The Vibe: The name, Schoone Oordt, beautiful place in Afrikaans pretty much sums it up.
The Area: Set in a much-photographed Victorian landmark dating from 1853, the charming Schoone Oordt Country House is surrounded by rolling fields and the majestic Langeberg Mountain range in the picturesque village of Swellendam.
The DNA: Owners Richard and Alison had always wanted to live and raise children in the country. Richard’s dream was building a game farm; Alison’s a beautiful old guesthouse filled with artists, poets, writers and children. After a short holiday where a pregnancy test proved positive, they drove home to Cape Town via Swellendam and found this aging Victorian Grande Dame. It wasn’t quite a farm, but definitely enough of a project to inspire both. They fell in love. After scraping together everything they owned they acquired Schoone Oordt. After years of renovating, with Richard doing most work himself, camping in what basically was a building site, moving back and forth to Cape Town (and having four children) the grande dame has returned to her gracious self. An extensive, gourmet breakfast is included in the rate and is served in the sunlight-filled conservatory. Guests can enjoy dinner at the Conservatory Restaurant at Schoone Oordt by prior reservation, and complimentary afternoon tea with home-baked savoury and sweet goodies. In winter, complimentary snack platters and a warming welcome drink are offered on arrival.
Suite-Me-Up: In newly built annexes in the gardens and accessed by private entrances, the refined, antiques-filled rooms are designed to blend in with the character of the main house. All feature en suite bathrooms with Victorian free-standing tubs, TVs, tea and coffee making facilities, heated floors and balconies. The (honeymoon) suite features a fireplace and a 4-poster bed, while a cosy family cottage has a kitchenette.
Your hosts: Alison, Richard & family
✅ free Wi-Fi • size matters: 10 rooms & suites (25-61m2) (269-657 sq ft) • hotel opened: November 2007 • bathroom amenities: Healing Earth ✅ free on-site parking • no pets allowed • 24-hour front desk
