Clouds End Cottages

Budget Getaways Review

Clouds End Farm (11km from Hermanus) gets its name from the wisp of cloud that so often blankets the tallest peak of Babylon’s Toring.

Not only might this creamy wisp be a familar sight on your weekend visit, but so will the awesome mountain views and open swathes of fynbos - all to be savoured from your voorstoep at one of three characterful cottages.

Helderfontein House (sleeps six) and The Pottery (sleeps four) are both over a century old, and beautifully renovated, while The Kaya (sleeps two) is a recent addition taking the form of a tastefully renovated cottage for two.

Helderfontein is the the largest of the three and what was once the original farmhouse. Sleeping six in three bedrooms (two Kings and a twin), the main of these is ensuite with bath, shower and loo, while the other two share a bathroom with shower.

The kitchen is fully equipped with all the gizmos (eg dishwasher), while the living area is open-plan and leads onto a lovely stoep and outside braai area with gobsmacking views. Oregon ceilings, sash windows and quality furnishings all add to the charm.

Moving on to The Pottery, this little number sleeps four in two bedrooms (King and a twin), with shared bathroom with shower and loo. The ex-pottery studio is compact and cosy, with oodles of farm character.

Again, the kitchen is well-equipped and open-plan to the lounge and dining area. Leading off from here is the stoep and more of those awesome vistas. Lying to the back is your secluded boma with firepit under a tree.

Last up, The Kaya is set under the shade of a large tree and is well suited to couples or a family with small kids. This quirky cottage has a main ensuite with a queen size bed and a second bedroom with a double bed. You've got a well equipped setup here, with both indoor and outdoor fireplace and braai.

Farm activities are in no short supply. Horse riding (cane be done on the neighboring farm), mountain bike trails, farm walks, picnics at the dam, nearby restaurants, wine farms and generally appealing landscape befitting the title Hemel en Aarde.

A setting second to none, three beautiful abodes, an easy drive from the Mother City, Clouds End Cottages is bound to be a Budget winner.