R395pp per night (discount for kids); minimum cottage rate applies.
Surrounded by gum trees and fronted by generous green irrigation fields, De Melkportaal Cottage is your go-to for a rustic-luxury weekend on a real macoy dairy farm in the Overberg.
Starting with what to do while you're there, the options are the ultimate in chill: Stay tucked inside and fire up the indoor hearth or working bread oven. Migrate onto the stoep, pull the cork and light up the Blitz in the firepit, while sucking up those Soetmuisberg views. For a nice winter-summer old school experience, try out the donkey-heated "vroetel poel" at the edge of the deck.
Taking a poke around inside, De Melkportaal sleeps four in a double room and double sleeper couch in the living area. There's also a cot for Mini-Me in the latter.
True to your host's discerning style (check out the rave reviews for Bergen Dam Cottage - 2km away and on the same farm), the cottage is well equipped and stylishly finished with spaansriet ceilings, cement floors, rough walls, old country furniture, linen and towels, and personal touches scattered here and there.
The living area is open-plan and features an equipped kitchen, fireplace and convivial dining table. Complementing the away-from-it-all feel is Eskom's absence; instead you'll find a gas fridge, gas stove, loads of paraffin lanterns and a wood-burning donkey for hot water.
Glass stacking doors zip open the north-eastern flank to an endless deck equipped with table and firepit - prime spot to enjoy that freebie bottle of wine.
Going beyond the garden, the farm has loads of scope for walking, mountain biking, canoeing on the dam, bird-watching, and visiting the dairy to collect your ration of fresh milk. You can even sign the kids up for a crash course in dairy farming - by prior arrangement.
Arniston, Struisbaai, De Hoop and De Mond are within a short drive, as is the new trail and picnic spot on the Soetmuisberg. If you're up for some horse riding, your host can advise on a nearby outfitter.
De Melkportaal is pet-friendly and the perimeter is enclosed, which will take a lot of worry off you.
A well-rounded package that's lovely on the eye and ideal for small families and romantic couples. A winner in the making.
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