The Berghouse and Cottages
Quick Facts
E 29°04'25''
Budget Getaways Review
Up for a 1650 acre mountain estate with jaw-dropping views over Monks Cowls, Cathkin Peak and Cathedral Peak to the south, the Amphitheater and Maluti Mountains to the north? The Berghouse and Cottages is all this and more.
Tucked up against the border of Royal Natal National Park, the estate offers eight rustic-chic cottages - each prepacked with raw mountain vistas - and an impressive range of outdoor activities to keep you from being idle. Horse riding, fishing, swimming, tubing or canoeing down the river, 4x4 routes, mountain bike trails, even a hanggliding launch site... Phew! We're ready for that siesta just thinking about it.
So, speaking of which... For those of us who like to just kick back and eyeball our nature, the eight well-equipped cottages are the perfect platorm to do so.
Looking at the general options, best for a weekend tribe is Thokomala and Thamela Cottages, sleeping 12 and 10 respectively.
Thunzi and Thokazela are well suited to small families, with two bedrooms apiece that sleep four total.
If you're a couple, either Thula Thula, Thandanani, Phinda or Phezulu Cottages is for you. Each sleeps two guests.
Common to all the cottages are fireplaces, a hefty supply of firewood, braai areas and equipped kitchens. Dinner and breakfast is an optional extra.
Peace, privacy and unforgettable views, midway between Jozi and Durbs, plenty sleeping options, glowing guest reviews, The Berghouse and Cottages sits right up there.
"Sometimes you don't want to write a good review as you realise your favourite place may lose some of its magic as it becomes more popular. But it would be sinful to keep The Berghouse and Cottages secret. The accommodation is excellent and is only surpassed by the astonishing views of the amphitheatre which are yours to enjoy. Don't forget your mountain bikes or trail running shoes - the property is big, well networked with paths and owner Vaughn is on hand with advice on where to go and what to do. He was also a surprising font of knowledge on trees - it was far more interesting to ask him about the local greenery than page through our very intimidating tree-books to figure out what was growing where. I highly recommend this venue - it is excellent value for money, and a real treat"
(, May 2015)
"My husband and I thoroughly enjoyed our one night stay in Phinda Cottage. Even though the weather had closed in, the views were astounding. The hosts were warm and welcoming and the accommodation was immaculate. Highly recommended and we will definitely be back."
(, May 2015)
"A very pleasant stay was had in a lovely part of the country. Conveniently close to the RN National Park: +- 20km from the cottages."
(, May 2015)
"What an absolute gem! We absolutely loved our stay at the Berghouse and Cottages! We stayed in the Thandanani cottage - a lovely quaint cosy cottage! The hosts are lovely! The views magnificent! We will most definitely be back!"
(, May 2015)
"What a treat! Amazing friendly hosts who have thought out their guest cottages very well. The outdoor facilities available are lovely as well with mountain bike tracks, beautiful walks and stunning horse rides. Highly recommend the Berghouse and am hoping to return soon!"
(, May 2015)
"Phezulu at the Berghouse is a stunningly decorated, fully equipped cottage in the most beautiful berg surroundings. We loved the ponies in the garden and enjoyed a 6km walk to the Tugela river from the driveway. The environment was very friendly and peaceful, with help from the owners whenever we needed it."
(, May 2015)
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