Perfect Hideaways: High Country Cottage

Sometimes in the middle of nowhere, awaits an unexpected surprise. High Country Cottage is one; a magnificent, modern retreat and an ode to rugged mountain beauty.

In the Breedekloof Valley on De Vierde Liefde Private Nature Reserve, you’re just 20km from Tulbagh but a world away. It’s soulful here, peaceful, calm. Views overlook vineyards to the moody mountains, there’s birdsong in the air and fynbos everywhere.

Named also for the owners’ special love of mountains, High Country Cottage is a 21st-century interpretation of an African, barn-style farmhouse. As such, it has Cape Dutch colours with a thoroughly contemporary spin. Actually, it’s two separate barns, one a light-drenched, double-volume living space; the other a double-storey section with four spacious bedrooms and accompanying bathrooms. Linked by a glassed passage, the house is carefully designed for privacy and rest, alongside full-blown living.

A soulful home

Not just the house has personality, but so does each room. Décor throughout reflects the colours of the mountains, fynbos and evocative sunsets. Furnishings are a blend of colonial, contemporary and upcycled heritage pieces that all live comfortably together. And the house is alive with trees and plants throughout – and another 125 tree saplings planted outside too.

So you can choose your bedroom to match your own personality. The Finch Room has straw wall paper that reflects the natural surroundings in winter. Bedside pendant lamps hang at different heights and resemble birds’ nests – and there’s a finch image on the wall.

The Moody Room is muted in black, white and grey, including the pictures on the wall. Pale pink walls in The Moroccan Room reflect the colour of buildings in Marrakech, but also the sunset hues on the mountains. The pale green walls and burnt orange linen of The Colonial Room reflect classic shades of Africa, and furnishing hints of the old African safari era.

High Country Cottage embodies easy living. Sunshine streams in, plants flourish and there’s a vitality and lightness of being here. It’s a place that beckons you to bask. But you can also walk, hike or mountain bike as far as you can see in all directions. For natural beauty and space are here in large supply.