Glentana Cottage with a View

This is a second generation holiday cottage in the coastal hamlet of Glentana for the past 47 years . I made this my permanent home 5 years ago and gladly share the peace and tranquillity of this place with travelers to the Garden Route in South Africa.

I'm a passionate reader of good books, some of which you will find in my home. I am equally passionate about South Africa, its politics, history and people.

South Africans are famous for their hospitality and you will find yourself well looked after while you visit.

Up until 1968 there were only 12 cabins on Glentana's beach front which belonged to 12 clergymen who rented the properties on a 99-year lease from the local Divisional Council. My parents rented one of these cabins through our church's clergyman for many years prior to purchasing their own stand.

There were no water or electricity supplied in those days. Rain water, collected in a concrete tank next to the cabin, provided water for household consumption. And since there was no bathroom, we were rinsed off outside in a big enamel dish and a pit latrine catered for the rest. Cooking was done on a Dover wood stove and a small paraffin driven fridge kept food cool. Lanterns and candles provided light in the evening and there was no such thing as sunscreen then.

Much has changed since 1968 - except that Glentana has fortunately remained a non-commercialized, calm and tranquil haven. The soft sandy beaches are still unspoilt and the mountains to the east are still covered with fynbos. There are still no fences around our properties and the living is still easy.

We now have one beautiful, licenced restaurant, Visgraat (fish bone), on the beach front serving the most amazing local cuisine, light meals, beers and cocktails. Essential to book in season.

You will find abundant bird life in the thicket surrounding the garden and will regularly spot the beautiful Knysna Loerie flying overhead, pheasants taking a dust bath or just roaming around the garden.

For groceries we drive 12 km west to Great Brak River where you will find a Spar, Pick n Pay and a Steers fast food as well as dozens of coffee shops and eateries. For serious retail therapy we travel 22 km to George where you will find city things like the Garden Route Mall and shops catering for any other requirements.

Kick off your shoes, take off your watch and experience the unflawed tranquillity, beauty and pristine environment of the Glentana coastline.

The Garden Route is a stretch of coast from Mossel Bay to the mouth of the Storms River, sandwiched between the Outeniqua and Tsitsikamma Mountains and the Indian Ocean. The mild Mediterranean climate makes this a year round adventure and holiday destination.

This property overlooks the small hamlet of Glentana with beautiful views of the ocean. It is elevated against a hill, on the edge of a green belt and at the end of a quiet Cul-de-sac.

Although we changed and renovated the house over the years, it is still an easy living holiday house, 5-minutes walk from the beach. Perfect for long-stay family holidays, or an ideal base from where to explore the magnificent Garden Route on a short-stay, stop-over between Cape Town and inland travel.

The more adventurous traveller will find no shortage of adrenaline fuelled activities in a 30-kilometer radius from Glentana. The Garden Route is famous for its hiking trails, but you will also find skydiving, canoeing, kayaking, canyoing, abseiling, rock climbing etc., on the outdoor activity menu.

Day trips to the Cango Caves in Oudtshoorn, a variety of wine farms for wine tasting or visiting our local Farmer's Markets and Knysna will provide lasting memories.