Quick Facts
E 19°06'33''
Budget Getaways Review
Taking the scenic ‘Winterhoek road’ eventually ends in a cul de sac and the aptly named Isle of Sky - a gorgeous farm on the foothills of the towering Winterhoek mountains.
Apart from views to infinity and back, this fruit and wine farm now offers a grand total of five neat and unpretentious cottages circled by dense fynbos and appealing to a broad range of weekenders, as well as three campsites for small groups.
The cottages were once worker abodes but you wouldn't say so as they have been cleverly restyled to meet the discerning demands of your modern Budget weekender.
Common to all are comfortable uncluttered interiors: cretestoned walls, red cement floors, glassy-eyed buck and zebra peering down from the walls, generous timber kitchen counters, wide windows, reed blinds, overhead fans in summer and oil heaters and fireplaces in winter.
On general atmosphere, the accommodation is a hybrid between hikers cottage and hunter’s lodge, with four- and five-sleeper options.
Stepping out, the cottages have lovely green lawns and braai areas built of stone, complemented by birdsong, water and the sheer cliffs behind.
Further up the farm track to a copse of oak trees, hosts Gitte and Andrew Moffat (no relation to the famous missionary) offer a handy range of exclusive campsites, each fitted with the essentials.
Looking at the activity list, while we would be perfectly content to do sweet little at Isle of Sky (apart from braai and savour the setting), there is more than enough to do: serious hiking, mountain biking, birdwatching, a walk (or 4x4 drive) to an amazing viewsite, as well as horse riding and wine tasting on the surrounding farms.
If it’s impressive nature and a comfortable stay you desire, Isle of Sky satisfies on both counts.
"Perfect little hideaway in the mountains. We had a wonderful time on a friends weekend away but would make a great romantic hideout too. Perfect location and a great escape from the city."
(visited June 2014)
"We had a lovely relaxing weekend."
(visited April 2014)
"Beautiful setting, we had a lovely stay. Swimming dam with lapa were great."
(visited April 2014)
"WOW! What an amazing stay, such a pity we could only stay for the 2 nights. We will most definitely be back soon. Very comfortable accommodation with everything you need. The setting is breathtaking and the dam which is walking distance was a great place to take a dip and cool off. My children absolutely LOVED the place and we will be back soon. Highly recommended!"
(visited January 2013)
"I would like to thank the host for being so friendly and providing me and my family with outstanding service. The view as well as the cottage is spectacular and I would recommend Isle of Sky to anyone who want some time away from a busy schedule."
(visited October 2012)
"Had the most tranquil few days and fully recharged my batteries. Spectacular views and just a beautiful peaceful setting, and still easily accessible to Cape Town with me going out for a business meeting one afternoon and back. Already looking forward to coming back."
(visited February 2012)
"The ideal location really makes this getaway. Far enough away from everything to feel like you have left everything behind, yet a short trip to many activities and conveniences in Tulbagh. R90pp for camping a little steep??"
(visited February 2008)
"Lovely views, nice peaceful farm. Overall, I would love to go back sometime."
(visited February 2008)
"The chalets offer great views of the Winterhoek Mountains and the serenity is fabulous. However, the roads to and around the cottages are less than desirable. We found Stone Cottage comfortable and adequate, yet not fully equipped and somewhat in need of a clean. The other chalets were spotless, modern and comfortable. A good getaway and we had a great time!"
(visited August 2007)
"Excellent time, most beautiful views and idyllic setting. Fantastic getaway if you want to truly escape urban life."
(visited November 2005)
"We have visited the farm about 3 times, in both winter and summer.It's a great all year retreat, with awesome rain in winter(waterfalls),and fantastic swimming in the dam in summer.There is always an eager dog to join you for a walk. Romantic, peaceful, cosy accomodation,and definitely the setting for all night talks round the fire. Inside or out."
(visited March 2005)
Guinevere Guest Farm
Tulbagh, Western Cape
Yip, we get it, this isn’t your typical budget getaway. While we know you’re gawking at the nightly rate (R12k per night isn’t exactly BG territory), yo...
Rate Guide
From R12750 to R18000, depending on unit, guests and time of year
Tulbagh Mountain Cabin
Tulbagh, Western Cape
The setting of this choc-box getaway is rather surreal. You’ve got a lush and fertile valley floor stretching out from your outdoor living space, a small river...
Rate Guide
From R2450 to R2650, depending on unit, guests and time of year
The Boathouse at Oakhurst Olives
Tulbagh, Western Cape
Just 90 minutes from Cape Town and part of the Cape Winelands. This tranquil farming valley is nestled between three mountains, The Groot Winterhoek, The Witzenberg, and ...
Rate Guide
From R3000, depending on unit, guests and time of year
Eikelaan Farm Cottages
Tulbagh, Western Cape
Eikelaan is for those who like their bread with a thick layer of full cream butter. On offer at this neat working farm with wheat, vines and cattle is a pair of semi-de...
Rate Guide
From R1100 to R1750, depending on unit, guests and time of year
Country Living
Riebeek West and Riebeek-Kasteel, Western Cape
Country Living is a self-catering vacation home located in the picturesque countryside town of Riebeek Kasteel. The holiday home offers a comfortable getaway for a group ...
Rate Guide
From R3800, depending on unit, guests and time of year
Mont Rouge Cottages
Tulbagh, Western Cape
Our Self-catering riverside Cottages are affordable and spacious, fully equipped with breathtaking mountain views. The tranquility and beauty in and around the cottages w...
Rate Guide
From R1800 to R4500, depending on unit, guests and time of year
Fairfield Mountain Cottages
Ceres, Western Cape
Fairfield takes the form of three tastefully renovated cottages at the foot the Skurweberge Mountains, on 100 hectares of working fruit farm, with breathtaking views of t...
Rate Guide
From R1190 to R2975, depending on unit, guests and time of year
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