Paddahoek Cottage, Vermaaklikheid, Western Cape on Budget-Getaways

7 Reviews - Read them Best rating of 5 based on 7 reviews.

Rate Guide

From R855 to R1125, depending on unit, guests and time of year

Budget Getaways Review

Paddahoek could be the quintessential English choc-box abode. Thick stone walls, neatly thatched roof and cottage-pane windows. A few things set it apart though. For starters, the surrounding renosterveld vegetation which forms its setting, then you’ve got the massive outdoor entertainment area and built in braai (don’t find many of those in Blighty) and of course there’s the fact that you can take a short walk down the road and hit the waters of the Duiwenhoks river…swim, fish, paddle, you name it, the river is yours to enjoy all year round.

Now that we’ve set the scene, let’s get inside and take a poke around. First thing that comes to mind is the clever combination of authentic character (rough timber beams and wonky walls) with plenty in the way of simple, modern touches like tinted screed floors, quality furnishings and a light, uncluttered feel.

Sleeping wise the cottage accommodates four and is best suited to a family with two kids. Bedding arrangements have two options, depending on your preference. Upstairs there's a queen bed in an open mezzanine space (accessed via a ladder type staircase), while down in the living area you’ll find two single beds. These two downstairs singles can be moved together and a king duvet provided, should you prefer to sleep down on ground level.

The kitchen and living space are open plan, the kitchen being equipped with a small gas countertop stove and all the cutlery and crockery you’ll need to self cater. There’s a dining table, a wood-burning fireplace and some couches to keep things cozy. The loo and bath are also located downstairs. Step outside and you’ve got the large covered patio mentioned earlier, where you’ll find the braai and a lovely new Dover wood-burning stove. Crank it up for a potjie or just to keep the kettle on the boil.

Worth mentioning is that Paddahoek is off grid. Solar lighting and gas light your way, warm your water and cool your fridge. There’s no WiFi either (...just some 3G signal), so you may as well leave those devices at home and get outside. On that note, the large garden is fenced in, so if Fido is keen to join the party, he can on condition that he’s friendly, well mannered and doesn’t harass domestic animals or wildlife.

750 meters down the dirt drag you’ve got access to the Duiwenhoeks river, where you can launch a boat, canoe or SUP and head off either up or down stream. The best way to explore the Duiwenhoks is definitely on the water. Travel down with the tide and picnic on the wild, unspoilt San Sebastian Bay beach or experience the quiet waters and scenery further upriver. For walkers and mountain bikers, the miles of lonely gravel roads to explore should keep you busy for hours on end.

It’s a wrap, this is one great looking getaway for a chilled family escape! So get your ducks (…or should we say frogs) in a row and book it, that’s if you can beat us to it.

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Guest Reviews

Overall Rating (based on 7 reviews)

Standard of facilities

Appeal of setting

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"We had a lovely stay. The hosts were very helpful and friendly. The accommodation was very comfortable and all amenities were very satisfactory. I loved the outdoor shower. The indoor wood-burning stove was divine."

(visited August 2024)

"Paddahoek Perfection should be the name of this getaway! The only real downer I can think of was leaving at the end of our stay. Paddahoek is a magical spot for a family to get some proper chill time in. The cottage is perfectly equipped, elegantly furnished and in a great position, within walking distance down a track to the river. There's a canoe to use as well, and the river really is a major draw card. If you're feeling energetic, you can even paddle down to the river mouth and beach at Puntjie ( read the excellent guest guide in the cottage to get the tides right - your arms will thank you for it ). The dust roads and rural vibe of Vermaaklikheid make walks, runs, mountain bike rides etc. easy and pleasant. That said, we also spent plenty of time doing absolutely nothing at all at the cottage and believe me, it's a super spot to do exactly that. "

(visited March 2023)

"We enjoyed a lovely relaxing weekend at Paddahoek Cottage. We arrived at the remote location just before dark and were welcomed by fire going in the indoor log burner, warming up the cute cottage. The outdoor fire place was also ready to go with kindling so that we could get the braai started. We had a 10/10 stay, our dog however enjoyed her stay 12/10!"

(visited September 2022)

"What a place to come and relax and unwind. Quiet and peaceful. Our stay was too short to visit all the interesting places and people in the area."

(visited Sep 2022)

"We had a lovely few days at Paddahoek Cottage. It's in a great setting, really peaceful and lots to do in the area. I loved the cute thatched cottage and the outside area and braai. Our dog was very happy exploring the huge garden. A few things to be aware of - there is no couch inside so if its rainy and cold you will need to tuck up in the beds downstairs. If you bring your dog there are lots of ticks so just be aware of this. There is a great outside shower, which I loved but my hubby wasn't too keen on! Otherwise the cottage is comfy, clean, well provided, and a perfect little hidden gem. You wont be disappointed."

(visited Aug 2022)

"Absolutely loved it! Peaceful, tranquil, the perfect place to unwind."

(visited Apr 2022)

"We loved the setting, so tranquil and peaceful, also had fun firing up the Dover stove. The little garden creatures and bird life were amazing, a real piece of paradise."

(visited Mar 2022)

Paddahoek Cottage

Vermaaklikheid, Western Cape

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