Braeside Bed & Breakfast

Not a hotel, not a motel ... but more a personal experience with which to enrich your stay in historic Swellendam.

Description

Peace and tranquillity are found in the large grounds, complete with koi pond and abundant birdlife. Our breakfast is an unforgettable experience, served in the summer on the open verandah and matched only by the beauty of the surroundings. Braeside is an ideal getaway retreat or stopover, from which to explore the hiking trails, historic sights, Bontebok National Park, whales at De Hoop Nature Reserve, Robertson/Bonnievale wineroute and Garden Route.

Honeymoon Couples :
We have a luxurious honeymoon suite and the most breathtaking mountain views of all guest houses or any other accommodation in Swellendam. Swellendam is the 3rd oldest town in South Africa and been described in most travel guides as the most beautiful town in South Africa. Swellendam is unspoilt and has a natural charm and beauty to it. Also Braeside offers you peace and tranquillity. The honeymoon suite is decorated with antiques, a big corner bath, 100% pure cotton linen/towels, fresh flowers in bedroom and bathroom, candles everywhere and chocolates on the pillows. A complimentary bottle of muscadel/port and sparkling wine is provided.

No other Swellendam guesthouse is so ideally situated to offer you such breathtaking views as you will enjoy as you breakfast leisurely on our patio balcony... with perhaps only the sound of bird songs, and free from the instrusive traffic noise of the main street of the town.

Our inclusive breakfast features a delicious buffet selection including local and imported cheeses, cold meats, cereals, yoghurts, fresh fruit, breads and muffins, jams and jellies, fruit juices and much more. Follow this with a freshly cooked hot breakfast of eggs, bacon, sausage, mushrooms, tomatoes and whatever specials are on offer.

Your hosts Iain and Leon invite you to relax in four star comfort at our majestic Cape Edwardian guest house situated in a secluded and peaceful area of the picturesque town of Swellendam. Experience traditional South African hospitality at very affordable room rates and let us pamper you with our lavish personal service. You may arrive as a stranger, but will leave as a friend!

Located on the outskirts of the town, Braeside offers breathtaking views from its huge secluded grounds of the Langeberg Mountains and the unspoiled Marloth Nature Reserve. No other Swellendam guest house can offer this inspired setting. Our inclusive breakfast is a truly unforgettable experience, served on the patio balcony and matched only by the beauty of your view.

Choose from any of our five full-facility guest rooms each decorated with a different theme and all with en suite bathrooms. All rooms have pure cotton linens and towels, televisions with satellite channels, hairdryers, fridges, tea and coffee making facilities. We have a refreshing swimming pool and room air conditioning to cool you down in our Summer heat.

Attractions

Swellendam boasts many historic building including the Drostdy Museum and Moeder Kerk, all within easy walking distance of Braeside. There is a 9-hole golf course for golfing enthusiasts and for hikers and mountain climbers there are many interesting trails in the Marloth Nature Reserve and Langeberg Mountains.

There are many other attractions close by including the Bontebok National Park, De Hoop Marine Nature Reserve, Grootvadersbosch indigenous forest for birding, the Breede River for canoeing and kayaking, Arniston/Waenhuiskrans, Barrydale, Montagu's hot springs and Robertson's wine routes. A guided tour can be arranged to any of these attractions.

Our dining facilities are open for sumptuous breakfasts. A full continental breakfast is provided together with an English breakfast cooked freshly to order. During winter months you can enjoy your meal in the cosy dining room warmed by a lovely log fire. In summer, breakfast is served on the covered verandah with its beautiful views over the garden and the mountains. Dinner is available by prior arrangements and features many traditional local specialities. Alternatively, there are many good restaurants in Swellendam for you to enjoy and most of these are within walking distance of Braeside.

After a day's sightseeing relax and unwind around the pool area or in the tranquil garden and reminisce on the day or read a book. Enjoy a glass of wine or a cold beer on the terrace or around the pool.

Braeside is your warm and welcoming home-away-from-home.

Whale watching is the most popular tourist attraction off the southern coast of South Africa in our winter months.The Southern Right Whale leaves its Antarctic habitat, and migrates close to our coast to breed in the warmer waters, often approaching within a mere stone's throw of the shore with its young.
All the best vantage points are only a short drive away from Swellendam. See our whales page for more pictures...and sounds ! ...

Hiking & Riding » Hike the Marloth Nature Reserve in the Langeberg Mountains overlooking Swellendam. Routes range from short 1km walks, to strenuous ten-hour hikes For real enthusiasts, overnight hikes can be arranged, lasting from two to six days. These hikes can be tailored to suit the requirements of individual hiking groups.Mountain bikes are available for hire by the day, or half-day, if you prefer your recreational exercise at a slightly faster pace, and we can suggest many scenic trails for you to follow ...

Thrills » Shark! Yes, that legendary predator, the Great White Shark, is not just indigenous to Australia. It also hunts around the southern coast of South Africa, especially along 'Shark Alley' in the ocean waters off the fishing village of Gansbaai
Feeling very brave? If you are, then we can arrange for you to be lowered into a strong (and very safe) galvanised steel cage into these waters to observe 'Jaws' close up for yourself. But still the thrill of a lifetime ..

Accolades

:Tourism Council of SA Star Grading

TGCSA Star Grading

Facilities

- braai / barbecue - onsite
- DSTV in room
- fireplace
- laundry facilities onsite
- lock-up safe
- outdoor pool
- parking all onsite
- private entrance
- radio in room
- restaurant onsite
- tea / coffee making facilities
- television in room (non-satellite)

Facilities
Your room is provided with coffee and tea making facilities and supplies, a small fridge with 2 complimentary beers, milk, and cold water, an electronic safe, TV with 2 satellite channels, hairdryer. All rooms are air conditioned except the Mountain View room, which has overhead fans. We provide electric blankets and heaters during the winter months.

A small swimming pool is provided for use by guests. Braeside has an ADSL connection and wireless 24-hour internet access. You can use your own laptop or, by arrangement one of Breaside's computers at no charge. Telephone and laundry services are available at a nominal charge.

Unlike many other guest houses in the area, we have ample and safe off-street parking for your car.

All our rooms are prepared with loving care, and always with those little personal touches that make all the difference ... All rooms have pure cotton linens and towels. We have a refreshing saltwater swimming pool and room air conditioning to cool you down in our Summer heat.

Our spacious Mountain View Room is also the Honeymoon Suite! Persian carpets and period furniture set the mood.This room has a queen size bed ,the bathroom features a large corner bath and separate shower.

The Safari Room with rustic ‘reed' ceiling and African Safari décor and has a double bed.

 Our Tribal Room has two single beds and is decorated with traditional African artifacts.

 The Africa Room is decorated in rich, warm tones and has a queen size bed and double doors leading to a private patio.

The Lavender Room features restful décor with a lavender theme. It has two 3/4 size beds and double doors opening onto a private patio.

Directions

Location