Detailed description: Reiersvlei

• Daily rate:R3.000 - R7.000 per day

Reiersvlei is a newly built, traditionally styled thatched 5-bedroomed farm house o­n 450 acres of fynbos o­n the edge of the wetlands between the Klein River and the Hermanus lagoon - part of a bird sanctuary, it is a birder's paradise. The northern aspect sweeps across the wetland up the ancient Klein River mountain range - its features shaped by waterfalls.

The property affords private fynbos walking trails, and 4x4 access to the splendidly isolated Walker Bay Conservancy beaches. The area abounds with whale-watching spots (August to November), and round-the-year Great White Shark cage-diving and viewing opportunities. Many Overberg wine farms lie within striking-distance.

Tastefully furnished, the homestead sleeps up to ten in five spacious, double en-suite rooms
( 2 queen-sized beds with separate baths and showers; 3 twin-bedded with showers - 2 of which share an en-suite bathroom with separate entrances). Each bedroom has its own private verandah through french doors o­nto the large lawned garden.

All bedrooms are open-thatched and surround the magnificent open-thatched double-volume living room; combining sitting and dining areas, each with its own large wood-burning open fireplace - unlimited firewood provided. French doors front and back open o­nto a wide, covered verandah running the length of the house - giving panoramic views across the lawns, fynbos and wetlands to the mountains - the ultimate tranquility. A 35-foot freshwater swimming pool shimmers at the edge of the lawn.

The house features all mod-cons with electric, gas, microwave and barbeque cooking facilities.

Maid service by prior arrangement.


STANFORD
Even though there are no bright lights, don't mistake peace and tranquillity for boring. There are many places to go and activities to do within this small rural town.

How about a trip down the Klein River o­n the well known African Queen boat or bird watching cruises o­n o­ne of smaller boats which are also for hire if you prefer solitude. Kayaking o­n the river, whether guided trips or hiring o­ne of these very stable kayaks, allows you to get quite close to birdlife without disturbing them.

Walk the Stanford Walking Trail (Wandelpad) which meanders along next to the Klein River, a feeding stream and the dams. In the early morning or late afternoon there is a wealth of birds to be seen along this route. A stroll or cycle around the tree lined village streets will present you with interesting historical architecture and lovely rural scenes. When passing the original farmhouse in Church Street, pop in to Sir Robert Stanford's Home of Art, Crafts and Collectables and view the local art and crafts.

The Stanford Trading Post and The New Junk both offer "high class junk" and are well worth a visit. As is Dowies with their unique South African art and design items and the Laughing Lamb which carries other types of craft items. Whilst driving around o­n the Fynbos Ecotourism Route or just enjoying the rural farmlands, keep an eye out for the endangered Blue Crane which are relatively plentiful in the area.

A visit to the unique Birkenhead Micro-brewery is a must with it's "wine estate" feel and enjoy their own special brews or anything else you may prefer. At Klein River Dairy's cheese shop you can purchase the Gruyere or Leiden cheese that is made here, virtually the o­nly place in South Africa where Gruyere is made. There are a good selection of tearooms, coffee shops and restaurants, and the hotels have pubs, pub lunches and dinners.

Photo gallery: Reiersvlei

Accommodation information: Reiersvlei

• Sleeps:10
• Double beds:Two
• Single beds:Six
• Ensuite Bedrooms:Four
• Bathrooms:Four

Further information: Reiersvlei

• This villa also includes:Dining room, Dishwasher, Furnished, Garden, Linen, Lounge, Microwave, Stove, Washing machine
• Pool:Yes

Approximate distances to...

• Stadium:30km or more
• V & A Waterfront:30km or more