Rustic meets luxury with this off grid eco-compound complete with two plunge pools, uninterrupted 360 views and private access to the beautiful Duiwenhoks River. The maximum capacity is 6 adults (2 sharing per cottage) and 3 children.

3 – 4 hrs drive from Cape Town, mid-way to the Garden Route. Thorn & Feather is set on a ridge of coastal forest overlooking the Duiwenhoks river, 6 km upriver from San Sebastian Bay. The property consists of a cluster of white stone buildings interlinked by well-maintained walkways. There are three separate sleeping cabins (stone cottages): “Annabelle”: 1 x Queen bed + 1 x single; “Astrid”: 1 x queen + 2 x singles, “Sam”: 1x queen.

The “Bathhouse” is a separate building where the guest can experience piping hot water (originating from two “donkeys” (Boilers)) flowing into a stone bath and shower. Each space is partially open to the bush with views of the river. There is a second bathroom located next to Cottage Astrid.

The main building contains a fully equipped kitchen and dining room spilling onto a large porch/stoep; that leads to an open deck with open fire-pit, plunge pool and magnificent views of the river and mountains. From the deck, via the milkwood forest, a walkway flows down to the river passing a larger pool and reading / chilling space, ending up at the water’s edge where a selection of watercraft available await the guest.

• 3 bedrooms (each a separate cottage).
• Two separate bathrooms, one en suite (Cottage Astrid), there is also an outdoot shower (3rd) with hot water
• Drinking Water is supplied from a filtered rain system.
• Guests wishing to drink bottled water are encouraged to bring with them.
• The kitchen consists of a two plate gas stove with a small gas oven; a traditional cooking hearth; 300 litre plus fridge freezer, and dishwasher. There is a closed door free standing fireplace in the dining room; a small bar fridge; and an indoor braai on the stoep.
  WIFI. There is negligible to zero reception in the area – good news for guests wishing to tune out properly. For guests that need to be online, the property has an optional WIFI service.
• The solar system may not power appliances or equipment with heating elements such as portable heaters, electric kettles, microwaves, hair dryers and power tools. The system comfortably powers lights, fridges, laptops, moderate sound systems, cell phones and other devices.
• The 5 kw solar system cannot power microwaves, hair dryers, electric kettles. There is a low energy dishwasher, full gas oven, 300 L fridge and freezer, bar fridge
• WIFI- yes and optional. The property runs a LTE aerial system that averages between 10 and 20 MBPS
• Gas and solar hotwater systems in all bathrooms and outdoor shower

Caveat: Vermaaklikheid is a rural hamlet…not a town. The number one activity is nature, peace and quiet, a good kuier or two with family and friends. Guests expecting art galleries, country bistros and the vibe of say Greyton or Riebeek Kasteel etc will be disappointed.

Josie’s Store/Blombis Cafe: Local resident, Josie Borain, shop is open on moste weekends and holidays. Expect outstanding coffee (deluxe brand) and a multi diverse, ecclectic array of merchandise. A social venue, not a convential retail of food stock up shop.

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.

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 to 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.

This property is pet friendly. Guests are required to make such requests at the time the reservation is made. A maximum of two dogs per guest group are permitted. Guests are asked to bring their dogs’ bedding / baskets and ensure they do not use the furniture. There is a poop scoop provided in the garden. Guests are asked to please remove turds to help reduce flies and to keep the garden as they found it.

There are neighbouring farms with livestock. Dogs that tend to roam, and / or are aggressive to humans and animals should not be brought to the property.

Thanks! We love dogs, it is just a bit more complicated ….