Rose Cottage, Tulbagh Mountain Manor

Sometimes, the perfect getaway falls into your lap, like it did for us with Rose Cottage. Desperate for a weekend away I scoured suitable places within a 2 hour drive of us. I found Tulbagh Mountain Manor and everything sounded idyll.

Rose Cottage

We were warmly greeted upon our arrival, told to make ourselves at home, and that Mirna would soon be back from Paarl. No sooner had we settled in than this friendly face came to introduce herself. Mirna is bubbly and full of enthusiasm for life. She told us she runs an open house policy and if there was something we needed we just had to come and get it. The cottage is fully equipped and there was tea and coffee as well as UHT milk waiting for us. The kitchen is huge and just what you would expect to find in a farm house. Surrounded by pear orchards, the entire homestead has that rural feeling. The open plan kitchen faces the dining room which has a large, 8 seater table. We had our meals here, played cards and used the space to our advantage.

The perfect braai / fire

We could have sat outside and braaied, but the weather was not that cooperative and instead we opted to enjoy the indoor braai as both a means to cook, and warm the place. The lounge has two comfortable couches with a TV set hooked up to Netflix. But we were not there for television so it was not that important to us. As Rose Cottage is self catering we cooked our dinners when it suited us. This meant no getting dressed up to be anywhere, or having to rush through our meals.

Sleeping arrangements

Unlike our usual barge trips were space is at a premium, this trip with Eric and Bev was different. The bedroom they had was huge and included an en-suite bathroom with bath and shower. Our bedroom was smaller, but by no means small. The large bed was comfortable and with a blanket over our feet, warm enough. The only downside was that there is no door between the bedroom and en suite bathroom.

Tulbagh

On Saturday morning we went for a walk up the mountain towards Secret Falls. Milo, the very cute dog, accompanied us all of the way, whereas Mirna’s small Yorkie only managed part of the route. We did a lovely 3km round trip just before it got too hot. We then made our way into Tulbagh to see what the shops had to offer, and had lunch in town. From there we went to the Tulbagh Hotel to watch the Formula 1 qualifying, and to enjoy cocktails in their bar.

Breakfast and more

We opted to have breakfast at Tulbagh Mountain Manor instead of cooking it ourselves on the Sunday morning. This meant we could really relax while getting ready to leave. The breakfast was fantastic. Fresh fruit to start and a hot meal cooked to order. Being Mothers’ Day Mirna had also included fresh flowers for each lady, as well as a Toblerone chocolate. The cost of our weekend was extremely reasonable and I suggest you contact Mirna directly for better rates than you would find elsewhere.

Contact them on +27 72 778 9881 or use this link to book your accommodation and get 10% back after your stay.

Inspiration published on Lavender and Lime June 30:

• • 2019: Dracul
  • 2017: Salt Baked Beetroot
  • 2016: Chicken And Corn Soup
  • 2014: Panforte
  • 2013: Smoked Ravioli With A Butternut Filling
  • 2011: Vegetable Cous Cous
  • 2010: Black And White Pasta

Top of Page