There's no better place to take a break than in the vast quiet of the Great Karoo, in historic Graaff-Reinet. These two charming cottages (Cypress and Jacaranda) date back to the 1800's and combine authentic Karoo style and ambience with every modern comfort. Beautifully restored and furnished with antiques, they face each other across the shady quiet of one of the most picturesque streets of the town. Each cottage has its own private garden.

Cypress Cottage has pine and slate floors and reed ceilings, offset by the country antique furniture of this charming cottage, which has comfortable living and dining rooms, and three en-suite bedrooms that offer different but equally comfortable. The cottage opens onto a secluded private garden and has access to the extensive gardens of the main house, a swimming pool and a special playground for children. Situated across the road from Cypress Cottage, with its own private garden, Jacaranda has three en-suite bedrooms, a comfortable dining room and sitting room and a covered stoep that makes a perfect spot for breakfast and sundowners. There's also an outdoor dining and braai (barbecue) area out in the garden, beneath the shade of a vine-covered pergola.

Breakfast is a sumptuous traditional country affair at Cypress Cottages with the best of fresh farm produce that the Karoo has to offer. Fruit in season, picked from the orchard, figs, grapes, apricots, new-laid eggs and bacon, as well as homemade preserves. Plus all the usual cereals, muesli and yoghurt, served indoors at the cosy dining table, or out in the garden.