In a land far away… happiness is a hamlet called Vermaaklikheid. Its unpronounceability may have saved it from becoming the next hipster place-to-be, or it could be just a tiny bit far for the masses to come for the weekend. Either way, long may the madding crowds stay away. Here you will find rustic, barefoot tranquillity at its most raw and simple best. Three separate stone bedrooms sleep up to nine rosy-cheeked river dwellers, sharing the Bath House (an indoor/outdoor affair with piping hot water pumped from the donkey boiler to a large stone bath and shower), two outdoor showers and two separate loos. These river folk (that’s you) gather in the evenings around abundant fireplaces both inside and outside the main living and cooking house, overlooking the moody waters of the Duiwenhoks River.

Well maintained gravel pathways wind between the buildings, past the yoga deck and one of two swimming pools, and down to the boathouse, where canoes, kayaks and Stand Up paddle boards are stowed ready for long days floating up and down the river.  For the fit and more adventurous, take these crafts to a wild, unspoiled beach at the river mouth, and travel back on the incoming tide.

Plenty of hiking and mountain biking to be done along deserted dirt roads in all directions. Off the grid, time stands still here and the modern world fades away. Thorn and Feather will steal your heart, take it for a romantic paddle up the river, cook it dinner on the fire under a starry sky and return it, smitten and exhilarated, and ready for the next adventure.