River Magic Cottages

Budget Getaways Review

The name isn’t an exaggeration – both the setting and the gorgeous abodes, Backtrack, Glory Be, Base Huis, and Deck Plek are magical.

Set 300m from the river, Backtrack is an architecturally-styled stone, thatch and glass cottage in a tranquil milieu of open green and whispering papyrus.

Inside, the cottage has a sun-drenched central living and kitchen area, flanked by ensuite bedrooms. Skylight-type windows and glass French doors add to the ethereal quality – no sleeping late here. The finishes include terracotta and cork floors with shell inlays, cane furniture and an open fireplace.

River Magic’s second cottage, Glory Be, is an unqualified gem worth every cent. Listen to this. To get to the cottage guests are ferried 2km up  the river, your car, your Nokia and your worries left behind on the other side.

Apart from the odd boat chugging by, Glory Be is totally private, and the elements of glass, thatch and wood, and the general floorplan of a central open living area with bedrooms on either side, are similar to Backtrack. 

Moving downstream, Base Huis is a recent addition to the magical family Andrew collection. Sitting above the river (at times in!), this was the original family home, and features the same natural elements as the other cottages, as well as an indoor and outdoor braai, plus lovely balconies from which to survey the surrounding beauty. Take note, the rooms at Buis Huis are accessed from the outside, so if you have small kids who aren't keen to sleep alone, this one may not be for you.

Even newer is  Deck Plek - with access again by boat. Decorated in light hues, with a mix of exposed timber, sash windows and loft bedrooms, Deck Plek is the ultimate family river cabin. It sleeps 12 total, with two twin rooms and a double downstairs, and a spacious four-bed loft room and semi-private double upstairs. The livingroom (with fireplace), dining and kitchen are open-plan and lead onto the patio and its soothing views over the river.

Idyllic, or what?