The Cedar Guesthouse and Retreat is situated on the Matjiesfontein Farm. The farm is off the beaten track in the western part of the Baviaanskloof and surrounded by the 80 000 hectares of Kouga Mountain wilderness. A small part of the farm, less than 1%, is used for organic farming, while the rest of the farm has been returned to wilderness status. The farm has abundant wild mountain game including the very rarely seen Leopard. The farm has a network of trails and hikes following mountain rivers and leading to stunning waterfalls and bushmen paintings. The numerous farm roads also provide great opportunities for mountain biking.
Cedar Guesthouse and Retreat have three different accommodation options available on the farm, one of which is a community development project.
Cedar Guesthouse:
Surrounded by the red cliffs of the Baviaanskloof and with a beautiful view down the valley, this guesthouse caters for visitors who like to nurture themselves in comfort and style. The century old house has been beautifully renovated with a slightly earthy touch to provide a tranquil and sheltered refuge against the rugged terrain of the kloof.
The Cedar Guesthouse (sleeps 13 guests) has four double or twin rooms, a single room on the stoep and a teenage bunk room at the back of the house, two luxurious bathrooms, a spacious lounge and kitchen, and a beautiful wraparound veranda. There is also a fabulous outside solar shower under the avocado tree.
There is a braai (barbeque) area outside set in the beautiful indigenous garden, as well as a plunge pool.
The Just-For-Two Cottage:
This beautiful little shepherd’s cottage has been renovated using the natural materials and building methods of the kloof and is set in its own kloof, five minutes away from the main guesthouse, in an olive grove and close to a dam surrounded by towering poplar trees. It is self-catering with a fully equipped kitchen, complete with a wood stove, as well as gas appliances. Having no power, it is provided with paraffin lamps and candles. There is an outside private bathroom so you can lie in the bath or shower at night and watch the moon rise over-head, and a separate loo with a view down the kloof. There is also a braai (barbeque) area outside.
This cottage is perfect if you want a get-away deep in the wilderness with your partner or by yourself.
The Cob Cottage:
Cob Cottage lies in the valley against the cliffs on the far side of the farm. It is tucked away and very private. It has a queen size bedroom, very comfortable lounge and open plan kitchen, which is fully equipped with gas appliances for self-catering guests, and a delightful bathroom, half open to the sky, so you can lie in the bath and watch the eagles and stars overhead.
There is solar power in the cottage for lights or guests can use the paraffin lamps provided. This beautifully crafted cob cottage is part of an empowerment project hosted by the Another Way trust. This cottage was built during their annual Cob Building Workshop in 2008 and had thirteen people contribute love, sweat, tears and blessings. The cottage is built of mud, adobe bricks, strawbales and poplar beams from the farm.
Retreats:
They run and host a range of retreats throughout the year from yoga and meditation retreats to cob building workshops. Please refer to their website for more details – www.baviaan.co.za
Self-catering or with delicious meals by prior arrangement to be booked with Marta at her restaurant.
“The Cedar Guesthouse and Retreat is a touch of class in our bit of heaven”.
