Mobile Phone and WIFI
There is negligible to zero reception in the area – good news for guests wishing to tune out properly. For guests that need to be online, the property has two options: 1. A restricted service (under 3 mbps) – sufficient to manage WhatsApp texts 2. A premium service between 10 and 25 mbps. Please ask your host for more details; and password information will be provided on arrival.
Water
Drinking water is supplied from a filtered rain system with a dedicated tap (green marker) in the kitchen. Guests wishing to drink bottled water are encouraged to bring with them. Top ups can be purchased in Stilbaai, Riversdale and Heidelberg. Washing and general purpose water is supplied from a nearby spring.
Hot Water Boiler System
Once daily, a member of staff will make the boiler respecting guest privacy during the process. The hot water tap in the free standing bath can be very hot after the boiler has been made. Guests may not operate the boiler under any circumstances.
Cooking
There are braai facilities on the open deck and in the porch area; a small gas oven, gas stove and a cooking hearth located in the kitchen. Pls. ask our staff to demonstrate how to start the gas oven. For your safety please check that the gas hobs are dialled to the off position after use. The cooking hearth is a great facility ….so go traditional!
Fridges and Freezers
The kitchen is equipped with a 300L plus fridge and freezer and a bar fridge is situated on the porch / stoep.
Off-Grid Power System
The national power utility has been relieved of its duties – no load shedding here! The system can power phones, portable computers, tablets, small, portable sound systems and other low energy devices. Unfortunately, hair dryers, electric kettles, electric heaters …or anything with a heating element; cannot be utilised. The washing facility is powered by a larger system at the store – see “optional daily cleaning service”.
Optional Cleaning Service
A daily / ad hoc cleaning service including laundry is available on request. Pls. make the transaction directly with our staff, who will quote their standard rate including materials.
Outdoor furniture
Guests are encouraged to rearrange the outdoor furniture and cushions to get comfortable. There are blankets available for cold nights.
Plunge Pools
There are two plunge pools – both are filled with fresh spring water – no chemicals. Children are to be supervised at all times. Thorn & Feather accepts no liability for injury or accidents.
Water sports equipment
The watersport gear is located in a store near the river. The kayaks are the fastest crafts and the canoes are the most stable. Please take care of the equipment and report any damages if they occur. There are life jackets available including sizes suitable for children.
Private access to the Duivenhoks River
The river is safe for swimming and highly recommended. From the watersports store, a well maintained, shaded path leads to the water’s edge. The property has recently installed a floating dock (jetty). There are poles and steps to assist in mooring watercraft and getting on and off the bank. Thorn & Feather does not accept liability for injury or accidents.
Launching a motor boat
There is no launch facility on the property. Guests intending to launch a motor boat can do so at one of two public slipways in the area; and, drive the boat to the Thorn & Feather Jetty. Please speak with your host to get details.
Pet policy
Guests wishing to bring dogs are requested to please communicate this intention before a reservation is confirmed. Regrettably, large dog breeds and/or large numbers of dogs cannot be accommodated.