The Retreat at Groenfontein

Guest House in Calitzdorp
Groenfontein Road, Nearby Calitzdorp, Western Cape
 
The Retreat with backdrop of Swartberg Natural Heritage Site
 
Information about The Retreat at Groenfontein
 
The retreat is a Victorian farmhouse set in 560ha of the beautiful Groenfontein Valley Conservancy, bordering on the 129 000ha Swartberg Nature Reserve, a World Heritage Site. The house is filled with yellow-wood and mellow Oregon pine. It has a lounge and a dining room, each with its own ceramic fireplace to keep guests cosy on chilly winter evenings. They lead out onto a wide verandah, which overlooks the sweeping gardens and majestic Swartberg Mountains.

This lovely home has 8 comfortable rooms, consisting of 4 garden (4 star) rooms and 4 standard (3 star) rooms. Garden rooms have spectacular views of the mountains, king size beds which can be made up as twins, sitting areas by a fireplace, 3 with Victorian bath and shower, the smaller with only a shower. The standard rooms consist of 1 cosy room (converted milking-shed), with king-size bed, fireplace and shower and the other 3 comfortable en-suite bedrooms have French doors leading onto a patio.

The smell of fresh coffee welcomes you back from a morning walk, to a hearty breakfast on the terrace. Delicious dinners are cooked with Marie's continental flair and also served on the terrace when the weather is warm. Vegetarians are welcome and we cater for problem diets. The meals at Groenfontein have a health emphasis, using herbs and salads from the garden. Our guests can enjoy Karoo lamb dishes and local Cape specialties. The retreat has a full liquor license and carries a selection of fine wines of the region.

Enjoy energetic hill walks or mountain biking in the clear air - or lazy summer afternoons cooling off in the shady, secluded rock pools that sparkle like jewels along the length of the tree-fringed river - or simply stroll along the peaceful, winding lanes of the Groenfontein Valley. The retreat is ideally situated for day trips to the Swartberg Pass, Meiringspoort, Seweweekspoort, Montagu Pass and the beautiful coastline. Your hosts, Grant and Marie, enjoy treating guests to true Klein Karoo hospitality.
 
Accreditations / Awards Achieved
 
4 Star (TGCSA - Tourism Grading Council of South Africa)
AA Quality Assured - Highly Recommended Accommodation
Portfolio Collection Member
Member of the Greenwood Guides Association. Winner of the AA Accommodation Awards 2003 - 2005. Hall of Fame 2006 - 2010 (Category: Guest House Full Service).
 
Facilities
 
In Room / Unit Facilities

Bath (SOME Rooms)
Bathroom (en-suite) (ALL Rooms)
Bathroom towels (ALL Rooms)
Bed linen (ALL Rooms)
Blankets (ALL Rooms)
Fireplace (SOME Rooms)
Hairdryer (ALL Rooms)
Heater(s) (ALL Rooms)
Patio / balcony (ALL Rooms)
Private entrance (ALL Rooms)
Room service (ALL Rooms)
Safe (for valuables) (ALL Rooms)
 Shower (ALL Rooms)
Smoking: not allowed (ALL Rooms)
Toiletries (ALL Rooms)
Wi-fi (SOME Rooms)

On-Site Facilities and Services

Bar (fully licenced)
Dining room
Family friendly
Garden(s)
Gay friendly
Guest lounge
Housekeeping
Laundry service
Parking (off-street)
Pet friendly
Reception desk
Restaurant
 Safety deposit box
Shop
Swimming pool
Tour assistance
Wake up calls

Activities On-Site / Nearby

Climbing (mountain / rock) (On-site)
Star observatory (On-site)
Swimming (On-site)
Hiking trails (On-site)
Cycling / mountain bike trails (On-site)
Bird watching (On-site)
Horse riding (5 km)
Wine tasting (6 km)
Fishing (14 km)
Game viewing (15 km)

Services Nearby

Restaurants / Eateries (20 km)
Grocery Store (20 km)
Post Office (20 km)
Bank and/or ATM (20 km)
Medical Centre (20 km)
 
Rates & Specials
 
Available at: http://www.placesforafrica.com/groenfontein/rates.php
 
Directions
 
Location   Groenfontein Road, Nearby Calitzdorp, Western Cape

From Barrydale / Ladismith

Travelling from Barrydale and Ladismith on the R62, turn left in Calitzdorp onto the Groenfontein Road. Carry on past the Calitzdorp Dam and after driving for 19km turn left towards The Retreat at Groenfontein. Travel for another 1.5km until you reach The Retreat.

From Oudtshoorn

Travelling from Oudtshoorn on the R62, turn right after 30km at the Kruisrivier turn-off. Turn right again after 6km towards Cango Caves. After travelling for 10.7km pass the turn-off to Cango Caves and carry on for another 10.6km to Groenfontein Retreat turn-off. Turn right and travel another 1.5km before reaching The Retreat.

GPS Coordinates

Latitude: S 33° 26.268'
Longitude: E 21° 47.304'


 
Bookings & Enquiries
 
Available at: http://www.placesforafrica.com/groenfontein/bookings.php
 
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