Thorn & Feather, Vermaaklikheid

Rented on an exclusive basis - no other guests during your stay. Rustic meets luxury with this off grid eco-compound complete with a plunge pool and wood fired hot tub. Uninterrupted views and private access to the Duivenhoks river. 3 1/2 hrs drive from Cape Town on route to the Garden Route. The property is set on a ridge of coastal forest overlooking the Duiwenhoks river, 6 km upriver from San Sebastian Bay. The sleepy hamlet of Vermaaklikheid is a hidden treasure and holiday destination. The space A cluster of white stone buildings interlinked by well maintained walkways. Thorn & Feather was built in 2013 using local materials. The maximum capacity is 6 Adults and 3 Children. Three separate sleeping cabins (white stone cottages): "Annabelle" cottage: 1 x Queen size bed + 1 x single bed; "Astrid": 1 x queen + 2 x single beds; "Sam": 1 x queen bed. The maximum capacity is 6 adults (2 sharing per cottage) and 3 children. There are two well equipped bathrooms. Cottage Astrid has a dedicated bathroom (shower, Loo and wash basins). The other two bedrooms share "The Bathhouse". Experience piping hot water (originating from the boiler / or gas) flowing into a stone bath and shower. Each space is partially open to the bush with views of the river. The main building contains a fully equipped kitchen and dining room (with freestanding fireplace) spilling onto a large, closed deck (stoep) area; that leads to an open deck with open fire-pit, wood fired hot tub with panoramic views of the river valley and hilly terrain. From the deck, via the milkwood forest, a walkway meanders to the river passing a plunge-pool and reading / meditation space, ending up at the water's edge where a selection of watercraft under the category of optional items at very reasonable rates including WIFI; Fire/Braai wood; and half or full day cleaning/Watersport to use for bookings of 3 nights and longer. The property power is supplied by solar pv system. Unfortunately, appliances with heating elements (hairdryers, electric kettles, toasters, etc) may not be used. There are plenty of gas and solar alternatives provided. Guest access The property has private river access (floating jetty). There is no slipway. Guests wishing to launch motor boats may do so at any of the two public slipways in Vermaaklikheid, then drive their boat to the jetty. Guests are asked not to engage with nearby farms to ask for access to their private slipways. The watersport store contains triple and double canoes; double kayaks with fishing rod holders; oars; life jackets for kids; and other accessories. There are four Stand Up Paddle Boards. Other things to note The following information is available in the Property Manual (available at the property) and ther Thorn & Feather dedicated website. DIRT ROADS 40km of dirt road between Vermaaklikheid and the N2. The last 400m to the property involves a steep incline. This section of road is in poor condition. Guests do not require a 4 x 4 as the road is compact but it is advisable to drive very slowly on this last 400m. Vehicles with a high clearance can drive a little faster. VERMAAKLIKHEID (offers nature, peace & quiet ....and nothing else!) .... is NOT a town / village / dorp. There are no grocery stores. Guests must purchase all food & beverage before arrival. For top ups there are multiple retail stores and chemists in three towns, Riversdale; Heidelberg and Stilbaai; all three are roughly 45km from the property. PLEASE BRING Beach towels, dishwashing liquid, toilet paper, matches, spices, and any other items you would expect to fall outside the self-catering deal. If you forget something, please ask our staff – they have access to emergency supplies. IT IS NOT NECESSARY TO BRING Braai grids, potjie pots, cutlery, crockery, bedding and bathing towels. The property has a very basic medical kit. The kit may not carry pain relief medication. WATER Drinking water is supplied by a rain collection tank and filter system with a dedicated tap in the kitchen. The tank is small, full and well maintained. Guests sensitive to this type of system are encouraged to bring bottled water. General purpose water is supplied by a nearby spring. TOO MUCH NATURE? Caveat. After many years of cleaning this propery (regularly and thoroughly), my colleagues and I, admit defeat in oe area. Spiders do get in the property, and on rare occasions a scorpions . The vast majority are not poisonous, and those that are, do not target homo sapiens! Such creatures will try to get away. Snake sitings in Vermaaklikheid are quite common in the summer months. The property manual provides detailed information on the aminal life, including literature on precautions and medical services.