Fairfield Mountain Cottages

"We stayed at the largest of the cottages, Fynbos, with another family. In all we were 4 adults and 4 kids. The adults had the two downstairs bedrooms and the kids were upstairs in the loft room with the 4 single beds. The cottage is ideally situated for mountain walks. We were blessed with good weather for most of the time, and the kids had an amazing time climbing up the rocky slope of the koppie behind the house. We also loved the demarcated Dassie trail up the mountain and would have liked to explore the other trails if we'd had more time -- the mountain is truly magnificent. The loft room is a wonderful asset for families with children. The two sets of kids (aged 6 to 9) quickly decided they were the "Attic Club" and spent literally hours playing board games together up there -- and also being wild and raucous, but at least they were happy! The space is pretty spartan, which means minimal opportunities to break things. The kids can just be themselves. Plus there is good hotel-style aircon/heating to keep the upstairs at a comfortable temperature. We did have quite a few problems, which the on-duty staff sorted out for us cheerfully and as quickly as they could. The most serious problems were that the firewood was all wet and wouldn't burn, and the heater in the living room wouldn't work, so our first night at the cottage was icy. (We arrived after dark and it was too late to phone for assistance.) Minor annoyances were that there was no soap or hand towels in the bathrooms, no sponge in the kitchen sink for washing dishes, no cork screw for opening wine bottles. All these were sorted out when we complained. On the second day, we found out why the firewood had been wet -- we had a major rain storm, and the rain came right down the chimney! It flooded the kitchen floor and wet the firewood pile. We had to ask for help again in the form of towels to put on the hearth, to soak up the water coming down the chimney. We also had and electricity outage one night when we had both the stoves going plus all the heaters (it was below zero outside). (See the points below about the stoves and wiring.) This was sorted out quickly by the caretaker on duty, once we got hold of him on his cellphone. Overall, our impression was of very friendly, helpful staff... but a cottage that is not well maintained. All three of the wall panel heaters in the cottage, although in good working order, were cracked right across, which looks ugly. The electrical wiring is a bit crazy, with lots of extension cables and leads everywhere. The cooking arrangements are primitive: a microwave, plus two of those bachelor counter-top stoves. The stoves are perched very awkwardly on a dresser, right underneath some shelves, so you can't really fit a tall pot on them; and in any case, it takes forever to boil a pot of water on them. If we had known about this situation we would have cooked more food at home and brought it with us, rather than planning to cook meals at the cottage. (There are, of course, good braai arrangements outside, and you can braai indoors too -- if it is not raining!). The couches in the lounge are awfully saggy and uncomfortable. While the beds in the two downstairs bedrooms are good -- nice new, firm mattresses -- the four single beds upstairs have really terrible, clapped-out mattresses supported by chip-board bases over the beds' spring frames. The kids slept OK, but the beds are totally unsuitable for anybody over about 40kg. The cottage has huge potential and an idyllic location. But right now, it badly needs some TLC."

(Libby Eaton, visited Jun 2016)

Getaway Reply

Dear Libby Thank you for your feedback. I do apologize for any inconvenience caused during your stay at Fairfield. I will make this my priority and will sort out all that was mentioned in your review. Hope you will visit us again in the near future. Kind Regards, Chantelle

(Chantelle Hayes)

"We had a very relaxing stay at Klipspringer Cottage. We wanted to find a place with a large lawn for our very busy crawling 1-year old to play on and this turned out to be perfect. The lawn is immaculate with a huge tree giving a great deal of shade. The shaded patio and cool house are delightful in hot summer and the braai and swing create a idyllic garden scene. There is a outdoor shower and outdoor toilet. The outdoor shower we loved, showering whilst barking back at the baboons on the rocks behind the house. Huge amount of fun! We did not leave the house to go walk or even swim, we were quite content to just relax there for our two night stay."

(Joanne Hopwood, visited January 2015)

"Although the cottages are lovely, they really don't have much of an 'away from it all' feel, being within view of the lights of Prince Alfred Hamlet and all having security gates and alarms. Not everyone has the same needs and expectations when it comes to a getaway, but for those who like something rustic and far away from civilisation, this isn't the place for you."

