This off-grid property is located on a quiet country lane in Vermaaklikheid. Maximum capacity is 2 adults and 2 children. There is a large porch / stoep with an outside fireplace/braai AND a traditional cast iron stove. The front gate is 700 meters, 5-8 minute walk to the public access point on the Duivenhoks River where guests can launch their preferred watercraft or take a swim in its cool waters.

There is a fully stocked kitchen; 300L+ fridge & freezer; 2 plate gas hob; and traditional cast iron stove on the stoep – magnificent for baking and slow cook roasts. Guests have two options with sleeping arrangements. 1. Utilise the queen sized bed on the mezzanine level (must be able to climb a ladder) and the two single beds on the ground floor. Option 2 is to join the two single beds (ground floor) and add a king size duvet; and the loft bedroom functioning with a queen sized bed and two single duvets’.

A rain collection system is provided for drinking water with washing and bathing supplied by a nearby spring. The house is driven by a newly installed 2KW solar system – no load shedding here. A gas system supplies hot water to the kitchen, bathroom and outdoor shower. For Internet and telecoms, the property has a cell phone signal booster (up to 3g). Guests will need to use your own cell phone and data. The property is pet friendly and the lawn area has been fenced.

• 3 beds (queen bed on mezzanine level) + 2 x singles ground level
• 1 x Bathroom (bath) + outside shower;
• Built-in in Braai + Cast Iron stove (oven) + 2 plat gas hob + 300L+ refrigerator
• Cell booster 3G coverage
• Optional services and products Braaiwood; Daily servicing and / or laundry available
• The solar system cannot support electric appliances with heating elements e.g. portable heaters, hair dryers; or high voltage items e.g. power tools.
• The river public access slipway does not permit parking and does not provide a jetty to moor watercraft. Guests are required to launch their preferred watercraft and remove after use.
• Guests sensitive to untreated rain water should bring bottled water for drinking; top ups are available Heidelberg / Riversdale or Stilbaai.
• No camping is permitted.
• Pet policy: Fenced in, the property is set up to accommodate pets. Dogs are allowed provided they are well behaved and friendly and do not chase or harass wild or domestic animals, or sleep on the furniture.

Vermaaklikheid Bakery: Located on the same property as the restaurant. This initiative was founded by local residents, Guy Tillim, Hannah Loewenthal and master baker, Chesslin Michaels. Orders are taken on site. Country loaf + Rosemary rock salt breadsticks + Dark Chocolate breadsticks. Sourdough, no preservatives additives or sugar.

Biking: The Blombos road to Stilbaai is popular. There are many dirt roads in and around the hamlet of Vermaaklikheid. Mountain Bikes only – no tar roads. Look out for mad drivers.

The Duivenhoks River: A placid, meandering river with spectacular scenery on all sides. The best way to explore it is on a kayak, paddle board or canoe. Travel downriver with the tide and picnic on a wild, unspoilt beach (San Sebastian Bay). Travel upriver for quiet waters and more majestic scenery.

Vermaaklikheid Restaurant (open ad hoc / rare occasions!) Laurence Jones, owner-manager-chef at the Troyville Hotel, does, on occasion, open the doors to prepare sumptuous country fare using local ingredients.

Local Wine and olive oil producer. Baleia Wine & Olive Oil – www.baleiawines.com: The only winery on the Lower Duivenhoks rivier in Vermaaklikheid. Winemaker, Gunter Schultz, emigrated from Cape Town bringing a ton of energy and experience to the brand and product. They also sell superb olive oil, balsamic vinegar and serve a great lunch.

Nearby Blombos and Stilbaai

Blombos cave: Blombos is a strip of coastal vegetation running between Vermaaklikheid and Stilbaai, beginning on the edge of this farm. Southern Africa contains a few world-famous archaeological sites representing the earliest anatomically modern humans.

The Press Room Café https://thepressroom.cafe/, 0287542568. A few KM out of town, east side of the river, is Olyven Houdt Olive farm. The beautiful white stone building was designed and built by the Anderson family to house their very popular restaurant, olive press, and legendary Anderson pale ale.

The SA Pioneer Gin Producer: Across the road from the press room is the Inverroche Distillery. A local success story involving Michael and Lorna Scott who pioneered the craft gin sector in South Africa with their original fynbos-fused gins: Verdant, Classic and Amber. Pernot Ricard purchased the business in 2019. It is still run by the Scott family who are finding additional success with their aged rum project. https://goo.gl/maps/5pYxSe6NVvi6Jprq8

Surfing: Great surf lies within 30 minutes’ drive via the Blombos road to Stilbaai and Jongens. The breaks are relatively uncrowded with exception of holiday periods. There is a relatively small and dedicated local crew who are relaxed and happy to share waves with visitors. Give the locals respect and you’ll have your fair share.

Vermaaklikheid is situated between Heidelberg and Riversdale; 30 km towards the coast and 10km from the river mouth at Puntjie. The Duivenshok river is between the Breede river (west) and the Goukou River(east) at Stillbaai. The hamlet is 300 km from Cape Town and 140 km from George.

Directions from Cape Town

N2 freeway to Swellendam (+-2-2.5hrs) , OR
N1 Freeway to Worcester, R62 to Robertson, Ashton, RIGHT to Swellendam
From Swellendam (N2) direction Mosselbay / George
4 km BEFORE Heidelberg : turn RIGHT “Witsand & Fort Beaufort” R322
Continue +- 3km ….climb a hill, passing small power substation on right + farm with old tractor monument (right). Turn LEFT at sign “Vermaaklikheid”
Continue on a dirt road +- 20 min to Vermaaklikheid. Encounter two T-junctions, each has a sign showing Vermaaklikheid (and Witsand / Heidelberg), Take “Vermaaklikheid” both. Passing wheat, sheep and ostrich farms and the road crosses the river.
You are in Vermaaklikheid when you see many quaint stone cottages.
As you drive down through the village, look for an olive farm on your left at an intersection with a lot of white fence pillars dam and sign saying “Brakheuwels Olyf Plaas” on your right.
Take a RIGHT at this dirt road intersection.
Drive 750m on this dirt road. There are cottages on your left, keep right/straight, and then head onwards past fields on your right and in front of you.
You arrive at a T-junction. Take a RIGHT and drive 200m.
You arrive at the stone Paddahoek cottage on your left.
Directions from George

N2 South from George +- 1 hr 25 minutes
Riversdale, before the Engen garage, LEFT at sign “Vermaaklikheid”
Add details??
You are in Vermaaklikheid when you see many quaint stone cottages.
As you drive down through the village, look for an olive farm on your left at an intersection with a lot of white fence pillars dam and sign saying “Brakheuwels Olyf Plaas” on your right.
Take a RIGHT at this dirt road intersection.
Drive 750m on this dirt road. There are cottages on your left, keep right/straight, and then head onwards past fields on your right and in front of you.
You arrive at a T-junction. Take a RIGHT and drive 200m.
You arrive at the stone Paddahoek cottage on your left.
https://goo.gl/maps/L9SWwXJkAQScLwQy8