Cypress Cottage

Built in 1796 during the era of the Dutch East India Company's prominence, then renovated in 1840 following a fire, Cypress Cottage is a gorgeous combination of South Africa's main architectural influences. With yellowwood ceilings and doors, large archways, a broad veranda and farm-style doors, there is a distinct country charm. The lounge is an ideal spot for an evening drink by the fire, and the front porch is the perfect place to catch the breeze and enjoy a coffee or tea or something icy. There's also a welcome swimming pool, surrounded by a lush garden.

​There are two rooms in the main house and four in the property's old stables. All are ensuite and individually decorated with Victorian country charm and plenty of natural light. Rooms in the main house sit on the second floor and can sleep three. Rooms outside in the old stables open out to the garden, some with a private patio. The Garden Room has a gorgeous king-size sleigh bed and a bathroom with an old bare-claw bathtub and there's also a family unit, which sleeps five in two rooms.

Despite its low-key pace, there's plenty to keep busy with in the region. Swellendam itself is full of restaurants. Try Field & Fork in the Drostdy Museum for elevated classics, or follow your nose to Tredici, well-loved for its artisan bread and pastries. Afterwards, venture out to the nature trails in the Langeberg Mountains and Marloth Nature Reserve and make sure to explore Duiwelsbos Forest with its stunning rock pools for swimming in. If you can't decide, factor in a chat with host and owner, Etienne - she's a wealth of knowledge and offers personally-tailored tips for travellers.