Chalcedony

Budget Getaways Review

Chalcedony Guest House lies on the edge of the Krans Nature Reserve and overlooks the small village of MgGregor, which is nestled in the winelands area of the Western Cape. Boasting mountain views in every direction, and set within beautiful gardens, the peace, tranquillity, and sense of restoration doesn’t take long to set in once you’ve arrived. At Chalcedony, there is both lots to do and nothing to do. Guests have a varied choice of activities in the area, but most enjoy the home, watching the garden birds, strolling up to the Krans dam, curling up with a good book at the pool, or in colder winter months, spending time in front of a fire, with family and friends. The property has 2 separate cottages, which can be booked separately, or a larger party could take both units. There is off-street parking and complementary Wi-Fi available. Krans Cottage is a 6-sleeper unit, with a lovely spacious living area and patio with a village views. The main bedroom contains a king-size bed and an en-suite bathroom with shower and bath. The second room contains a king-size bed and an en-suite bathroom with a shower, as well as an outside shower. The third room contains twin beds, and a separate bathroom with shower and bath, and an outside shower. The kitchen has a gas hob, electric oven, microwave, kettle and fridge-freezer and a dishwasher. There are facilities to have laundry done. There is an inspiring kitchen to cook a rustic meal, or better yet, enjoy a braai/BBQ as the sun goes down and the sky turns pink. Karee Cottage is a 4-sleeper unit which looks over the succulent garden, pool and the Riviersondereind mountains. The patio doors open onto an outdoor area shaded by the Karee Tree. The first bedroom has a king-size bed and an en-suite bathroom with a shower, separate toilet, and an outside shower. The second bedroom has twin beds, and access to a separate bathroom with a bath, shower, and an outside shower. The living space is a lovely light area with doors opening up on either side allowing you to feel part of the surrounding gardens. The kitchen has a gas hob and electric oven, microwave, kettle, dishwasher and fridge-freezer. There is a facility to have laundry done. The spacious patio, equipped with a Weber braai/bbq, leads onto a lawn which will entice guests onto the loungers for most of the day. As the name suggests, Chalcedony truly is a home where balance is restored and perspective regained. It is a simple space where the energy of nature feeds back into tired souls and it is enough to just be. The village of McGregor is within walking distance and retains its old-world charm and authentic feel while also offering a great selection of modern amenities including restaurants, coffee shops and a whisky bar. Most weekends offer live music, or some form of cultural event, but make sure to book in advance as numbers are limited. Every Saturday morning, one will find a local market at the Dutch Reformed Church and this is a wonderful opportunity to sample some of the local cuisine or buy some art works. A visit to McGregor is not complete without a walk through the world famous Temenos gardens, showcasing all the faiths of the world. For those who love the outdoors, the area is full of incredible hiking trails, mountain pools to swim in, cycling trails and lots to explore. For those with a spirit of adventure, there is the Bosmanskloof hike, which is a full days experience and takes you over the Riviersonderend mountain to the neighbouring village of Greyton. McGregor is surrounded by world famous winelands which are home to exceptional wine estates, offering winetasting’s, lunches and dinners. We look forward to hosting you and your loved ones at Chalcedony, a much loved home to share, where the soft call of the Spotted Eagle Owl puts you to sleep at night, and where time truly does stand still.

Six-sleeper Cottage- Krans Cottage - This tastefully decorated cottage comprises 3 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms. This unit features a well-equipped kitchen with a gas hob, and an open-plan dining and lounge area. The living area leads out onto a verandah, which offers patio furniture.

Four-sleeper Cottage- Karee Cottage - This deluxe cottage comprises 2 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms. The main bedroom has a king-size bed and an indoor and outdoor shower. 2nd Room has 2 single beds and separate bathroom with a bath and an indoor and outdoor shower.

Area Information

McGregor lies in a valley surrounded by rolling hills riddled with walking and hiking trails waiting to be explored, such as the Boesmanskloof Hiking Trail that meanders between McGregor and Greyton. McGregor’s remoteness ensures a clear night sky where one can enjoy the sparkling stars in their entirety, without the distraction of city lights. Many locals and tourists come to McGregor for the annual food and wine festival held in August/ September each year, showcasing superior wines from the valley as well as local food specialities. Exploring the Cape Route 62 wine route, the longest of its kind in the world, is a must for all first time visitors to McGregor.

Attractions

* Borders Krans Nature Reserve * Hiking trails * Walking trails * Mountain biking * Wine farms * Wine tasting * Cultural and sporting events