I can’t help but try to find a little fish or frog as the river water babbles along side me. Slow, black tea coloured water swoons into nearby rock pools as the reeds sway to the sound of the river. Nothing soothes the mind like the sound of water over boulders. Welcome to the back garden of the Riverstone House.
What Brought Us Here
A night away with friends, pure bliss! Max, Norm, Dean, Tracey, Mr John and I drove out to Wolseley; a small farming village on the way to Ceres (between Goudini and Tulbagh) to steal a quick night away from the city.
Having previously stayed in the area at the Arum Lily Cottages, we had a preview of how Wolseley is and were super keen to return.
Riverstone House in Wolseley
The Riverstone House is a modern farm home with high ceilings, large furnishings and a focus on lounging around to the sound of nature. Whether on the large lounge couches next to the fire or on the patio lounges to the sound of the river, tranquil is the name of the game.
Reasons To Stay at the Riverstone House
- Comfortable drive from Cape Town (130kms).
- Fully furnished including washing machine.
- Indoor fireplace and outdoor braai.
- Four bedrooms with mix of double/twin beds.
- Two bathrooms with shower and bath (good for families).
- Gas stove if braaiing isn’t your thing.
- Lots of space so easy for a number of couples (we were 3).
- 4×4 car not needed to access house.
- Guests are allowed to run on the farm if you’d like to exercise.
- First aid kit in the bathroom could prove useful.
- Loads of plugs to charge laptops or mobiles if you’d like to work remotely.
- Working wifi for said working remotely.
- Towels provided which is convenient if you don’t live in Cape Town.
What To Do at the Riverstone House
We were so happy to be together, relax, drink some wine and hang out in the fresh air. Sundowners took place on the steps of the back garden that’s more like the front garden as it looks over the river, beautiful mountains and clouds.
Salads were made in the fully kitted kitchen with ample prep space. The boys then braaii’d while the girls drank wine and danced to the Spice Girls inside.
We had a big dinner feast at the large dining room table before retiring for the night.
Cons of Riverstone House
- Wooden shutters allowed for the morning light to creep in and I’m a late riser who likes to sleep like a bat in a cave. So bring along an eye mask so that the light doesn’t disrupt you.
- Hot water didn’t work in the morning so showering was a bit of a fail. It was fixed but it took time for the water to come down, which was a bit late at that stage. (I’m sure this is a once off though.)
- Bedrooms not en suite – wasn’t an issue for us but could be for some.
Bathrooms
The bedrooms at the house are not en suite, however, there is a bathroom between each bedroom (2 bathrooms, 4 bedrooms). This bathroom, which we shared with Dean & Tracey had a shower and bath. The counters were big enough to put things out to the left.
Final Impression
We LOVED our stay at the Riverstone House. It was so special taking off Monday morning and enjoying a slow start as the soft misty rain trickled outside. This also meant happy, chirping birds and rainbows at sunrise.
It was the best Monday morning I’d had in a long time!
If you’re looking for modern and comfortable home for a weekend away that can cater for up to 8 adults, then look no further than the Riverstone House.
Rates for Riverstone House
Minimum stay 2 nights on weekends. Enquire for 1 night weekday stays.
Book The Riverstone House from R1600.00 (includes two guests).
- Guests 3 – 8 are charged R400.00 per person.
- Children between 7 and 12 are charged at R150.00.
- Children under 7 stay free.
Thank you to the Riverstone House for having us!
