Tree Spirit Cottage

Budget Getaways Review

As the name suggests, here’s a getaway with plenty of spirit, coupled with a healthy dose of fresh forest air to rejuvenate those weary city bones. 

Nestled at the edge of the majestic Knysna forest at Gouna, Tree Spirit Cottage embodies the wholesome goodness and energy of organic farmers and friendly hosts, Anthony and Fiona Paton.

The farm spans over 8ha and comprises a mix of forest and fynbos. Apart from lying on the threshold to many official hiking trails, you're likely to spend most of your time local, taking short strolls and fraternizing with the farm gang, namely, Bam Bam & Pebbles the donkeys with Hillary, Lilly the pigs and a roost of farm chickens in tow. There's also the fascinating little San Ambroso Museum, and a local art gallery to while away the afternoon. 

Let's take a closer look at the accommodation. Dragonfly cottage sits in a quite corner of the farm, overlooking a pretty dam. Powered by solar and gas and stylishly decorated in light tones, it's an open-plan affair ideal for couples or a family with kids. 

The double bed is located at one end of an L shaped room and a cabin bed occupies the far end  (in the event the babysitter ditched you at the last minute), There is a shower and toilet with a separate bath tucked up against a massive window looking into the fynbos - bath time at its best. The spacious living area comes with wood-burning stove, a library off DVD's and books opening onto a covered verandah. The kitchen is fully equipped.

If you're needing a bit more space in addition to Dragonfly, there is also Ladybird -  a cozy double room with its own balcony nestled in the fynbos adjacent to Dragonfly. 

Stepping outside, there's a unique stone and mosaic braai area with a fire pit - no boring Webers at Tree Spirit.

The lovely Protea cottage is also located alongside the dam. Both bedrooms are en-suite and tastefully furnished. The spacious open-plan kitchen and lounge area open up onto a sunny wooden deck overlooking the dam - you'll be hard pressed to find a better view with your breakfast.

If self-catering seems like too much effort, Fiona is on call - just so happens she studied cooking in the UK and escaped the restaurant scene to settle in Knysna. The result: delicious organic meals conjured from home-grown produce and cooked on her wood-burning stove.

It’s hardly surprising the reviews for Tree Spirit sing nothing but praise… “Spotless, nicely furnished, with everything that we needed,” says a recent Irish fan. “Comfortable with great views and amazing meals,’’ raves another from California. 

Our verdict? You're unlikely to do better in these parts