Rest for the soul at Zielenrust

The dramatic peaks of the Hawequa Mountains form the backdrop to this secluded mountain cottage just outside Wellington. Many times, you arrive at accommodation that was described as private or secluded to find yourself pretty close to other units or people. This is not the case at Zielenrust Mountain Cottage. Nestled in the mountain the only sign of civilization is the far-off buildings and lights of the town Wellington. Although absolutely ideal for couples looking for romance and privacy, Zielenrust is also a great getaway for a small family or group of friends. If you are looking for a place to re-charge and re-connect this secluded mountain cottage needs to be on your bucket list when it comes to travelling locally.

The Cottage

The best way to describe the cottage would be rustic elegance with a generous helping of luxury. It has everything you need, from a well-equipped kitchenette to an outside shower with a stunning view of Wellington. The cottage can sleep six people at a push but is ideally suited for a couple with two kids. There is one stunning master bedroom, one smaller bedroom with two single beds and a sleeper couch in the lounge. The décor has been carefully selected to compliment the beautiful stone the cottage is built with.

When the weather is cold the indoor fireplace is the perfect spot to curl up with a glass of wine. The cottage also boasts a spacious stoep with a lovely dining table where one can spend long evenings enjoying good company and food. And in front of the stoep there is a comfy hammock where you spend lazy afternoons listening to birdsong and taking in the view.

I must be honest when searching for accommodation I am often sold by a bathtub with a view. So you can imagine my excitement when I entered the master bedroom at Zielenrust and saw the beautiful bath tub in front of the a very large window. I could happily have spent most of our stay just relaxing in that tub enjoying the beautiful view.

The Hot Tub

Another highlight of our stay was the wood fired hot tub! Owner, Thonéll, lit the fire as soon as we arrived and the pool soon was toasty. We literally couldn’t wait to hop into the hot tub. We ended up spending most of the afternoon relaxing in the hot tub. Amélie couldn’t get enough of the warm water. Luckily by the time the sun started to set she was tired, and Peet and I got to enjoy the beautiful view with a glass of the farm’s own Chenin Blanc (which was really good).

The Surrounds

During our stay at Zielenrust we enjoyed exploring the area around the cottage. The single-track pathway, just next to the cottage, takes you over little bridges, past a graveyard and all the way to a stunning panoramic view of Wellington. For avid birders the birdlife around the cottage was a real treat. When the large variety of Fynbos around the cottage is in flower one can easily spot Sun-birds and Bee-eaters.  

Thonéll, owner and manager, goes out of her way to make your stay at Zielenrust unforgettable. Zielenrust is one of the most beautiful and unique places we have visited. It truly is, as the name promises, a place your soul rests.

Thank you Patat and Thonéll for hosting us.

Photos: Fay van Eeden, Peet van Eeden