Greg Cox + Micky Hoyle
A fresh and supremely stylish take on a traditional farmhouse stay.
Montagu is a charming town in the Little Karoo whose quaint shops and restaurants, breathtaking mountain views and heritage architecture might leave you wanting to linger longer. Fortunately, we know just the spot.
Dating back to 1854, Jonkmanshof has had many incarnations during its almost-200-year life, including being the headquarters of the local newspaper, the town’s first restaurant, an art gallery, a hair salon and now – after a stylish and savvy facelift – two beautiful country homes. They’re co-owned by Jacques Erasmus of Hemelhuijs restaurant in Cape Town, so you can expect an utterly gorgeous evocation of Cape country life – and wonderful food.
The lodgings
Located in a quiet side street just off the main road, both homes offer spellbinding views of mountains, orchards and gardens. Inside, the owners have given the houses a fresh lease on life, while preserving key features, such as original wooden floorboards and high ceilings, and adding some warm country-style touches, such as exposed river-reed ceilings and a selection of the finest antiques and furniture.
A Jonkmanshof Experience
Also known as “The House Where Lemons Grow”, Jonkmanshof is home to the most charming citrus garden whose ornamental pots of lemon, orange and naartjie trees produce fruit that’s used to create bespoke products, from citrus sea salt flakes and organic limoncello to marmalade and even fruit-shaped soaps.
20 Bath Street
- Suite One with a king-size bed (can be made into twins) and en-suite bathroom with a shower and bateau bath
- Suite Two with a queen-size bed (can be made into twins) and en-suite bathroom with a bath and hand showerer
- wood-burning fireplace in the lounge
- library and desk
- fully equipped kitchen, with a wood-burning stove for winter)
- private garden with a farm-style swimming pool
- outside terrace with recliners and a dining table
- indigenous succulent greenhouse
- complimentary wifi
30 Bath Street
- Suite One with a queen-size bed (can be made into twins)
- Suite Two with a queen-size bed (can be made into twins)
- each suite has an en-suite bathroom with a shower and bateau bath
- wood-burning fireplace in the lounge
- fully equipped kitchen
- private garden with a farm-style swimming pool
- outside terrace with recliners and a dining table
- complimentary wifi
And, true to its pastoral setting, this is a white-noise-free space, which means there is no TV! All the better to immerse yourself in the majesty and tranquillity of the setting. Whether you rent out these homes exclusively, or on a per-room basis, Jonkmanshof is the perfect sanctuary for a quiet escape.
CHECK AVAILABLILTY + BOOK DIRECT
While you’re there…
Whether you choose to spend the day in the garden, lounging by the pools in summer, curling up with a book in front of the fire when it’s chilly, hiking in the mountains, rock-climbing, playing a round of golf, taking a drive in a classic car, or enjoying a coffee from a local café, you’ll find more than enough to keep you occupied – and utterly relaxed – at this Karoo idyll.
Distance from CT 2.5 hours
Child friendly? Yes
Pet friendly? No
CHECK AVAILABILITY + BOOK DIRECT
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