Tree Spirit Cottages

Tree Spirit Cottages is located at the edge of the Knysna forest in Gouna, embodying the goodness and energy of its hosts, Anthony and Fiona Paton. It is a nature lover's paradise, embracing the calm of the forest and the peace and tranquility of an off-the-grid solar-powered farm. The cottages offer a conscious living experience, working hand in hand with the elements and being off the beaten track with some gravel roads.

Although solar-powered, Tree Spirit Cottages aims to provide all the comforts of home, but it requires guests to be conscious of what they do and when. Non-essential electrical items are encouraged to be left at home (phones and laptops are not a problem), and showering is recommended between 8 am and 6 pm to alleviate the use of pumps outside of daylight hours.

Guests can enjoy the comforts of lovely secluded cottages overlooking a dam, coupled in a quiet corner of the farm with a centralized fire pit, mosaic stone benches, and a large braai/pizza oven. The cottages are ideal for couples, kids, or an extended family or group, with sleeping accommodations for 8-10 available over three dwellings. Amenities include a cozy indoor fireplace, a covered balcony for relaxation and reading, an outdoor shower, and opportunities for sundowners while sitting around a fire and amazing stargazing.

The farm offers plenty of space for a family or extended family to enjoy time together in three dwellings. Activities include fishing, rowing on the dam, and braaing around a fire pit. SANParks hikes are located 3.5km away, also perfect for off-road cycling.

Dragonfly is an open-plan cottage suitable for a couple with 1-2 kids. It is L-shaped with a double bed at one end and a cabin bed effectively two singles around the corner. The bathroom facilities feature a separate room with a shower and toilet, in addition to a dressing area with a bath tucked up against a massive window overlooking the fynbos. The spacious living/kitchen area comes fully equipped with a wood-burning stove for colder nights, a library of DVDs and books, all opening onto a covered verandah.