Secluded Mountain Cottage in Wellington

By The Married Wanderers On August 15, 2020

We jumped in our car, picked up a quick coffee and drove straight for the mountains! After 10 minutes up a gravel path our isolated cabin finally came into view. When travellers speak of finding “secret spots” in South Africa, this is what we hope to discover! Welcome to Zielenrust, a secluded mountain cottage in Wellington.

Although absolutely ideal for couples looking for romance and privacy, Zielenrust is also a great getaway for small families or friends. After months of isolation in lockdown we decided to make this trip a family getaway! What better way to catch up with loved ones than up in the mountains?

Watch our Zielenrust getaway here:

Rustic Elegance

The stone cottage sleeps six people at a push. We would say it’s ideally suited for 4 adults or one couple with two kids. There is one stunning master bedroom, one smaller bedroom with two single beds (that can’t be pushed together) and one sleeper couch in the lounge.

It is a newly built cottage with natural tones, modern comforts and solar-power which all perfectly compliments its surroundings.

Our top three features

Our top features have to be the hot pool, the bath tub views in the master bedroom and the isolated location of the cottage. Either one of these features is enough to get us packing.

When Rudi and I search for accommodation we’re often sold by the ‘Wood Fired Hot Tub’! They’re just so relaxing and almost healing. Also one of our favourite places to enjoy a craft gin sundowner!

This pool is especially romantic because it faces directly towards the sunset. *Tip: this is a spacious pool so start the fire early and keep the cover on before and after getting out to keep it toasty.

Wandering off

The dramatic peaks of the Hawequa Mountains form the backdrop to this secluded mountain cottage in Wellington. There is a single track path starting from the cottage leading right the way up to the top. We went for a walk/hike which took us under trees, over bridges, past a graveyard and all the way to stunning panoramic views over Wellington.

The birdlife at the cottage was an unexpected treat. The impressive variety of flowering fynbos brought in countless views of sunbirds and bee-eaters.

My mom spent hours just wandering around taking photos – to the point that we considered using the drone to try and spot where she had wandered off to ;).

If you’re a bird photographer then this is the place to be!

Quality time

The evenings were cold, bringing all of us together around the cosy indoor fireplace. Red wine, 30 seconds and a blazing fire is the perfect recipe for a memorable evening away!

How to Book the Zielenrust Mountain Cottage

View their website to see all their photos and facilities. You can then check their availability and book directly with the owners via the website.

How to Get to this Secluded Mountain Cottage in Wellington

Just a short one hour drive from Cape Town, this secluded mountain cottage in Wellington is located on the Patatskloof farm.

It says you need a 4×4 or at least a 2×4. We went in a normal bakkie and Jen’s sister actually managed to get up fine in her Hyundai i10. If you drive slowly and avoid extreme muddy, rainy weather then it should be fine. However the owners do offer to drive you up in their 4×4 (allowing you to leave your car at their property just below).