The Tsitsikamma area holds a number of childhood memories for me. As a child, I often vacationed at the Tsitsikamma National Park where I watched those who could afford chalets, with envy from my caravan window. While nothing could detract from the beauty of my surroundings, I yearned for proper plumbing, and beds that didn’t sway from side to side every time a grown up went to the loo in the middle of the night.
But you know what, I think life has a way of working itself out. When we got offered a chance to stay at Tsitsikamma Village Inn around the corner for a hugely discounted rate, I couldn’t have been more thrilled. Finally, I could enjoy the luxury of freshly made beds, aircon and breakfast made by someone else (and cleaning up afterwards). Oh, and it is WAY more fancy than the national park down the road. YAY!
This sprawling estate can accommodate around 270 people, although you’d never guess. All the buildings are part of the original estate so your room may be part of the Old Pastorie (the minister’s house) or it could be one of the old stables. We were accommodated in one of the old fisherman’s cottages but it was so beautifully decorated, that it was probably a far cry from what it used to look like so many years ago.
Every room is decorated differently and they are currently renovating a wheelchair friendly room that should be available in a month or two. While the room they currently have is accessible via wheelchair, the bathroom hasn’t yet been converted. I love how there are water features all over the place. It really helps to enhance that atmosphere of relaxation. I was pleasantly surprised to find that they even had self catering room options. If you’re looking for a room that includes a kitchenette, give them a call to check availability.
The first thing I noticed was the lovely ivy lined lane that leads all the way up to reception. Talk about a photographer’s dream! I could just imagine what stunning wedding photos could be taken there.
Unfortunately, while brides are welcome to marry on the premises or even just take photos, this little bed and breakfast takes the work load of their staff very seriously. Since they have to be up before the call of the rooster to prepare and serve breakfast, they found that handling the catering and serving at weddings that run until late, didn’t work for their business. Completely understandable.
There is something very tranquil about the estate. Despite Darnell Street being the village “Main Road”, you might expect more noise since it sits right next to a small craft brewery and Marilyn’s 60’s Diner complete with old cars on display but you have nothing to worry about.
So what about the rest of us normal people? What’s in it for us? Well, it is located in the middle of a wide range of activities. You are just down the road from Bloukrans Bungee jumping, if that’s your thing, or Black Water Tubing in the Storms River Mouth for those hot summer days. For the more family orientated, you can walk to Segway and zip around town for their 1 or 2 hour packages (more about that in our next blog post) or head to Falls Adventure Zipline which is a stone’s throw away (more about that in a blog post coming soon). For you nature lovers, you will be pleased to know that the famous Big Tree is less than 1km away and perfect for exploring with your family.
In fact, their winter special offers ties 2 nights accommodation, a burger at Marilyn’s 60’s diner, a 1 hour Segway tour and an Adventure Falls zipline course together into a perfect weekend getaway for just R1480 per person (bed and breakfast). I mean, really now. Deals like that rarely come around any more.
Our visit to The Big Tree
Now while bed and breakfast if fabulous, what about dinner options? Well, I already mentioned Marilyn’s 60’s Diner for burgers and shakes but there is also a pizza place over the road that makes delicious pizzas with any 4 toppings for R75. We tried it and we can highly recommend it for those nights you’re in the mood for dinner and a movie at home. Of course, you could also book a table for the on site restaurant at Tsitsikamma Village Inn. Let me know what you think of the special touch you find on your table. 😉
Disclaimer: We were offered an opportunity to stay at a greatly reduced rate but weren’t asked to write a blog post. All words, pictures and opinions are honest and completely our own. Visit the Tsitsikamma Village Inn website for more information.
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