Paddahoek Cottage, Vermaaklikheid

Paddahoek Cottage is an authentic, off grid, stone cottage located on a quiet country lane in Vermaaklikheid. Sleeps 2 adults and 2 children. It has a large covered porch / stoep with an outside fireplace/braai AND a traditional cast iron stove. Closed door fireplace inside. 750m, 5-8 minute walk from the public access point on the Duivenhoks River where guests can launch their boat / preferred watercraft or take a swim in its cool waters. Take it easy at this unique and tranquil getaway. The property has a high ceiling and a thatch roof, making it cool in summer. Those same attributes and a close door fireplace keep it warm in winter months. There is a fully stocked kitchen; 300L+ fridge & freezer; 2 plate gas hob; and traditional cast iron stove in the porch area – 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 ladder) and two single beds on the ground floor. 2. Joining the two single beds and adding a king size Duvet on the ground level; with the loft bedroom functioning with a queen sized bed and two single duvets'. The bathroom contains a freestanding bath. Outside behind the cottage is an outdoor shower with hot water connection. 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 power system, unfortunately no electric appliances with heating elements or power tools may be used. A gas system supplies hot water to the kitchen, bathroom and outdoor shower. For Internet and telecoms access, a cell phone signal booster (up to 3G) is provided. Guests can use their own cell phone and data. The lawn area has been fenced, so 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 is described to be a hamlet (with no aspirations). There is no town centre, no shops (but you can buy milk, ice and firewood). The dirt roads are compact and relatively flat - guests do not need a 4x4 but the vehicle will get dirty! Off road bikes and watercraft for the river - all recommended I have staff that live close by. They are dedicated to managing two properties in the area. Where possible they will meet guests on arrival, alternatively the lock box access method is used. If you have expectations of a rural town e.g. MacGregor or Greyton, Vermaaklikheid will fall very short. The hamlet is a collection of quaint country cottages, devoid of a town centre, restaurants and shops. A trip to Stilbaai or Riversdale or Heidelberg is required to get groceries and a restaurant experience. Nature and the outdoors, Privacy, slow days, down time, quality times with loved ones, friends and family .... this the "product" of Vermaaklikheid" “Vermaaklikheid” is directly translated to be “entertainment? / “amusement”. The area is under-developed and situated within an agricultural municipality zone prohibiting residential developments. The Vermaaklikheid River (Duivenhoks) is protected by a conservancy. There are no lodges or hotels, just a few houses every km along its banks. If you are looking for a short getaway out of Cape Town (similar departure points) please consider the fact that the drive is 3 1/2 hours excluding stops and traffic. It’s just going to feel like too much of a mission. Wait for a gap and try to take 3 days and longer. Pls. request a discount for long stays!