(Carl Nielsen, visited September 2010)

"A group of us went for a getaway and it was the best experience they had. Everybody was nervous as they did not know what to expect, but once we arrived there it gave everyone peace of mind knowing their money was put to good use. It really was worth every cent. The cottages were neat and tidy, very kiddie friendly and extremely peaceful. It gave us that homely feeling but when the electricity went out, it made us feel outdoors. We made a fire to keep warm and just sat around chatting. I think that was the best part... when there was electricity we were listening to music and watching the rugby (stuff we would do at home) but now it was just us, and we sat chatting. This is the best place to come for a break. It's just you and nature. I would recommend this to anybody."

(Nicky Jansen, visited June 2010)

"Lekker in die koue winter (Junie maand) - ons het in die Fynbos Cottage gebly en dit was wonderlik! Warm kombers op die bed en panel heaters teen die mure. Die pasgebakte vars plaas brood was eersteklas! Jozi en Lily (die twee miniatuur worshonde) het lekker gebaljaar en die tarentale gejaag. Ons sal defnitief weer kom kuier."

(Marina van Til, visited June 2009)

"My third time around and I can't wait to go back. I'm blown away everytime I'm there. Took the whole family with and booked all three cottages; that way you don't disturb anyone with the noise of the quads. Wonderful owners who make you feel welcome at all times."

(Juanita Van Aarde, visited June 2008)

"Ons was in die Mountain Cottage en dit was lekker rustig en privaat. Baie modern en netjies.. Ons dalmation, Mila, kon nie genoeg kry van die natuur en die plaasdam nie! Ons sal verseker weer wil kom, en beveel aan vir enigiemand wat die Boland waardeer :)"

(Vicky Chamberlain, visited May 2008)

"The cottage and surrounds lived up to all expectations. We even managed to spot three different types of wildlife! Would love to visit in winter."

(Carol Hewitson, visited April 2008)

"What a beautiful setting. We had a great time in Klipspringer Cottage. We took quads with, which added extra fun. Just make sure you don't ride too early or too late. It was my second time around and I will definitely be back."

(Juanita Van Arde, visited March 2008)

"We were lucky enough to get the new Mountain Spring Cottage and were delighted with its modern, cosy feel. The outside bath is a unique feature that doubled up as a splash pool due to the unbearable midday heat! We have already made a booking for our next trip - even the dogs can't wait!"

(Lisa Lavin, visited December 2007)

"I recommend this paradise to anyone who wants to relax and enjoy nature. Taking the pooches with is a must. Best time to go is in winter. Will be back soon."

(Juanita van Aarde, visited May 2007)

"We found far more than we had expected in the way of comforts. Great place for a long weekend and we would love to have stayed longer."

(Peter & Dorothy Parker & Mecinska, visited September 2006)

"Beautiful secluded mountain getaway. Our bull terriers were in doggie paradise, with no collars or leads for the whole weekend. A lovely place to relax, read, sleep, potjie and drink - great for a couple or with a few mates. Tip: book both cottages at a time for absolute privacy and loads of fun! Will be back in summer for the pool.

(Bronwynn Croxford, visited July 2006)

"Stunning clean cottages. Beautiful surroundings. Real home-from-home feeling. Will be back again some time."

(Lisa van Reenen, visited September 2005)

"Beautiful setting, lovely and clean cottages! The dogs were in doggie heaven! Will definitely visit again!"

(Sharyn Keegan, visited April 2006)

"Wat 'n lekker kuier plekkie. Sal dit graag weer wil besoek in die winter om van die vuurmaakplek in die kombuis gebruik te maak. As jy rustigheid soek is hierdie die plek om te ontspan. 'n Heerlike naweek gehad saam met wonderlike vriendinne."

(Wilma Basson, visited November 2005)

"What a joy that splash pool/jacuzzi is - LOTS of fun!"

(Adele Roos, visited January 2005)

"A big Jacuzzi pool has now been installed in the area between the two cottages, and would be great during summer."

(Eric Prinsloo, visited May 2004)