Once upon a time, many a moons ago, the owners of Breede Riverhouse 327 bumped into each other along the bustling corridors of their high school and discussed their impending holiday plans. Upon discovering that they would both be venturing to the Breede River, they arranged to meet up. Many a journeys around the sun later, as husband and wife, they came across a spectacular spot with a humble house upon the same river banks they’d frolicked along as wee young teens. This would be the spot for them to plant some roots and create new memories as a family. After some unfortunate flooding in 2008, the original house was washed away and so began the laudable build of a beautiful family hideaway that discreetly reveals itself from the billowing hills it nestles beneath.
Set on acres of rolling manicured lawns that flow into the bullrushes and the banks of the river, with the Potberg mountain range of De Hoop Nature Reserve in full view, this contemporary yet comfy and capacious hideaway gives a sincere and down-to-earth embrace to all that pass on by. Much like the river’s community of boaters, kayakers, skiers and swimmers, a neighbourly wave and nod as the action on the water is underway, is almost mandatory. The affection is palpable. So much so, it’s likely the odd few river friends will park their boats up against the jetty, or drag the canoes up the slipway and plant themselves on the deck, around the boma, snack on a boerie roll, sip on a generous gin and tonic, with a large side order of good old river banter.
Six gorgeous bedrooms and five bathrooms wing the main body of the house that’s open plan, connecting the fully-equipped modern kitchen to the dining space that sits adjacent the cosy living space and its inviting wood burning stove. Solid American walnut floors – audaciously laid by the husband of the home – run the length of the living spaces with retractable doors opening out to a long, wrap-around verandah with comfy recliners and seating spaces, a fabulous open braai area and views of the magnificent surroundings from every angle. There’s even a view of the vines of Sijnn Winery – the only vineyard in the region – from the stoep on the left. A separate cottage with its own bathroom sits behind the lovely back courtyard and its milkwood tree for those that like that little extra space from the rowdy crowd that’ll be emphatically telling stories around the fire pit or throwing some darts, perhaps cartwheeling across the lawn or just hanging out under the stars, listening to the water gently lap against the banks. You’ll relive the day in your mind, of jumping from a 6metre rock into the river that’s just around the bend, after picnicking on a sandy beach that’s just around another bend, where the space is vast enough for a competitive round of beach volleyball. You’ll drift off with the sweet sounds of familial love and laughter as the new day beckons for it to be done all over again.
According to the owners, it was the river that chose them rather than them choosing the river. For years they frequented the place that introduced them to young love, an appreciation for the wild meandering river, its secret beaches and venturesome hiking and biking trails. It became the place that represents half a lifetime’s escape into nature, and harbours the memories that have been ardently created over the years, and all the ones that are still to be made.
What we love!
- As you enter the home through the back courtyard the open space envelopes you with the beautiful views of the rolling lawns and the river beyond that drawing you out into nature.
- The magnificent birdlife that adds a chorus of sound to the stillness. From the Fish eagles to the Cape Vultures and the little sugarbirds, the weavers, the barbets and the darters.
- Spending early mornings and late afternoons on the lower garden where the deck and enclosed little spot with a boma and jetty sits upon the river. Watching the sunset behind the mountains and the colours of the water transform.
What you need to know…
- The property is about a 45-minute drive from Swellendam, along a 40KM gravel road from the turnoff from the N2.
- There is a battery backup system which will keep the lights, WiFi and TV working when load-shedding occurs.
- There is a great, little convenience store only a 5-minute drive from the property where you can buy freshly baked bread every morning. Be sure to get there early, before the eager bread eaters deplete all of the hot stock.
- If you fancy a different gathering spot for an hour or two, the community bush pub is around the bend.
- There is also Sijnn Wines across the river, about a 20-minute journey for some wine tasting and yummy cheeseboards.
- And if you fancy the ocean for a morning, the surf of Infanta is only a 20-minute drive to the river mouth where you can swim, surf, snorkel and spear fish.
- When fish is on the evening’s braai menu, just across the Malgas Pont, into Witsand there’s a little market and a fish restaurant for you and your cooking clan to head off and source the catch of the day.
- As well as the canoe, the jetty to moor your boat and the slipway to put it into the water, there is also a slippy slide that can be attached to the jetty for some extra water activities.
- It goes without saying the fishing is great on the river with an abundance of kob, grunter, steenbras, carp and leery.
Reviewed by Colleen Ogilvie