Quick Facts
E 19°31'15''
Budget Getaways Review
For once, the reality matches the illusion of ‘quaint-cottage-on-wine-farm’ advertising.
A nice whitewashed cottage that's neatly finished and fronted by a manicured garden, Klipheuwel is one of few budget options in the dramatic Hex Valley.
Chatting to owner Gerda, a cultured lady who likes to talk art and French cooking, reinforces the I-could-live-here feeling.
Klipheuwel Cottage is flanked on either side by a permanent residence but don’t see this as a bad thing – it will be a comfort during those dark and stormy nights when the witches emerge from their cliff shelters and swoop down into the valley.
The cottage is good value considering what you get. It is wall-to-wall equipped and has a cosy loft with an unbroken view of the Hex and a private patio with braai area. A self-serve continental breakfast is included in the price – you can give it a miss but we reckon you shouldn’t.
The only obvious amenity missing is a fireplace - it's hard to imagine living under the tableclothed winter peaks without one.
There's plenty of scope for walking, birdwatching and picnics in the kloof. Bottom line though, with such a pleasant cottage who needs to be active?
"Amazing setting and hospitality as well as extras much appreciated".
(visited December 2014)
"The description & pictures on the website do not match the reality.The swimming pool it is not easily accessible, you need to drive to it. The farm maybe impressive but the accommodation is small, the decor is dated and it is situated amongst farm family and staff houses. When we arrived we got soaked by the sprinkler system. But when we aired our appointment's, with the accommodation Gerda, did not hesitate to give us our money back, and even recommended another B&B in the area. But the weekend had already been spoilt so instead we just headed back home."
(visited November 2014)
Getaway Reply
"It was a very unfortunate and uncomfortable experience for me, the first in all the years that I owned the cottage. It seems to me that my guests have a very imaginative idea about this cottage with the pool on the doorstep, yet nowhere in my descriptions or pictures on the internet do I mention the cottage and the pool together. They also read very outdated information somewhere stating that you can bring your own DSTV smartcard (Simcard), but DSTV/Multichoice changes the system long ago that make it impossible to use your card in another decoder, this is general general knowledge. The decor of the unit is in cottage style to match the feeling of the whole experience, I want my guests to feel relaxed and at home. The cottage is spacious enough for 4 persons and thus definitely for 2 people as well. And furthermore, the cottage is amongst farmhouses and not near staff houses."
(Gerda Kriegler)
"We thoroughly enjoyed our stay at Klipheuwel Cottage. It was everything we were looking for in a weekend getaway.The only shame was we had no idea where the pool was and didn't get to meet Gerda our host. The cottage was beautiful and the breakfast items left for us was great. I would return anytime and have recommended it to our friends and family. Thanks for having us and keep up the great work."
(visited October 2014)
"A pleasant, spacious cottage with beautiful views of the sunrise and sunset. Many splendid walks into the mountainous area awaits the keen hiker. There are a number of interesting places to visit in the valley. The cottage was well equipped, but a little dusty and neglected in some respects."
(visited April 2014)
"Exactly the budget getaway that we needed from our wedding planning and hectic daily routine. Stunning location and not too far from nearby towns should you need to get to the shops. All the little things like a cheese grater that you might forget to pack are stocked in the cottage and the breakfast hamper was superb. Coming back for sure after the wedding. Thank you Gerda for your hospitality and all the little extras!"
(visited November 2013)
"A very peaceful setting - quiet though not entirely secluded, as the cottage is situated fairly close to the owner's property. Walking through the vineyards on one side of the farm is great, but even better is the path along a stream at the back of the cottage, ultimately towards the surrounding mountains. The owner is fantastic and the preparation of the cottage top-notch."
(visited June 2012)
"Our family had a lovely time visiting the Hex Valley and staying over at Gerda's Cottage. A friendly women that came in the dark of the night to make sure i got my R50 change before leaving the next morning, she puts effort into creating a nice warm environment for visitors. A breakfast pack was left in the cottage for us to prepare and fresh flowers from the garden put in vases, that matched the colour of a painting in the main bedroom. There are however three dogs that "live" at your front door and wait for you to play with them from early hours of the morning so if you not an animal lover, you may want to consider this, thankfully our son got over his fears and realized how friendly they are and ended up walking beside them on our tour of the property :) "
(visited May 2012)
"My boyfriend and I had an absolutely amazing weekend getaway at Klipheuwel Cottage. One of the best self-catering places we've stayed at so far. Thanks Gerda for everything. Hope our two furry friends are well."
(visited September 2010)
"A wonderful breakaway from the city. We enjoyed the peace and quiet of country living. The cottage is fully equipped, which is great for a weekend escape!"
(visited November 2007)
"What a welcome change from the hub of the city. A fantastic venue for rest and relaxation.You don't have to worry about anything because the hosts have thought of everything to make your stay comfortable. The highlight for us was the walk into the mountains to the weir - fantastic!"
(visited October 2007)
"We didn't need a fireplace as there were panel heaters (even in bathroom) and electric blankets. The walk along the dam slip-road (through the mountains) was really beautiful. Definitely will go back to do the Ochre Trail as we ran out of time. Loved the Hex River Trollie express which included views, history, geography and muscadel. Really worth going to."
(visited August 2007)
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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