A Sanctuary immersed in Nature!
Mountain River House is a tranquil countryside escape in the Klein Karoo, settled on the banks of the Gamka River, outside the town of Calitzdorp, where a blissful existence unfolds.
There are still a few special places where you can escape the world while keeping its conveniences close at hand. Sometimes, just a hop off the beaten track there’s another realm, where the pace of life is slower, more authentic, and beautiful. At Mountain River House you may, as you laze on the verandah, catch a glimpse of a kudu passing by, or hear the lilting call of a fish eagle. Yet Calitzdorp is only 8km away, George Airport is just over an hour’s drive, and the internet speed here is breakneck, so although you are ensconced in nature, that faster-paced world is to hand when needed.
Mountain River House is aptly named and built on the banks of the winding Gamka River in the Gamka Private Eco Reserve. The house rests at the base of a rugged spekboom-covered hill and appears to float on a rock ledge. It’s magnificently created with views to optimise the dramatically beautiful surroundings. You are right on the water’s edge, and look out over lawns to the river and the Swartberg mountains beyond that provide ever-changing natural theatre. Bathed in light, the interior is open plan and unfettered with a fireplace and feature walls in raw brick. Outside, rugged rock accent walls reflect the natural surroundings and add detail to the sweeping deck and outdoor shower. A fishpond and succulent gardens complete the picture.
The deep, shaded verandah – with ceiling fans – is the place to be in summer. Throw open the double stack doors, laze on the couches, watch for otters in the river, read, nap, or prepare fire-cooked meals at leisure. That’s if you’re not fishing in the river, where you have over 40 metres of private, grassed river frontage including your very own jetty. Or you could hike, mountain bike, or hunt for marine fossils which dot the area. Rocks here date back 750 million years, which gives this piece of the green Klein Karoo a sense of palpable antiquity – even the pool is fashioned from ancient rock. But in winter, take a deep soak in the bath and gaze directly onto a magnificent rock wall outside.
Sunsets and star gazing from the long stoep that hovers over the landscape
Mountain River House is beautifully compact yet with a feeling of true spaciousness. You are surrounded by wildlife – from eland, red hartebeest, and kudu to klipspringer, duiker, caracal, jackal, bush pig, porcupine, and even the occasional Cape leopard. Birdlife is plentiful in the valley too. And if you can bear to leave your country idyll, do go taste some of the Klein Karoo award-winning ports and wines from noteworthy estates just down the road. Though you may have to do this on the way home, as once you and yours have taken root in this refuge it’s hard to leave!
What we love!
- There is something undeniably healing and invigorating about the Karoo air. The energy that one feels when sitting on the mammoth verandah, watching the landscape’s colours transform throughout the hours of the day, the prolific spekboom that surrounds and jagged mountain ranges. Reading your book for hours, ensconced in the bliss of the atmosphere. Listening to the gentle trickle of the river below. Sublime moments of utter relaxation.
- Wandering down to the soft, lush lawn that banks the river, barefoot with the morning light drying up the dew. Enjoying a slow hour of yoga or morning meditation, in rhythm with the flow of the river, as the birds dart in and out of the water.
- Having a quiet cup of tea at dawn, at the back of the property. Watching the fish swim in the pond, and taking in that early bird’s flight, seeking its first worm. It’s also a wonderful spot at sunset.
- The stars are simply spectacular! One of the best places in the world to sit beneath the milky way and marvel at the wonders of existence. In the quiet of the Karoo night.
- Enjoying the service that is on offer. With full-time butler and housekeeping service available, you are tended to during your stay with the most hospitable team of staff that ensure your comfort is key. Complimentary bottles of local Karoo wine and MCC chilling on ice. Fires prepared and lit, towels wrapped and warm for your dips in the water. And broad smiles all day long. It’s the little things and grand gestures that really leave a mark.
What you need to know…
- The property rests 7km outside of Caltizdorp which sits on South Africa’s famous Route 62. A truly magnificent voyage of the country’s diverse terrain. There’s plenty to explore and discover within the Karoo. Visits to the ostrich farms, the award-winning port cellars like Boplaas, and the food and wine of De Krans estate and Calitzdorp Cellars. An abundance of artisanal delicatessens and padstals that source and serve local ingredients, parlaying them into delicious treats.
- You simply have to stop off at The Accidental Baker – a charming couple from The Netherlands visited Calitzdorp and fell in love with it. Decided to open up a bakery having never baked a bun in their lives. Their little spot is a beautiful story and serves some seriously delicious hot bakes.
- The property is entirely off-the-grid. Sourcing water from the river, power from the solar panels and back-up battery supplies available. Ensuring the house is nestled in nature, and not invasive in any way to the land that it occupies. There is no television on the property – the reserve is your entertainment. 12 hectares of it, awaits your exploration. There is Wifi for the moments you feel the need for connection. The rest is all about retreating in the Klein Karoo wilderness.
- If Mountain River House is not available on your dates, browse our full collection of exclusive-use holiday houses in Calitzdorp.