Houtenrus is only a few kilometres outside Tonteldoos, between the towns of Dullstroom, Lydenburg, Groblersdal and Middelburg. One family cottage is available on this pet-friendly, farm accommodation.

The cottage is fully equipped for four with a double bed in the main bedroom, a bunk bed for two in a small bedroom leading from the main bedroom, and even a cot in the main bedroom. A bathroom is also entered through the main bedroom, which has a large bathtub with windows one can open wide for a view over the landscapes, a shower, and a toilet. A large lounge and dining room if you really need to stay indoors and can’t use the large stoep with a pool table and weber.

We certainly found the large stoep the most welcoming area for chilling out, having meals, snacks, and sun-downers. We had a braai one evening but found the wind a bit uncomfortable on the stoep so I moved the weber to the back of the cottage underneath the carport, shielded from the wind and we had a lekker kuier. And then there was Jojo, the Border Collie pup in training to become a proper sheepdog. We saw him in action and he is the best thing we saw in all of 2018!

Owner Yvette O’Grady showed us around the farm. Our first visit was to the ruins of the first farmhouse built by the family that was burnt down by the Brits during the Second Boer War after they found out that Michael O’Grady was providing the Boers with fresh horses. Not far from the house is a small family graveyard and further down the road is a large rock pool in a stream where one can cool down on warmer days. There are plenty of kilometers of track to enjoy a relaxing walk, jog, or cycle. The Verloren Valei Nature reserves, a breeding ground for a number of Cranes, is adjacent to the farm and we spotted several cranes. In town, you will find a number of hot spots for a meal and a drink where the locals hang out and where visitors are even more welcome.

Going back is not an option. It is a must and part of our plan. Just to find the time…

Update: so we did return in 2020 shortly after the government allowed inter-provincial recreational travel again, and as before we had a great, relaxing time at Houtenrus. Things changed a bit. Jojo was killed by a snake, unfortunately, the pool table was scrapped and removed. The rest is basically the same: A great place for a relaxing break.

However, we, unfortunately, lost communications with the owners. They are not returning any of our messages and we are not sure if they are still fine, and Houtenrus still exists as a place of accommodation made available to the public. Should anybody know the status of Houtenrus please update Besembek at besembek@besembek.co.za and let us know if we should remove this entry or not.

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