For more information on the area visit www.tourismcapeagulhas.co.za or call 028 424 2584.

Annie's Country Cottages
Snapshot: Two thatched cottages in garden setting
Where: in Bredasdorp
Sleeps: 4,4
Equipped: yes
Linen: yes
Towels: yes
Fireplace: yes
Braai: yes
Meals available: several restaurants within walking distance
Pet-friendly: no
Activities: museums & galleries, restaurants, walking, golf
Rate guide: R195pp - R220pp

If you are planning to base yourself in Bredasdorp itself, this could well be your best self-catering option. Annie's Country Cottages comprises a pair of traditional cottages located in a calm neighbourhood. Straddling a double erf, the cottages have their own street entrance, but share a lush elongated garden.

They are however set adequately apart to guarantee sufficient privacy. The Cottage (built in 1856) has two double bedrooms, while The Annex has a double bedroom, with a further two beds in the loft. If you are travelling as a group of four we would personallly opt for The Cottage as it's bigger and better equipped for a larger group.

The Annex, while a cosy option for two, would be a squeeze with a larger party. Both units are tastefully decorated and well equipped with most home comforts ? linen, Cadac braais, TV, tea and coffee, among them. Traditional rustic touches also abound, in form of quarry tiles, the sweet smell of thatch, characterful furniture, shutters, timber beams, a Queen Anne stove in The Annex and a Dover stove in The Cottage. Stepping outside, the cottages have their own patio and entertainment area, which leads into the pretty garden. All in all, Annie's is a neat uncomplicated option.

Bergen Dam Cottage, Bredasdorp
Snapshot: Large dairy farm with a secluded renovated worker's cottage
Where: 17km from Bredasdorp
Sleeps: 6 (in two bedrooms)
Equipped: yes
Linen: yes
Towels: yes
Fireplace: yes
Braai: yes
Meals available: no
Pet-friendly: by request
Activities: farm tours, swimming, stargazing, mountain biking, small game-viewing, farm animals, canoeing, birdwatching, walking
Rate guide: R170pp

Bergen Dam is a very nicely renovated worker's cottage sitting stoksiel alone on the foothills of the Soetmuisberg mountains. The uninterrupted views spilling out from all sides of the cottage include wide open stretches of undulating veld, low-slung mountains clad in fynbos and the farm's large irrigation dam ? hence the name Bergen Dam.

This quaint cottage can sleep six max in two ensuite bedrooms: one of these has a double bunk and double bed, and as such, best suited to a young family. The general style and decor is rustic, homely and comfortable: spaansriet ceilings, cement floors, rough walls, old country furniture, good mattresses and linen, and nice personal touches scattered here and there.

The living area is open-plan and features a well-equipped kitchen, a fireplace and convivial dining table. Complementing the away from it all atmosphere is the absence of electricity ? Eskom just wouldn't feel at home here! Instead, there's a gas fridge, a gas stove/oven, and a wood-burning donkey for hot water. Double glass doors lead from the living area to a lazy deck equipped with umbrella and table ? a nice spot to enjoy that freebie bottle of wine ? while to the other side there's a sheltered lapa with braai area.

A further stone's throw leads to an old cement farm dam ? a good place to soak in those late afternoon Overberg views. Between braaing, enjoying the vroetel pool, and general kicking back on the deck, the farm has loads of scope for walking, mountain biking, canoeing on the dam, bird-watching, and visiting the dairy to collect your fresh milk. Bergen Dam is also a fairly short hop from Arniston, Struisbaai, De Hoop and De Mond. In other words, a very well rounded weekend package for a family or small group of friends.

For more information and booking enquiries for the above properties, visit www.budget-getaways.co.za