Quick Facts
E 23°03'14''
Budget Getaways Review
Tucked away in the forest safely out of Knysna's commercial reach, here’s a throwback to a little known slice of history.
Some interesting backstory to San Ambrosa… In the 1800s, lured by dreams of the promised land (thanks to British government propaganda), a small group of Italian immigrants arrived in the rugged Gouna forest to establish a lucrative silk industry - only to discover that the mulberry trees were non-existent and the growing conditions wholly unsuitable. Being a stoic lot, they nevertheless decided to stay - an unfolding story lovingly detailed in the museum of the little San Ambroso chapel.
Your affable host at San Ambrosa is Rayno Sciocatti, a descendant of one of the original Italian families. Besides keeping you comfortable during your stay, you will find him a treasure trove of history and local lore.
Occupying a lush and tranquil setting alongside the chapel, is San Ambrosa's rustic three-bedroom getaway. The mix of wood cladding and stone lends the place a distinct forest cabin ambience, where laid-back living takes precedence over self-conscious luxury. One of those spots where you and the kids can leave a guilt-free trail of outdoor toys and dirty coffee mugs in your wake.
The house is spacious, sleeping six with ease, with additional sleeper couches scattered here and there to suck up the overflow. The bedrooms come decked with double beds and share a big bathroom (bring own towels).
The kitchen forms the hub and is equipped with all the necessary, including wood-burning stove. Leading off from here is a dining and living room with fireplace, TV and a few comfy sofas.
Stepping into the light you’ve got a full-length stoep flowing onto the lawn and small dam - keep an eye on them toddlers!
Braai and picnic table, soft grass, deep glades of shade, distant forest and mountain vistas, they're all part of the package. As are a number of forest hikes, a smorgasbord of mountain biking, a nearby waterfall, and the bright lights of Knysna beckoning 15 kays down the gravel road.
We haven't received a flood of feedback, but from what's trickled in so far, all bodes well for a happy and chilled stay: “Staying at San Ambroso has always been a highlight for our family and friends,” says one guest. “Dit was absoluut 'n belewenis,” praises another.
Rustic, carefree, accommodating, Kringe in die Bos setting, a fascinating story to tell - all good enough reason in our book to give this one a twirl.
"Ek het onlangs vir twee weke vakansie gehou op San Ambroso. Dit was absoluut n belewenis! Die natuur is fantasties en kan dit aanbeveel vir almal. My gasheer, Rhyno Sciocatti, het my bekendgestel aan die mooiste plekke. Ek het op die voetspore van die houtkappers uit Italie geloop wat n ontdekkingstog van ons ons Geskiedenis is. Die besoek aan die ou murasies wat hulle eiehandig gebou het, was fantasties. Die Gounabos het ook n bekoring van sy eie en ek kon Vrede ervaar wat ek nog nooit op n ander plek, waar ek vakansie gehou het ervaar het nie! Ek het ook die mooiste sonsondergange gesien. As jy na rustigheid, en nuwe visie soek, sal ek regtig hierdie plek aanbeveel."
(visited July 2014)
"Staying at San Ambroso has always been a highlight for our family and friends. The tranquility and beautiful forest scenery surrounding San Ambroso is truly breath-taking. The house is comfortable and inviting, where you can relax and be yourself."
(visited July 2014)
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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