Somerset Gift

TRIPADVISOR NO. 10 OF 27 SPECIALITY LODGINGS

This farm is a bit out of the way (20 minutes’ drive from town) but the photographs looked terrific, and reality did not disappoint. It’s a glorious setting: a narrow, lush, bird-filled valley with the Buffeljags River running through it, where five self-catering cottages and a manor house are dotted on sprawling lawns. They are simply and tastefully decorated in Cape Cottage-style and set some 50 metres apart – far enough to be private, yet close enough to be convenient for a group. Each has a fireplace and a large undercover stoep, comfortably furnished, with lovely views of the garden and mountains. Hike to waterfalls and mountain pools on the property, or foefie-slide over and canoe on the springwater lake. Taken as a whole for a special occasion, Somerset Gift can accommodate 48 guests.

ROOM TIP I liked the design and location of Rose (the two en-suite bedrooms are set on opposite sides of the cottage) but, really, every option here is great. For a couple, tiny Little Bushbuck is ideal – it’s right on the water and cheaper because the bathroom (a protected outdoor shower and loo) is 10 metres from the cottage.

COST Little Bushbuck from R800 (sleeps three); other cottages from R1 300 (sleep four to six). For bigger groups, Fish Eagle Lodge is from R2 200 (sleeps eight) and the Manor House is from R3 500 (sleeps 14). Minimum two-night stay on weekends and holidays.

CONTACT 076-508-7188, somersetgift.co.za