Schoone Oordt Country House
Schoone Oordt Country House is a top small hotel in Swellendam South Africa, possibly the best of Swellendam accommodation and perfectly situated as the gateway to the Garden Route, only 2.5 hours from Cape Town. With 11 luxury bedrooms set in lush gardens, an intimate Conservatory Restaurant, a sparkling saltwater pool and a passion for people, family, food, wine and the environment, our charming country hotel offers romantic and intimate as well as family friendly accommodation in Swellendam. The emphasis here is on unpretentious unaffected luxury, elegance, quality, love and obsessive attention to detail. We aspire to make this evident in every aspect of your time with us. We do hope that you feel as though you’re visiting with the best of friends.
About the Schoone Oordt Country House
Schoone Oordt Country House is a charming country hotel in Swellendam South Africa, possibly the best of Swellendam accommodation, with 11 luxury bedrooms set in lush gardens, an intimate Conservatory restaurant, a sparkling saltwater pool and a passion for people, family, food, wine and the environment. The emphasis here is on unpretentious, unaffected luxury, elegance, quality and obsessive attention to detail.
There is something quite magical about this striking Victorian Manor House. She has been lovingly restored over many years by Richard and Alison Walker and is passionately run by Ian Clulow and a wonderful team of 25 passionate and committed people. As a result, she has been instilled with charm and grace and she adores welcoming guests.
Her extensive grounds house eight luxury rooms, a quaint, private family cottage, a newly added (huge) family suite and a romantic and secluded honeymoon suite set in abundant gardens and sheltered by aged oak trees. Each luxury accommodation has conceded to every modern convenience whilst unique, restored (mostly by Richard) antiques, retain the Victorian feel of the Manor House and a bygone era.
The Manor House itself boasts the most exquisite light and airy Conservatory, which Richard built in true English style, a cosy fire-lit bar and lounge, an intimate dining room and a typical country kitchen. The warmth of the original wooden floors, ceilings and doors coupled with many quirky antique pieces creates a wonderful welcoming ambience and guests are encouraged to ‘kuier’* here.
Meals are made with love and served with true Schoone Oordt flair and style. The freshest best quality produce from small local suppliers is sourced as organically and ethically as possible, as well as fresh herbs and occasional veggies from the garden. Breakfasts are traditionally a gourmet affair and our small hotel has developed quite a reputation for them. Complimentary afternoon tea with home-baked savoury and sweet goodies is served overlooking the garden on sunny summer afternoons. In winter, complimentary snack platters and a warming welcome drink are offered on arrival. Intimate, delicious dinners are served in The Conservatory where guests can enjoy a carefully prepared, sophisticated South African menu with wines sourced from the celebrated verdant regions surrounding Swellendam, Robertson and Hermanus. Well known Chef Jason Whitehead has upskilled and empowered our loyal and hardworking kitchen ladies to take The Conservatory Restaurant to the next level and we are now beyond doubt, one of the finest of Swellendam Restaurants.
Schoone Oordt Country House has been created with a vision for entertaining and we love intimate weddings. Choose from the sun-drenched Conservatory overlooking the grounds or the cosy, slightly more formal dining room in the grand old house. She is truly an extraordinary venue for an exclusive occasion filled with laughter and love...
The Swellendam area offers guests the opportunity to truly rest, to disconnect and reconnect with loved ones (and nature) as well as offering an abundance of activities if so choose. Hiking, horse-trails, bike-trails, trail-runs, watersports as well as visits to the nearby Nature Reserves. A trip down to the coast at the De Hoop Nature Reserve for seasonal whale watching. A short journey over the Tradouw’s Pass to Barrydale as well as a day trip wine-tasting in the Robertson Wine Valley or down to Malgas. All not to be missed. Along with a nine-hole golf course, quaint coffee shops, the renowned Drostdy museum, berry & lavender-picking, good restaurants and a feast of art, Swellendam spoils its visitors for choice.
Schoone Oordt Country House is a gracious old dame with heart and soul and she invites you to visit... soon...
* Lovely Afrikaans word for visiting, drinking, eating, chatting, gossiping and enjoying time with people you love.
The lodge is located in the Swellendam of the Western Cape.
Features
The lodge is rated as Country House by TGCSA.
