The Coachman Guest House

We look forward to welcoming you to our home, where our aim is to provide not only an atmosphere of peaceful informality in comf

Description

Only a two hour easy, scenic drive from Cape Town or George, Swellendam is an ideal base for visitors to the Garden Route and Little Karoo. A charming farming town - located in the largest youngberry growing area in the world - it lies at the foot of the majestic Langeberg mountains.

Proclaimed a National Monument in 1983, the core of this Victorian house originally built in the Cape Dutch style, dates back to the 18th century. It forms part of a group of historical buildings situated in the oldest part of Swellendam.

There is a salt water swimming pool - ideal for cooling off when it's hot - and a lovely secluded garden with many fine specimen trees, shrubs, indigenous plants such as cannas, and aloes. It too has beautiful views of the Langeberg mountains

Our local knowledge can help you to make the most of your holiday. As people who also know the UK and Europe, as well as South Africa, we believe we understand your needs. Guide books can be excellent, but they can also be a little impersonal and sometimes out of date. We, as 'tourists in our own country' have first hand up to date knowledge of the Overberg and Garden Route, as well as other parts of the country.

If you're planning to stay at The Coachman Guest House, do get in touch. We'd be more than happy to help with any advice on travel plans to make your trip an even greater one!

Attractions

Golf and Bowls

Swellendam has a nine-hole golf course situated at the foot of the Langeberg mountains. It’s a friendly place with very reasonable green fees. The Coachman Guest House has two sets of clubs available free for guests. The bowls club will lend visitors woods. They do apply a dress code though.

Walking and Hiking

If you like walking and hiking then you will be spoilt for choice in the Overberg region. Nearest to Swellendam is Marloth Nature Reserve – home to the six-day Swellendam Trail though you can go for much shorter walks than this, some take no more than an hour! Spring is the best time to enjoy the colourful and varied display of fynbos.

A little further afield lies Grootvadersbosch near Heidelberg with its 250 ha of indigenous forests and bird hides. The adjacent Bosmansbos Widlerness offers a chance to hike “beyond civilisation” – whatever that may mean!

De Hoop near Bredasdorp has some seven eco-systems; the sea, dunes, rare lowland fynbos and a mountain, as well as the most pristine beach from which to view Southern Right Whales. Other wildlife includes bontebok, eland, red hartebeest, ostriches and a colony of endangered Cape vultures.

Bring good shoes. We will loan you a stick and hat.

Watersports and Activities

There are many and varied activities at the nearby Breede River, including Felix Unite River Adventures, Walkabout (again on the Breede River), Buffeljachts Watersport (on the Dam a few km from Swellendam), Breede River Goose Cruises (Bonnievale) and Breede River DreamCruises

Adrenalin Rush

If you must … Bungy jumping, bridge swing, tandem swing, trampoline bungy and climbing wall are all available for the inteprid traveller at the Gouritz Bungy – not far from Swellendam en route to Mossel Bay.

Facilities

Accommodation

 The Homestead

Proclaimed a National Monument in 1983, the core of this Victorian house originally built in the Cape Dutch style, dates back to the 18th century. It forms part of a group of historical buildings situated in the oldest part of Swellendam. Closely associated with the nearby Drostdy Museum - one of the finest museums in the Western Cape, it is reputed to have been the stable, coach house and saddler's dwelling serving the Drostdy complex.

We believe we have the most spectacular views of the "Moederkerk" one of South Africa's most photographed churches and the magnificent Langeberg mountains in this friendly and relaxed town.

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