The river beckons
Milkwood Cove is an idyllic riverside home in Malgas, where the family getaway gatherings all happen on the banks of the Breede River, cushioned into the Overberg landscape.
Oh there’s something about the Breede! Anyone who has the fortune of frequenting this remarkable 300km-stretch of riverside bliss will tell you just how magical the Malgas life is. A beautiful body of water meandering the landscape, carving out an aquatic playground for us all to relish and revel in. A rugged terrain that rises and falls with mountain ranges and gentle hilltops. Home to the birds, the bees, the butterflies and little buck. Revered as the best fishing estuary, you’ll be out with the early birds and your worms. Or getting the skis on at dawn, before the river traffic begins. Perhaps a sunrise paddle in the kayaks or on the SUPS. Stunning walks along the mountain trails or a nice little hill climb for those that enjoy a hike. Or, you’ll be watching all of the action from the sublime comfort of your mammoth bed. Cocooned in the linen, listening to the squeals of joy that echo around the banks of the river. When you’re on the Breede, no matter the size of the clan or motive of your getaway, there will always be those moments when you simply savour the stillness, feeling the lovely breeze that wafts those earthy Overberg scents. Reminiscent of a farm life. It’s the place to really live the outdoor life. Even when you’re in a state of splendid repose, indoors.
At Milkwood Cove, you’ll be doing all of that. Early mornings on the lovely long verandah, with a delicious coffee as the kids light up the KolKol for their first dip of the day. Then onto the boards and the tubes as you glide down the river to the community’s trading post which is a little less than a 2km drive. Grab some freshly baked breads and warm croissants and head home for brunch. More relaxing on the loungers, swimming in the pool or games on the lawn. There are enough hours in the day to dive into more chapters of that book. With all of the lovely sunny reading spots or cosy indoor nooks, you’ll make it through a novel a day, almost. All of the meals will be around the long tables, with the farm-style kitchen sitting perfectly open-plan. There will be the odd picnic on the lawn or on one of the sandbanks that’s formed a little island. A quick row of the boat over to the beaches for a bit of cricket or treasure hunting for nature’s jewels. Then back for some pizza making in the pizza oven and hanging out around the boma. The sun will be setting and the marshmallows will be toasting. A magical time to resume the river watching as the colours bounce off the surface and back into the sky.
Resplendent river holidays
With its six beautiful bedrooms and enough bathrooms to keep the whole clan happy, a pyjama lounge with a TV, a large open-plan living and dining space, multiple levels of outdoor entertaining and reclining areas, there’s ample space for all of your favourite people. When you’re not all bonding on the water, you’ll be making memories around the fireplaces. Relishing the tranquility of riverside bliss.
What we love!
- The home is beautifully decorated in layers of earthy textures and tones. Lovely wooden shutters create a farm-style rustic touch, with elements of luxury in the finishes and lavish Victorian-inspired bathrooms.
- There are two wonderful housekeepers that reside on the property, who assist with the daily housekeeping, building the fires for the braai and fireplaces, setting up the fishing equipment (provided you have brought your own) and tending to the grounds. There are two SUPs and a canoe which guests are welcome to make use of.
- Whatever the season, Milkwood Cove is a special place to retreat to. The winter mornings when the valley is covered in mist is incredibly romantic and nostalgic. As you lie in bed watching the day come to life and listening to the prolific birdlife. The upstairs patio with the fireplace that can be enclosed with the large barn doors is also a lovely place to hang out together.
- There’s a little owl box on the property for the resident owls that love to signal the time of night. Adding to the quirky attributes of the home.
- Swimming in the pool or relaxing in the KolKol, then lounging on the lovely daybeds. Wading about for hours in the water, overlooking the river.
- Whilst some of you might be snoozing in your own suites in the afternoon, others will be in the kitchen, or in the pools. Some on the verandah, others on the river…there’s an abundance of space that either segregates or congregates, depending on what you and your clan fancy.
What you need to know…
- The property is no more than a 40-minute drive on the dirt road from the main turn off.
- It’s recommended to travel in a high clearance vehicle, and you should note that the driveway is incredibly steep! It is important that you are confident in navigating your way down the driveway as it is not an easy road to master. The lovely staff that reside on the property will be able to assist with your arrival should you require it.
- There is an outdoor shower for you to rinse off the river water, adjacent to the ground floor bedroom. An easy amble up from the property’s jetty, across the lawn and to the shower.
- It’s important to remember that you are in the bush. As relatively tame as Malgas is, there are small creatures to consider. Be cautious.
- There is a pool net for added safety if necessary. But no cover over the jacuzzi.
- If Milkwood Cove is not available on your dates, browse our full collection of exclusive-use holiday houses in Malgas.
Reviewed by Colleen Ogilvie