Room facilities include Air Conditioning, Balcony / Deck, Bath, Complimentary Wi-Fi, Dressing Gowns, Electrical Outlets, En-Suite, Fireplace, Fridge, Hair Dryer, Heated Towel Rails, Heater, Internet Access (Complimentary), Laundry Service (Available), Lounge Area, Mini Bar, Mini Bar (Complimentary), Pure Cotton Linen, Safe, Satellite / Cable Television, Shower, Tea / Coffee, Television, Underfloor Heating, Verandah,
The lodges appeals to a number of special interests such as Adventure, Birding, Cycling, Flora, Golf, Gourmet, Hiking, History & Culture, Leisure, Nature, Relaxation, Star Gazing, Wildlife, Wine,
There are numerous activities on site such as Bird Watching, Fine Dining, Gourmet Picnic, High Tea, Massages, Walks (Guided),
Activities off site include Adrenaline Activities, Art Galleries, Beach, Bird Watching, Boat Cruises, Bowls, Canoeing, Child Friendly Activities, Cultural Tours, Cycling, Fine Dining, Fishing, Game Walks, General Sightseeing, Golf, Health and Fitness Centre, Hiking, Historical Tours, Horse Riding, Horse-back Safaris, Kayaking / Paddling, Massages, Mountain Biking, Museums, Quad Biking, River Cruises, Squash Court, Tennis Court, Walks (Guided), Walks (Self Guided), Whale Watching, Wine Tasting,
The property boasts a number of facilities 24-hour Security, Activity Desk, Bar, Eco Friendly, Gym (nearby), Internet Access (Complimentary), Laundry Service (Available), Library, Malaria Free, Mobile Connectivity, Pool, Restaurant, Secure Parking,
Languages spoken include and available services are Airport Shuttle (Available),Babysitting Service,Credit Card,Travel Desk,
Activities
The lodge offers some unique activities to suit your tastes.
The Drostdy Museum
The landmark of Swellengrebel Street in Swellendam, better known as Swellendam's 'Historical Mile', the Drostdy Museum has been voted the best museum in South Africa and has become a landmark of South African heritage. Originally built in 1747 as headquarters for the town's magistrate after which various other outbuildings, a jail and a mill was added spanning over multiple hectare throughout the town all within walking distance from Schoone Oordt.
Bukkenburg Pottery Studio & Gallery
The creative colaboration between owners of the Bukkenburg Pottery Studio and Gallery, David Schlapobersky and Felicity Potter, started in 1973 and lead them to Swellendam in 1996 when they opened the studio. Bukkenburg Pottery Studio and Gallery is situated in Swellengrebel Street, a short stroll down the street from Schoone Oordt.
Rooiklip Nursery
A superb family activity with plenty to do for the children and great coffee, meals and confectionery for every member of the family to enjoy. The nursery grows and stocks succulents, aloes and other rare plants.
Wildebraam Berry Estate
Swellendam's 'berried' treasure - Wildebraam is a berry farm nestled in the Hermitage Valley just 2km outside town. The farm offers tastings of their unique liquers, syrups and other berry products farmed and manufactured on the estate. In berry season (November to December) the estate also offers berry picking - a wonderful family activity which you can end off with milkshakes, coffee and a light meal at the estate's coffee shop.
Rain Forest Day Spa
Now an international brand, Rain is one of Swellendam's proudest exports with products made by hand, from natural ingredients all with an African origin. If you're looking to relax and recuperate Rain's Forest Day Spa sure is the place to go (booking is essential).
Bontebok National Park
Situated on the banks of the Breede River the Bontebok National Park is just a 5km drive outside Swellendam. With a variety of wild life and birds a trip to the park will ensure excitement for young and old - pack a picnic basket (available from Schoone Oordt per request), drive all the way to the river bank and take in all the goodness of the great outdoors.
Rain Africa - Flagship Store
Founded in Swellendam Rain Africa has become one of the town's proudest exports not only for it's international expansion but also for the ethical values and uplifting influence on the people of our town. Treat yourself with their luxurious bath and body products all made by hand from 100% natural ingredients of African origin.
Faerie Sanctuary
A very unique activity that will elate everybody's inner child
Swellendam Golf Course
Swellendam's 9 hole, par 72 golf course is open to visitors every day of the week. With low fees and the most beautiful setting Swellendam's golf course is a great activity for every golf lover, pro or amateur.
