there is lots of space for the children to run and play and to just be children in a safe environment. I will definitely be taking my extended family there in the near future."
(visited May 2014)
"I couldn't help but smile when i saw the last review of the person that visited Emett's Country Cottages. I've been to this place April this year and July last year. What a beautiful place to just be away from the city and unwind. Their cottages are modern. The scenery is breath taking. Their staff are friendly. The manager (Jannie) is the best, friendly, welcoming, humble and professional. Both outings I went with my partner and we said the third time we're going we'll take all our kids with us. I've been to many getaways but this place is my heaven on earth."
(visited April 2014)
"We had an absolutely amazing time in the Olive Tree cottage. Beautiful views, friendly people, lovely place overall. Jannie was a great host!"
(visited March 2014)
"Stunning place, run by a very professional, friendly and accommodating manager, Jannie. Really is heaven on Earth - beautiful place."
(visited November 2012)
"Excellent service, great hospitality and a view to die for. Will be back there the very next chance we get."
(visited November 2012)
"I really enjoyed the setting of Emetts. It has unparalleled views of the Hemel en Aarde Valley and Jan and his wife are so friendly and helpful you can't help but feel at home. It is close to the Ataraxia and Creation wineries which have superb Sauvignon blanc wines with a fruity minerality which is incomparable. All in all an excellent place to stay, I wish I had spent more time there."
(visited October 2012)
"Baie goeie diens. Hou so aan. Sal definitief weer terugkom."
(visited September 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