Paddahoek Cottage

Budget Getaways Review

Paddahoek could be the quintessential English choc-box abode. Thick stone walls, neatly thatched roof and cottage-pane windows. A few things set it apart though. For starters, the surrounding renosterveld vegetation which forms its setting, then you’ve got the massive outdoor entertainment area and built in braai (don’t find many of those in Blighty) and of course there’s the fact that you can take a short walk down the road and hit the waters of the Duiwenhoks river…swim, fish, paddle, you name it, the river is yours to enjoy all year round.

Now that we’ve set the scene, let’s get inside and take a poke around. First thing that comes to mind is the clever combination of authentic character (rough timber beams and wonky walls) with plenty in the way of simple, modern touches like tinted screed floors, quality furnishings and a light, uncluttered feel.

Sleeping wise the cottage accommodates four and is best suited to a family with two kids. Bedding arrangements have two options, depending on your preference. Upstairs there's a queen bed in an open mezzanine space (accessed via a ladder type staircase), while down in the living area you’ll find two single beds. These two downstairs singles can be moved together and a king duvet provided, should you prefer to sleep down on ground level. 

The kitchen and living space are open plan, the kitchen being equipped with a small gas countertop stove and all the cutlery and crockery you’ll need to self cater. There’s a dining table, a wood-burning fireplace and some couches to keep things cozy. The loo and bath are also located downstairs. Step outside and you’ve got the large covered patio mentioned earlier, where you’ll find the braai and a lovely new Dover wood-burning stove. Crank it up for a potjie or just to keep the kettle on the boil.

Worth mentioning is that Paddahoek is off grid. Solar lighting and gas light your way, warm your water and cool your fridge. There’s no WiFi either (...just some 3G signal), so you may as well leave those devices at home and get outside. On that note, the large garden is fenced in, so if Fido is keen to join the party, he can on condition that he’s friendly, well mannered and doesn’t harass domestic animals or wildlife.

750 meters down the dirt drag you’ve got access to the Duiwenhoeks river, where you can launch a boat, canoe or SUP and head off either up or down stream. The best way to explore the Duiwenhoks is definitely on the water. Travel down with the tide and picnic on the wild, unspoilt San Sebastian Bay beach or experience the quiet waters and scenery further upriver. For walkers and mountain bikers, the miles of lonely gravel roads to explore should keep you busy for hours on end.

It’s a wrap, this is one great looking getaway for a chilled family escape! So get your ducks (…or should we say frogs) in a row and book it, that’s if you can beat us to it.