AN orange-breasted sunbird awaits us as we wind our way around the first bushy corner – before it disappears black-wing sskrang-sskrang-sskrang into the nearby thick coastal fynbos.
A rare treat, we deem, unaware of the abundance of these splendid birds – and many more – that will later honour us with their presence.
Horses neigh to the right of the dirt road . . .
And then, just around the next corner, nestled between thick coastal fynbos teeming with a multitude of bird species and large dune fields, Dune Ridge Country House exudes a serenity and splendour where silence envelops one – amplified by the crisp air, as only found in nature.
Perfect to escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life – and to gaze at the star-filled sky.
If it is not raining.
On arrival we are met by owner, Sarah Swanepoel (38).
We ask about the award-winning establishment.
Swanepoel smiles, “The country house was built in early 2000, utilising local, as well as recycled materials: reed patio ceilings, stone fireplace and walls, beautiful oregon pine flooring and fixtures that still bear the mark of well-worn floors from an old school.
“We are extremely conservation conscious, ensuring that the footprint of the country house is at an absolute minimum. Furthermore, all produce utilised either comes from our own gardens or locally sourced, while our rubbish is separated and recycled.
“The wet matter all goes into our vermicompster for the production of organic fertiliser.”
Old-world charm
She then takes us to one of the four stylish garden suites attached to the main house. Our accommodation for the night.
The 60m² suite, filled with old-world charm, has been meticulously designed to seamlessly blend into the incredible landscape – with painstakingly selected interior and décor: dark hued furniture, four poster bed and a large bathroom (ball-and-claw bath and heated floor) with windows that overlook the garden.
There is even a personalised welcome note: “A very warm welcome to Dune Ridge! Adopt the pace of nature; her secret is patience. We hope you have a lovely stay! Sarah, Lara and the Dune Ridge Team”.
The meticulous attention to every detail, anticipation of every need and a willingness to accommodate are special.
“We want to keep it exclusive and intimate,” Swanepoel says. “This enables us to cherish and pamper our guests.”
Time to explore
Bags unpacked, it is time to explore the winding fairy-tale paths of the indigenous walking trails – blissfully in our own time.
Past the crystal clear pool, perfect for lazy afternoons or warm summer days, and a unique bush spa.
Undisturbed vegetation follows. There are even the ruins of an old building.
A few forest musicians dare to approach us curiously, and in the distance we can hear the waves lapping serenely on the shore.
No photo can represent the beautiful landscape and no word can describe it.
The sun is setting and we decide to turn back.
Back at the cottage we enjoy something to drink on our private patio overlooking the garden – soaking up the last rays of the sun, while dark-grey clouds pack together.
Time to leave
On the Saturday morning, we enjoy a last cup of coffee on the patio – raindrops glistening in the early morning sun, the breeze bitterly cold.
Then it is time to go home.
The award-winning establishment, situated in the quaint coastal town, St Francis Bay, offers an experience which few offer – a getaway that is guaranteed to leave you feeling refreshed, revitalised and completely spoilt.
It has far more grandeur than your average holiday spot.
- Relax on the loungers and soak up the sun in the beautiful and private swimming pool area.
- Enjoy a Frogging Safari where armed with gum boots, head lights and frogging-enthusiast, Henry, guests will explore the local frog hot spots. While mucking about in the mud, guests get to catch these little hoppers, bag, identify and carefully release them back into the wild.
- Explore the dune and coastal forest walks.
- Accommodation: Three cottages (family cottage and two garden cottages) and four garden suites – all individually designed and decorated with its own distinctive atmosphere. Facilities include a mini-bar, television with selected satellite channels and a hair dryer, as well as complimentary tea- and coffee-ma-king facilities.
- Exquisite dining: Dinners are served in the beautiful dining room or out on the patio, surrounded by lanterns in the summer months. The menu is created utilising ingredients from Dune Ridge’s own vegetable garden or sourced locally to produce the finest in quality.
- Rejuvenate: Guests can surrender themselves to the ancient powers of mother earth – rejuvenating all their senses, replenishing their spirit and regaining inner peace at the authentic Bush Spa, tucked away on the ridge of the dunes amidst coastal fynbos.
- Information: For more information, contact 082 500 4922 or 042 294 1560. Alternatively, send an email to reservations@duneridgestfrancis.co.za.
