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Cliffhanger cottages near Knysna: escape to the country

25/1/2017

6 Comments

 
Cliffhanger cottages, Knysna
By Roxanne Reid
I love back roads, forests, wilderness and the sounds of nature. Given that I live in a city, my holiday happiness depends on finding these things, no matter where I go. At Cliffhanger cottages near Knysna on the Garden Route I learnt how to escape to the country and sweep away the city dust.

Cliffhanger cottages are on the Rheenendal Road about 15km west of Knysna. I’ve stayed at various places along this road in the past so I know it’s the quieter country cousin of the more hip Knysna – and for that I love it. At Cliffhanger, we struck gold.
Cliffhanger cottages, Knysna, Garden Route
Open-plan living with a wonderful view out over hills and forest
Cliffhanger cottages, Knysna
Surround yourself with nature
There are three cottages, two of them – Cliffedge and Cliffhanger – on the edge of a steep cliff overlooking a valley of indigenous forest and out over far hills. The third, Hedge Cottage, has a garden view.

We stayed in Cliffedge cottage and loved its open-plan spaciousness, its wide sliding doors to a full-length deck where we could sit and absorb the sights and sounds of nature. A pottery dish on the deck was plumbed into a bird bath in the fynbos below so we could top it up to lure the resident birds into drinking and splashing.
Cliffhanger cottages, Knysna, Garden Route
A number of birds visited the bath below our deck
Cliffhanger cottages, Knysna, Garden Route
When the mist cleared we revelled in the uninterrupted views
Owners Barry and Ingrid Young have thought of everything, from a shower with a view over the valley to an indoor fireplace for cold nights and a fan for hot summer days. There was wifi, a Weber braai, a flat screen TV, couches both inside and on the deck outside, and a well-equipped kitchen that included ground coffee for the coffee press. 
Cliffhanger cottages, Knysna, Garden Route
The mist covers most of the view in this shot but it cleared the next morning
Cliffhanger cottages, Knysna, Garden Route
Comfy spaces both inside and on the deck outside
‘We sometimes spend a night here,’ Barry confessed. And that explained why nothing we needed was missing. I wish more owners of B&Bs and self-catering units would do the same; they’d soon discover that little things like a lack of waste bins or hooks in the bathroom can frustrate their guests.
Cliffhanger cottages, Knysna, Garden Route
The deck at Cliffedge, with Cliffhanger cottage in the distance
Cliffhanger cottages, Knysna, Garden Route
The kitchen is well equipped for self-catering
No frustration here, though. The place was pristinely neat and clean, and the housekeeper had placed sprigs of fern and flowers on the bed and in the bathroom for a welcoming touch. Metal and wood sculptures – some of them made by Ingrid, others bought from local markets – gave the place a personal touch so it felt like home, only better. Ingrid was away but Barry settled us in comfortably and then left us alone. Bliss.
Cliffhanger cottages, Knysna, Garden Route
Even the wall hangings have a forest theme
Cliffhanger cottages, Knysna, Garden Route
Some of the artwork that decorates the cottage
The only thing that wasn’t perfect was the weather. The day we arrived was overcast and misty but it cleared from time to time to allow us to appreciate the view. Early the next morning I sat on the deck looking out over the treetops while patches of blue appeared between the clouds and birds chattered their welcome to the new day. 
Cliffhanger cottages, Knysna, Garden Route
Cliffhanger cottages, Knysna, Garden Route
What a perfect place this would be for a honeymoon – peaceful and private but within easy reach of lots of things to do near Knysna. 

Would I visit again? In a heartbeat. Only this time I’d stay longer.

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Copyright © Roxanne Reid - No words or photographs on this site may be used without permission from roxannereid.co.za
6 Comments
Shirley
25/1/2017 10:08:17 pm

This is definitely my sort of place. Neat clean and cared for and what a view!

Reply
Roxanne
26/1/2017 03:10:12 pm

It's really wonderful, Shirley. Sometimes pictures make a place look better than it really is, but that's not the case here; it's just a gorgeous as the pics show it to be. And the bliss of that open view!

Reply
Lori link
26/1/2017 08:12:20 pm

Sounds divine and I love the art work, especially the sculptures of people in the wooden 'frames'.

Reply
Roxanne
27/1/2017 11:11:28 am

I agree, Lori, the artwork showed that the place was loved, and how can you not respond positively to that?

Reply
Jo
27/1/2017 05:54:06 am

Thanks Roxanne! We are planning our 2017 holiday and knysna was on the list! This looks like a little piece of heaven so I will be booking soon 😊

Reply
Roxanne
27/1/2017 11:10:20 am

I'm envious, Jo, because I'd love to have a stay here in front of me rather than behind me! Hope you love it as much as I did.

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    I'm an independent travel writer and book editor with a passion for Africa - anything from African travel, people, safari and wildlife to adventure, heritage, road-tripping and slow travel.
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    We're happiest in the middle of nowhere, meeting the locals, trying something new, or simply watching the grass grow.
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