Van Zylsrust Country House

This is the ideal group getaway. Combining a mix of several architectural styles - a bit of old Cape Dutch, a bit of Victorian - the house was built in the late 1920s. It's a real macoy traditional farmhouse, combining a total of six bedrooms and two bathrooms (one of them big enough to host a Nagmaal dance), which can accommodate a Catholic family of 15, or several nucleur families. 

Apart from plenty of sleeping space there is a large sitting room with fireplace and indoor braai (just the thing for the all-seaon braaimaster), two stoeps - the one oriented for winter, the other for summer - and a well stocked farm kitchen with all the modcons, including microwave, fridge, freezer, stove and all essential braai grid and potjie. 

Evidence of good old farm hospitality can be found all over the place - homebaked bread, ouma's jam, more than enough washing up liquid, dishcloths, sponges etc, linen (bring your own towel), a reasonable price tag... All nice little touches that add up to a feelgood experience. 

Stepping outside, other than deciding which stoep you want to sit on and which braai to burn your chop on, with the Langeberg on the one side and the Riviersonderend on the other, there's plenty to do between the two. 

Fishing for bass on the dams, swimming or paddling about in your canoe (not supplied), exploring the dirt roads on your bike, bird watching, popping in for some plonk at the local wineries, or simply kicking back on the stoep or in the garden with a musty book from the rack, you won't be at a loss.