Earth Cottage Hermanus

Earth Cottage is a self-catering accommodation situated in the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley, famous for its fynbos and prestigious wine estates. It is located on a tarred road off the R320, which is the Hermanus Wine Route, and is flanked by the vineyards of Hamilton Russell and Bouchard Finlayson. The cottage is comfortable and cozy, with a double bed in the bedroom, a single bed and sleeper couch in the lounge, making it ideal for a couple or a family of three or four.

The lounge and dining area lead to the front stoep, overlooking a paddock where Arabian horses are often in sight. The kitchen is equipped with a four-burner gas stove, microwave/convection/grill oven combination, kettle, fridge/freezer, washing machine, and ample cutlery and crockery. The cottage is close to other cultural and natural attractions in the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley, Hermanus, Walker Bay, the Lagune, and Onrust.

Accessibility at the cottage can be challenging for older or infirm visitors and people with special needs. A flight of uneven stairs leads down to the cottage, and there are steps inside between the kitchen, lounge, and bedroom. The bathroom features a Victorian-style tub that may be difficult to climb into, and the shower is over the bath. Assistance is available for carrying luggage.

Earth Cottage is a real working farm, and guests should expect to encounter various animals and insects, including the resident Golden Retrievers and Arabian horses. The cottage uses fly screens rather than pesticides and aims to relocate, rather than eradicate, any pesky critters. The water has a slight honey-brown color due to the roots of fynbos plants but is safe for cooking, washing, bathing, and drinking, although shop-bought drinking water is provided.

The cottage is self-catering and not serviced. However, for stays longer than 5 nights, a clean set of bedding, towels, and rubbish/garbage removal will be provided. Earth Cottage is a semi-detached and fully self-contained cottage, offering guests the entire cottage to themselves.