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klippe rivier country house

Klippe Rivier Country House, just outside of Swellendam, is a fine example of Cape Dutch Architecture, and was built circa 1820 to 1825 and is one of the white-walled beauties of the Cape. The thatched Cape Dutch homesteads were designed to last, as the walls were built with layered clay or clay bricks (often half a meter wide) were designed to keep the houses cool in summer, and warm in winter.

The floors in such Country House's were generally of polished wood, and Klippe Rivier Country House itself retains the original yellowwood flooring and ceilings, which is quite unique. External doors were panelled in the best wood, and in this case the doors in the front rooms are stinkwood and yellowwood with a neat butterfly-joint inlay on the back of each door.

Typically the outhouses of such Homesteads were barns and stables, and in the case of Klippe Rivier Country House, these have been converted into six luxury, air-conditioned, guest suites, each of which is named for a previous owner of the property. The three spacious downstairs rooms each have an open fireplace, dressing room and generous en-suite bathroom with separate shower and toilet. The Three loft rooms are under thatch, and offer mountain views and have private balconies. In addition, there is a secluded cottage with its own fireplace and private garden.

Although the interiors of homesteads were often sparse to the extreme, Klippe Rivier has been personally decorated by the owner, from an impressive collection of Cape antiques, coupled with a fine selection of paintings. The interiors have the feel of a country house, but with an African twist.

You can relax at the salt water swimming pool, and enjoy the company of owls in the Oak Trees. Guests can also indulge in a game of croquet. For birders, there is the delight of watching water birds from a peaceful bench at the water's edge – where two well placed "hides" have been created. Take a stroll to the gum trees at the top of the farm, and for the more energetic, take the gravel road which leads to the Breede Rivier.

There are a number of other activities available in the area, such as forest walks, canoeing, golf, horse riding, glider flips, and water skiing.

Quick and Convenient: Request a Quote and further information View the Klippe Rivier Country House Photo Gallery Why not combine your stay in Cape Town with a Safari in Botswana, Namibia or Kruger National Park - click here for details