Mountain View Guest House, Graaff-Reinet

When planning our road trip to Port Shepstone we decided that the best place to stop overnight would be Graaff-Reinet. I am so glad that we did, as the Eastern Cape offers very little in the way of places to stay and eat in the small villages. Our decision was based solely on driving time. With a 7 hour drive from work, and an 11 hour drive the following day, comfortable beds were imperative. Using booking.com, Dave chose Mountain View Guest House. Our other criteria included off street parking for the race car, and a room with two single beds for the mechanics.

Room 1 Mountain View Guest House
Room 1 Mountain View Guest House
Mountain View Guest House

On our first night, Dave and I were in room 1. The room had a standard double bed which I was a bit disappointed in as I was sure I had booked a room with a larger bed. The bed itself was comfortable and I managed to get an average nights’ sleep. The room was wonderfully appointed with some old treasures such as a sewing machine table doubling as a TV stand. I made use of the sleeper couch for our suitcase and did not bother to unpack as we were only staying one night. Amenities included conditioning shampoo and soaps but only 2 bath towels and a hand towel, which is never enough for me. We were provided with an assortment of coffee and teas as well as rusks, and two chocolates.

Breakfast At Mountain View Guest House
Breakfast
Bed and Breakfast

Not knowing what time we would leave for Port Shepstone I did not book breakfast. Eric and Dave decided we should leave at 7h30 so I asked Elizma if we could have breakfast at 7h00. She was most accommodating and our 5 hot breakfasts were made to order. There was also a selection of cereals and fruit we could help ourselves to, as well as yoghurt and juice. The breakfast was really generous and on the second morning I opted for a smaller portion. We were given a choice of eggs, toast, mushrooms, sausage, bacon and tomato. Filter water is provided in a dispenser and I used this to make our coffee, both in the room and at breakfast.

Room 5 Mountain View Guest House
Room 5 Mountain View Guest House
Our second night

We booked again for the return trip and this time Dave and I were in room 5. The room had a king size bed but no place for our suitcase. The light switch is at the far end of the room which does not make sense to me. The bedside lamps have energy-saving bulbs which need to brighten up before you can read with them. Other than the shower heads which I personally don’t like, the showers in both rooms were perfect. I asked Elizma for a second bath towel which was not a problem at all.

Shower In Room 5 Mountain View Guest House
Shower In Room 5
Booking again

If we race in Port Shepstone next year I will most certainly book again. I will ask for Room 5 even though it was not as beautifully appointed and you can hear the staff in the morning when they are in the kitchen. We made use of the breakfast room for drinks and this was all cleared up for us. Elizma was most accommodating and she provided a lot of information in each room on where to eat, go to in an emergency and even have your hair cut. The house rules are quite strict, including no visitors but I wonder how many people read them? Wi-Fi is provided and the signal was great in both rooms.

Somewhere To Sit and Somewhere To Dine
Somewhere To Sit and Somewhere To Dine
Historic Building and When in Graaff-Reinet

The house was built in 1834 and is one of the numerous Heritage Monuments in Graaff-Reinet. It is one of the oldest historic homes in the area retaining its authentic Yellow Wood and Oregon Pine flooring and doors. I only looked up the information about this fourth oldest town in South Africa as we arrived, as I was really interested about the Dutch Reformed Church. It is a national monument and the only known church in South Africa to have a kitchen and a chimney. If we ever head back there I want to visit the Agave Distillery. When Dave was racing Nationals he would stay at The Drostdy Hotel. This Cape Dutch building was built in 1806 as the local seat of government by the Dutch East India Company.

Contact them on +27 49 892 3066 or use this link to book your accommodation and get 10% back after your stay.

Inspiration published on Lavender and Lime September 27

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16 thoughts on “Mountain View Guest House, Graaff-Reinet

  1. Tandy, I was delighted to see these posts about Graaff-Reinet as we can trace my maternal lineage right back to the early days of the town and there is still a square named after one of my great Grandfathers! My 2nd name is Reinet in family tradition, as the family was connected to Reinet House, is it still a museum? Laura

    1. Laura, that is so amazing. And I love the tradition of using the family name as a middle name. My mother-in-law has that. Next time we are there I hope to spend some time exploring and then I can look out for the square and see if the house is still a museum.

  2. It’s so annoying when there is not adequate room to put your suitcase. I think it’s good that you mentioned your room numbers, that is so helpful when reading reviews. I always make sure I do that.

    1. I learnt that from Lorraine (NQN). I have a kist in our guest bedroom for the suitcase. It really makes like so much easier and yet so many places we stay at don’t think of it.

  3. Hi Tandy, how exciting to be traveling to a car race, sounds like the little village you stayed in and the inn was a beautiful place with a very interesting background.

  4. What is it with the whole towels thing – don’t other people need an extra when they wash their hair?!
    Still – your hosts sound very accommodating.

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