The Retreat At Groenfontein

The Retreat at Groenfontein is a Victorian farmhouse nestled within a 560-hectare conservancy that borders the vast 129,000-hectare Swartberg Nature Reserve. The historic building, characterized by its yellow-wood and Oregon pine features, includes a lounge and dining room, each appointed with ceramic fireplaces, and opens onto a wide verandah overlooking manicured gardens and the Swartberg mountains.

The property is operated by hosts Marie and Erika, who provide authentic Klein Karoo hospitality. The establishment offers a range of accommodation options, including two suites and two garden rooms separate from the main house, each with private terraces offering mountain views, plus four en-suite bedrooms in the main building with French doors leading to a patio.

Dining is a communal experience, with meals served either on the veranda under the stars or in the dining room by the fireplace during cooler months. The cuisine emphasizes healthy eating, catering to vegetarians and special dietary requirements, while featuring local specialties including Karoo lamb dishes. The establishment holds a full liquor license with an extensive regional wine selection.

The Retreat operates on solar power with generator backup, ensuring uninterrupted service. While rooms do not feature fridges or kettles, refreshments are provided on request. The property's mountain location creates a natural cooling effect, and ceiling fans are installed in the garden rooms. The absence of cell phone reception and television sets in rooms (except for a DVD player in the main lounge) ensures a peaceful atmosphere.

The establishment is pet-friendly and offers various activities including hill walks, mountain biking, and swimming in rock pools along the tree-fringed river. Multiple languages are accommodated, including French, German, Italian, and Swedish.