Bergen Dam cottage

Bergen Dam is a very nicely renovated worker's cottage sitting stoksiel alone on the foothills of the Soetmuisberg mountains.

The uninterrupted views spilling out from all sides of the cottage include wide open stretches of undulating veld, low-slung mountains clad in fynbos and the farm's large irrigation dam - hence the name Bergen Dam.

This quaint cottage can sleep six max in two ensuite bedrooms: one of these has a double bunk and double bed, and as such, best suited to a young family.

The general style and decor is rustic, homely and comfortable: spaansriet ceilings, cement floors, rough walls, old country furniture, good mattresses and linen, and nice personal touches scattered here and there. The living area is open-plan and features a well-equipped kitchen, a fireplace and convivial dining table.

Complementing the away from it all atmosphere is the absence of electricity - Eskom just wouldn't feel at home here! Instead, there's a gas fridge, a gas stove/oven, and a wood-burning donkey for hot water.

Double glass doors lead from the living area to a lazy deck equipped with umbrella and table - a nice spot to enjoy that freebie bottle of wine - while to the other side there's a sheltered lapa with braai area.

A further stone's throw leads to an old cement farm dam - a good place to soak in those late afternoon Overberg views.

Between braaing, enjoying the vroetel pool, and general kicking back on the deck, the farm has loads of scope for walking, canoeing on the dam, bird-watching, and visiting the dairy to collect your fresh milk. Bergen Dam is also a fairly short hop from Arniston, Struisbaai, De Hoop and De Mond. A recent addition which opens up more hiking and mountain biking options, is the new trail and picnic spot on the Soetmuisberg Mountain, it should prove enough of a fix for the fitness junkies.

In other words, a very well rounded weekend package for a family or small group of friends.