Quick Facts
E 23°02'37''
Budget Getaways Review
We like quirky. As apparently do others, judging by the guest comments flowing from Stone Cottage - a novel getaway in the farming settlement of Gouna, 15km outside Knysna.
"It’s ingenious! My son delights in our visits and calls the caravan his 'submarine', I can't rave enough about this spot,” says a Hout Bay visitor.
What we have here then is an unusual cottage-caravan-fusion against a backdrop of Gouna's giant yellowwoods, old woodcutters' paths and the mystery of elusive tuskers that once (and maybe still do?) roamed this neck of the woods. Adding to the historic appeal is the fact that this very farm was one of the original Gouna properties alloted to the Italian silk worm farmers by Queen Victoria in the late 1800's.
This combo of comfortable stone abode and 80's family Jurgens features an open-plan and very comfortable living area tucked away under one large roof.
The Jurgens is central to the mix, with a galley kitchen, small lounge and double bedroom. Stocked with books, board games and DSTV in wood-panelled interior, it's a cosy fortress your kids will unlikely want to escape from. ?
Butting up against the caravan is the cement screed, open-plan main living area that can be unzipped to a patio, braai area and nature via roller blinds. There's also a lounge and dining area with fireplace.
The main double bedroom and separate bathroom (with shower, bath, loo and washing machine) are contained within the cottage, and lead directly off the living area.
The immediate setting, a grassed paddock, is perfect for wobbly toddlers and offers plenty of privacy. The wider views are of mountain and forest.
In and around Gouna you'll find plenty to do, from forest hikes to pottery play groups, horse riding and even a spot of Reiki treatment. On the farm the kids can help milk the cow and you can enjoy a range of home-made jams, freshly baked bread and other delights from hostess Bev's kitchen. A visit to the San Ambrosio chapel is a unexpected treat - an other-wordly space that gives rich insight into the lives of the Italian settlers who came here to seek their fortunes in the silk trade.
Quirky and comfortable accommodation, chilled setting, friendly hosts, good value, Stone Cottage hits the spot.
"I cannot recommend Stone Cottage enough. Bev and Ge were wonderful hosts, the 100% "green" facilities worked like a charm, and the setting is beautiful. We even got some freshly baked bread and marmalade. My car is very low and struggled with one or two bits on the dirt road close to the farm, but Bev and Ge went out of their way to help, providing us (for free) with transport to and from Knysna. Book it now, before I do."
(visited July 2014)
"This is an absolutely fab spot! We arrived for three nights of rest and relaxation and certainly got it. The kids loved milking the cows, exploring the farm and our afternoon family cricket match on the lawn. We loved the quiet, the chance to read on the patio and star-gazing at night. This well equipped, spotless and well positioned getaway is well worth a visit (but note that although just 30-minutes from Knysna, it is quite a drive and you are unlikely to want to leave again, so arrive well stocked). Would also have packed some wellies - beautiful weather but lots of mud."
(visited May 2014)
"This is s gem! All I wanted was a break from the city. I found so much more. Here is a little piece of heaven, where your beauty and peace of your surroundings, knocks your breath away. From before sunrise to sunset what you see and experience is forever etched in your heart. The hospitality of Bev and Ge is top notch. We are definitely coming back soon."
(visited April 2014)
"We stayed at Stone Cottage for three nights on our honeymoon after staying in Knysna for 8 nights, and when we got to Stone Cottage there was a warm and friendly reception from Bev and Gerard. The two single most friendly and kind people in this world. The setting is perfect and what a beautiful cottage and walking trails. I would recommend Stone Cottage to anyone. Thanks to Bev and Gerard for an awsome time."
(visited April 2014)
"Fantastic place. Will surely be back!"
(visited April 2014)
"What a lovely and restful place nestled on top of a mountain and on the edge of a forest. From the trees, to the birds, cows and even baboons, we seemed to be surrounded by inspiration and nature's generosity. What more could you want for a relaxing couple of days with wonderful hosts, not to mention Jessica and Charlie the entertainment dogs. Walking down to the river or simply listening to the birds, it was all a treat. Thank you Bev and Ge, and I am spreading the word about your delicious bread and jam Bev!"
(visited January 2014)
"All I can say about this idyllic getaway is WOW! What a unique experience. Our hosts Bev and Gerald are an amazing couple who made us feel at home the minute we arrived and by the end of our two nights stay it felt like they were family. Very comfortable, very well equipped, spotlessly clean in a beautiful setting! Bev's delicious homemade bread and marmalade on arrival - what can I say - we will be back!"
(visited May 2013)
"The real deal - forest, wilderness, comfy, clean, great hosts. Everything catered for, fantastic accommodation, slept like a dream. Highly recommended!"
(visited April 2013)
"What a super place, not to mention the friendly hosts! Stone Cottage makes for a great base from which to explore the Gouna forest area. The caravan is a nice touch and certainly keeps the kids happy. Spotted Eagle Owl kept us company in a nearby tree while the moon rose over the forest. I'd recommend Stone Cottage to anyone!"
(visited February 2013)
"If there was ever a place that crawled out of a book this would be it. Its something you would have read about in an Enid Blyton book growing up. The caravan of adventure, the famous five and the stone cottage... something like that! It makes me want to write just being there! Stone Cottage is a special place! No, actually it is a MAGIC place and many will tell you the same! I am not sure if its the magic of Gouna, the cottage/caravan or the lovely couple that welcome you to their piece of paradise in the forest. Perhaps its a combination of all of the above. To us its home and we have been regulars and friends for a while now. Its the best of both worlds: Its a stone cottage and its a caravan. Joined. Its ingenious! My son delights in our visits and calls the caravan his 'submarine'... I can't rave enough about this spot! Its perfect in every way and Bev and Ge are a special couple who go the extra mile to make you enjoy your very unique and magic stay! If you are lucky you might get to sample Bev's amazing home-made bread and jam. One of our favourite spots and secret hideaways. Some things are just too good not to share!"
(visited April 2012)
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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 • Porterville • Prince Albert • Pringle Bay • 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 • Uniondale • Velddrif • Vermaaklikheid • Wellington • Wilderness • Witsand • Worcester & Hex Valley • Yzerfontein • Baviaanskloof • Cape St Francis • Cape St Francis & St Francis Bay • East London • Graaff-Reinet • Hogsback • Jeffreys Bay • Makhanda (Grahamstown) • Middelburg • Nieu-Bethesda • Rhodes • Sutherland