Morning Glory Cottages

Morning Glory Cottages is a guest house located on the working farm Gelykfontein (vd Walt since 1884), situated near Venterstad in the 'Karoo hartland' region of the Eastern Cape. It offers charming suites and is an ideal accommodation option for guests seeking comfortable lodging and warm hospitality away from the hustle and bustle of the city. The guest house is a short drive from the N1, adjacent to the South Eastern shoreline of the Gariep dam, and en route to destinations like Port Elizabeth, Port Alfred, Addo, and Plettenberg Bay.

Accommodation at Morning Glory Cottages comprises six fully furnished and quaintly decorated units. These units or cottages range from one to two bedrooms, equipped with either twin or double beds and an en-suite or private bathroom that has a bath or shower, or both, along with a basin and toilet. All suites are quite spacious and contain a small kitchenette with amenities such as a bar fridge, tea and coffee-making facilities, a microwave, crockery, and cutlery.

The general facilities at Morning Glory Cottages include TVs with selected DSTV channels, ceiling fans, hairdryers on request, irons with ironing boards on request, extra blankets, and electric blankets for winter nights. There is also a Wi-Fi hotspot in the bar area and air conditioning in the main bedrooms. Guests can dine in the dining room and enjoy delectable Karoo cuisine prepared by the on-site chef. The guest house also provides braai amenities in the lapa area and offers a splash pool for guests to cool off on hot summer days. For corporate guests, there is a conferencing venue that can accommodate up to 20 delegates. Secure parking is available for vehicles on the premises.

On-premises activities at Morning Glory Cottages include nature walks, stargazing, bird watching, interacting with farm animals, visiting the thoroughbred horse stud, mountain biking on farm tracks (guests must bring their own bikes), enjoying glorious sunsets, and basking in the calm and tranquility of a Karoo farm. Nearby attractions include game drives in an adjacent game reserve, horse riding and fishing at the Gariep Dam, 4x4 routes, Anglo-Boer War sites, and the Oviston water tunnel inlet.

It is important to note that no pets are allowed at Morning Glory Cottages, and there is limited cell reception. Dinner must be arranged 24 hours in advance. The Chamomile or Cottonwood Garden suites are the preferred honeymoon suites, and a bottle of South African bubbly and a fruit and cheese platter for two are available for honeymoon couples upon request at the time of booking. A small splash pool is available, and a toy box and children's books are available on request. Children can also interact with farm animals.