Petersfield Mountain Cottages

Budget Getaways Review

Both Dassieklip Luxury Farm Cottage and De Kom Mountain Cottage have become something of legends on the self-catering map – thanks in no small part to a mix of great setting, attention to detail, and a professional (yet relaxed) host. So successful has this formula proved to be that two further options, called Die Veepos and Stonehaven, have recently joined the duo. Set on a working citrus and rooibos estate just outside Citrusdal, all four cottages are gems. 

First off and buried under dappled oaks is Dassieklip, a yuppie dream come true, a place where feet on the furniture, PMS partners and wailing offspring just don’t fit the bill. A Jetmaster, colour TV and hi-fi, aircon, original artwork, an undercover braai area and a shimmering plunge pool, are what you can expect from this cosy cabin that can accommodate up to six guests. 

Further up the track and into a secluded geological basin of craggy rock and pristine mountain fynbos, De Kom is the epitome of 'rustic-luxury'. This unique hideaway harmoniously balances hedonistic comfort with Zen design and a respect for all things natural. Terracotta and ochre floors meld gently with cretestoned walls. An open hearth, paraffin lamps, gas and candles imbue the evenings with intimate ambience (there is no electricity). A shady stoep, double-hammock and an enticing ‘Roman’ plunge pool (fed by mountain water) bring welcome respite from the crackling summer days. A path to the back leads up to a wonderful farm dam and a rowing boat for your use. 

Crossing over the mountain, Die Veepos is custom-built for a larger group of six. Apart from extra space, the winning rustic-luxury formula has been religiously adhered to: a brilliant secluded setting with long moody views down the valley, rietdak ceilings, cretestoned walls, a big fireplace, sash windows, pigmented cement floors, elegant country furniture (including a brass bed that belonged to Hedley's great grandfather) and other nice touches, an outside shower, an open-air bush bathroom (with Victorian bath!), as well as a plunge pool leading straight off the stoep. Wow! 

If this isn't enough, there's the beautiful, the romantic, the private Stonehaven Luxury Cottage. In this case we have an awfully romantic nest for two set high in the mountains with spectacular views over the valley. Naturally Stonehaven has it's own private pool, a fireplace, a double brass bed and... a double bath lit by candlelight and spilling views across the mountains. The the uber-romantic, there is an open air bath set in the bush near the cottage. (Stonehaven is not pet-friendly).

The majority of Petersfield's guests are content to confine their activity to the plunge pools and the braai tongs. However, for those overcome by an inexplicable urge for physical expression, a challenging 4x4 route and several short and longer walks fan out into the surrounding mountains, offering the likelihood of small game and birdlife, including a pair of resident black eagles. No two ways about it, Petersfield is one of those special places where time dissolves and the important things no longer really matter.