What a beautiful place, spotless and very comfortable! The views and the plunge pool were both amazing. The pool was a real bonus! You are surrounded by nature and it’s super private. Everything we needed was there and the hosts could not have been more helpful. Go and enjoy!

My partner and I and our Princess Pooch Soula are avid and experienced weekday break-takers and, believe me, when it comes to self-catering getaways, we have been there, done that and have a PHD in it! So it’s not often that we are blown away……. But 31 on Witzenberg near Tulbagh is one of those very special places we will always cherish. It all starts with Janet and Pollie Human who are way beyond gracious hosts. They are warm and welcoming, helpful, loving and giving and make you feel like an old and treasured friend. The two bedroom, two bathroom (one with a bath,so extra ticks!)stone cottage is set within a game park and is truly a serene and soothing little home from home. And it’s pet friendly too (which is a huge plus if you like to share your blissful break with your fur child)with a big silver bowl of water to welcome pooches. It’s also safely fenced so no worries about curious canines wandering off. I have to commend the way everything has been thought of to make you feel right at home. Little touches like paper towels, condiments, dry firewood, and hot water bottles to name but a few. You would be surprised how often these essential away-from-home items are not provided and you’re left irritable and wishing you had packed them. The stone cottage is airy and light and blends in beautifully with the surrounding veld, so much so, that the zebra come and guzzle greedily from their water trough right outside the front door! Inside the decor is cozy and comforting with snooze-worthy sofas in front of a fireplace that works like a dream and there‘s TV if you want to indulge in a bit of Netflix. There are lanterns and lights to help you through loadshedding - but who needs them when you have a terrific outdoor braai area and can look up to the pure perfect night sky dotted with all the stars you never see in the city! The main bedroom’s bed is large enough to disappear into and never be found again! Details like extra soft cuddly blankies and top quality sleep-inducing bedwear guarantee comfy nights and sweet dreams. The kitchen has it all and more right down to an air fryer and is very well-stocked with glassware, crockery and pots and pans. Never mind the braai - you can whip up a gourmet meal here if you feel like it. Open the fridge and you‘ll find farm eggs, milk and a bottle of wine chilling for you. Plus tea and coffee fixings, there is also olive oil and balsamic vinegar at your disposal. There are so many little unexpected extras that underline the care and love that have gone into making this cute hideaway a little bit of holiday Heaven. Then, of course ,there are the delightful daily visits by the shy Springbok and simply gorgeous zebra, who meander past the afternoon-snooze stoep with aplomb. And just across the way there are cows, sheep and donkeys to lull you into a full-on countryside coma! Oh dear why have I told you all of this? It should be kept a tight secret but they say sharing is caring! So please treat yourself but leave some days for us too, because we will be back…….a lot! Pepe Sofianos ( Cape Town)