BAINS COTTAGE

Set deep into the gorge, beyond the dam, on the doorstep of ancient Bushman paintings, this is the most remote and private of the cottages in The Old Village. Home to Thomas Bain during the building of Greys Pass, which was opened in 1858, it is said that this is where his wife gave birth to their first daughter.

Overlooked by the extraordinary Grey’s Pass, named after the then governor of the Cape, and built by convicts by hand, this rustic cottage is for those wanting to Get Away From It All.

The only faces you are likely to encounter are those of the secretive Kalahari Bushman family, housed in an adjacent cottage as security for the area, due to their reputation for dreams and magic.

If stargazing and magical dreams are what you are looking for, then look no further.

Two bedrooms under beamed ceiling and thatch roof share a rietdak bathroom with shower and bath. The verandah encompasses views from deep in the kloof over the dam to the mountains beyond. Sunrises do not get more beautiful than here!

The authentic kitchen with its beamed hearth and grain mortar in the floor, now using gas for the modern appliances. Hot water comes from a solar panel, as does electricity for the lights.