The Retreat at Groenfontein is a Victorian farmhouse set on a 560 hectare farm in the beautiful Groenfontein Valley Conservancy, bordering the 129,000 hectare Swartberg Nature Reserve in the Klein Karoo. It lies off Route 62, 19 km north east of Calitzdorp and 59 km north west of Oudtshoorn, at the end of a lovely winding gravel road. The house, filled with yellowwood and mellow Oregon pine, has a lounge and dining room, each with its own ceramic fireplace to keep them cosy on chilly winter evenings, leading onto a wide verandah overlooking the sweeping gardens and the majestic Swartberg mountains.

Rooms are spread between the main house and the gardens: the converted milking sheds hold the family suites, the old weaving sheds and creamery have become characterful garden rooms with fireplaces and mountain views, and the main house offers queen and twin rooms opening onto the patio. Rates are per person sharing, room only, with breakfast and a three course dinner available from the kitchen. There is a swimming pool in the garden, wifi across the property, a library and lounge, and the surrounding conservancy is walking and birding country under big Karoo skies. Pets are welcome by prior arrangement. The Retreat is a BirdLife South Africa affiliated property.