De Hoop Nature Reserve
De Hoop Nature Reserve is a 50km drive from Swellendam where the Potberg Mountains meet the shore. The reserve makes the perfect location for a day-trip and has its own restaurant that is open daily. Activities at De Hoop Nature reserve are endless - you can hike through Fynbos plains, go mountain biking along the gravel backroads, laze on the beach or take a game drive through this scenic reserve.
Marloth Nature Reserve
Marloth Nature Reserve is named after the pioneer botanist who, together with a deputation of Swellendam residents, petitioned the Minister of Lands and Forestry in 1928 to set aside part of the mountain as a nature reserve. During 1981, the reserve was enlarged to include the rest of the State Forest and the Swellendam hiking trail was opened.
The reserve’s vegetation is predominantly mountain fynbos, with patches of forest. There are several species of Protea and more than 25 species of erica, most of which flower in November. Marloth, like the rest of the southern Cape, has hot summers and cold winters. The higher mountain peaks are occasionally dusted in snow during the cold winter months.
Appelsbosch Farm Horse Riding
As riding horses is not natural to the horse, we strive to keep our approach as pleasant and ethical as possible. We strive for “Harmonious Horse-Human Handling” (Debra-Leigh Mohle)
Our training techniques are based on evidence based scientific research and the horse’s welfare and also the horse and the rider’s safety are paramount at all levels of interaction.
A lot of our techniques and principles of training come from the work of Dr Andrew Mclean and the work of the international Society of Equitation Science. These techniques are firmly rooted in learning theory. Amy also spent some time training in Classical Dressage in Spain.
We take into consideration how the animal lives, behaves, how it learns and how it socializes in order to develop an uncomplicated “language” or “method” of communication between horse and rider. This allows us to safely and pleasantly influence the horse to do all the strange things we as humans require them to do.
Diesel & Crème - Barrydale
Diesel & Crème is a Vintage Diner & Motel (The Karoo Moon Motel, House & Cottage) situated on the scenic Route 62 in Barrydale.
This place is crammed full of memorabilia which is famous for it's milkshakes in enticingly different combos. There's more, a large breakfast and lunch menu, they make a mean variety of burgers, but prepared to queue, such it's fame. Caution, it closes at 5pm.
Sijnn Wine of Malgas
David and Rita Trafford discovered the future Sijnn land while on holiday in Malgas in 2000. The soil and landscape reminded them of Portugal and they were immediately intrigued. A purchase agreement and more than 200 soil profiles later, approximately ten hectares of vines were planted and the name Sijnn Wines was appropriated to the venture – fittingly so as the word 'sijnn' is derived from the Khoisan word meaning riverbank. Today Sijnn Wines has become well known for our interesting and bold choices of cultivars and award-winning blends.
Open every Saturday 10:00 – 15:00 or by appointment during the week.
Joubert-Tradauw Wine Farm
Sixty-one years ago, Schalk-Willem Joubert left Wellington for the fertile Tradouw Valley to farm mainly with fruit and wine grapes. His son, Jacobus Joubert, Meyer’s father, realised the potential of growing premium grape cultivars for the production of wine. They delivered Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon to the Co-operative Cellar in Barrydale, Cabernet Franc was planted on the farm in 1982. The fermentation cellar was built in 1998 out of stone from the rocky soils, characteristic of the farm. In 1999, the first grapes were harvested and crushed for the production of wine. The R62 Merlot/Cabernet Blend (60:40) was released after a 14-month ageing period in Burgundy oak barrels. The production is currently just below 3000 cases per year.
Umshanti
Peace, tranquility, adventure and excitement – Fun for everyone!
Enjoy nature’s wonderland with boat cruises, swimming, canoeing, hiking/cycling to stunning mountain pools, waterskiing, and much more.
Cruises on a double decker barge for up to 35 people. We park in the gorge where you can braai, take a canoe trip to the waterfall, hike up the mountain, swim or just relax.
Canoes for fishing, exercise or sight seeing
Hiking or cycling on a stunning route along the river to mountain pools & water falls
Buffeljags Dam is perfect for Watersports, so feel free to bring your own boat
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