This delightful collection of 2 stylish,self catering cottages,called Wild Almond are situated side by side but separated and very private in two very different styles of Karoo gardens in the quaint village of McGregor,only 2 hours from Cape Town.
I am also a recognised Super Host on AirBnB which is a recognition of outstanding service to guests and bestowed on achieving hosts.
The 1st cottage is named “THE ANNEX”
The 2nd is “THE COTTAGE”
But first let’s acquaint ourselves with the little gem of a village called McGregor, situated in the shadow of the magnificent Riviersondereinde Mountains. Time has stood still here and the pace is delightfully slow and relaxed. We are in the midst of wine and fruit farms and are on the winding “Road to Nowhere” so called because, once upon a time there was going to be a link with Greyton on the other side of the mountains…..it never happened and the road stops suddenly under the shadow of “Die Galg” a craggy peak approximately 10kms outside of McGregor, well worth a visit. In winter we are often surrounded by snow capped peaks and then its time to snuggle down in front of one of our roaring fires with a glass of McGregor’s best in hand. September is the month of flowers, with fields around McGregor carpeted with a magical display of dazzling colours, it will take your breath away.
Peaceful McGregor… on the road to nowhere…..rush hour is an unknown here
June to August is the glorious green season in McGregor, rolling fields of bright yellow suurtjies, elegant aloes and every type of succulent is in bloom
A warm welcome to Wild Almond, Mcgregor, in the beautiful Valley of Wine and Roses. As you slowly drive down Voortrekker street – our main village road in McGregor – you will immediately notice how this charming little farming village moves at a much slower pace. Locals tend to walk and talk in the middle of the road until they pick up that you are behind them, at which point they smile and give way. Locals and visitors are enjoying tasty treats at the Courtyard Café all freshly prepared by Meg and her team…..yum!
You have arrived for your well-deserved and much-anticipated break.
The entrance to the lovely and very private……. “THE ANNEX”
Down a cobbled passage way,a private and secret door awaits to welcome you into “THE ANNEX”
A gravelled,private Mediterranean garden outside “THE ANNEX” with aspiring Frantoia Olive trees and Karoo succulents as well as fragrant Rosemary make an ideal companion for that relaxing Weber braai
The vine covered verandah….in summer of course, encourages lazy days
This is the spacious lounge in “THE ANNEX” with wood burning stove for those colder Karoo nights.It is a great space to settle down with a good book or to stream a movie from Netflix and a glass of McGregors best to get you in the mood.
The dining area in the “ANNEX” has a lovely,old and very venerable Cape Stinkwood and Oak dining table that I restored many years ago. It is the ideal setting for a romantic dinner for two or a fun filled evening with friends tucking into some of the Karoo’s best vittles.
And so to bed in the main bedroom in “THE ANNEX” which has a wonderfully comfortable queen size bed with an on-suite bathroom
A reproduction Victorian slipper bath or a refreshing shower makes for a relaxing end to a fun filled day at “THE ANNEX”
The second smaller bedroom in “THE ANNEX” also has a queen size bed with 200 thread count pure cotton sheeting is designed with relaxation in mind
The en suite bathroom has a spacious shower and soft fluffy towels
The rates for THE ANNEX are at the bottom of this page
And now for “THE COTTAGE” which is adjacent to “The Annex
As you walk through the front door of “THE COTTAGE”, feel the peace and tranquility immediately take over. The pitched roof – with its traditionally exposed rough hewn poplar beams covered with thatch and “palmiet” reed – immediately transports you into a gentler time. Cool in summer and warm in winter……..In winter there is a cast iron log fire which is ideal for appreciating with a glass of McGregor’s best in hand….red of course
Dining and Kitchen in “THE COTTAGE”… Special Space!
…AND SO TO BED i
The main bedroom “THE COTTAGE” has a wonderfully comfortable Queen Size Bed with pure cotton sheeting, non allergenic pillows and duvet inner.The bedroom looks out over the gorgeous Karoo garden.T he on-suite bathroom, has a shower and loo.
…with an en-suite bathroom in “THE COTTAGE”
…And so to bedroom number two in “THE COTTAGE”
A super comfy double bed in the 2nd bedroom, topped with a pretty Art Nouveau bedhead, made up with pure cotton sheeting, non allergenic pillows and duvet inner makes for a blissful, restful night
…A separate bathroom for the second bedroom in “THE COTTAGE”
Let’s stroll outside onto the stoep of “THE COTTAGE” and then into the Karoo garden
Lets go and explore the village and the surrounding Breede River Valley ……..Wine, wine and yet more wine!
The amazing Lords Wines Team led by Jacie Oosthuizen, founder of the winery. Outstanding quality wines with awards galore. One of my favorite wineries in the Cape. Situated just below the magnificent Riviersonderend Mountains, high up above McGregor makes it the ideal terroir to nurture Pinot Noir and other delicious varietals….a must visit
How Bazaar you might say… Step on in and browse or enjoy some of the best coffee in the village in The Blend, Deli and eatery…..Benita and Team cant wait to welcome you
“51” is the latest laid back cafe entrant to the food scene in McGregor with delicious breakfasts and lunches hosted by Phillip and Gerard your super friendly owners
Tebaldis at Temenos is a special place of peace, beautiful gardens and fab food. Billy and his friendly team will lead you through the fabulous menu to discover really creatively prepared country bistro dishes. Watch the Peacocks parading through Billy’s beautiful gardens as you sip sundowners on their patio. (Image courtesy of Daily Maverick)
Bemind Wines, on the corner of Tindall and Voortrekker, is five minutes’ walk from here. For something very special…
Tanagra, just out of town, distills some of the finest Grappa and Eau de Vie in South Africa
Robert and Annette arrived from Germany a number of years ago, visited McGregor and stayed. Auf Wiedersehen Deutschland, Hello McGregor. thank goodness they stayed. You have to to do a tasting of their fabulous aperitifs and award winning wines, all produced from local wines and fruits, and of course their award-winning Grappa (oops, not allowed to call it Grappa… it has to be called Marc in South Africa).
Lords Winery… situated at the base of the Riviersondereinde Mountain Range… on the “Road To Nowhere”
Lords is owned and farmed by Jacie Oosterhuizen who is a die-hard cricket fan, and just happens to produce award-winning Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, not to mention his famous, multi award-winning MCC. To sit on his veranda,sharing one of his tasty cheeseboards or a delicious pizza and view the magnificent mountains and sip a bottle of his award winning bubbly is one of life’s superlative pleasures.
McGregor Winery lies on the Southern end of the Robertson Wine Valley, nestled between the picturesque hills of the Riviersonderend mountains, just outside of the charming and special village after which it is named. The winery was established in 1948, who produce around 14 000 tons of wine grapes annually. The sun soaked soils result in flavourful grapes, which in turn make delicious wines. Their winemaking team proudly produces around 10 million liters of quality wines for both the local and international bulk and bottled markets. The relaxed pace of life and serenity of the village are reflected in the style of wines they produce. Visit McGregor once, and you will want to return again and again.
Geduit getting my milk ready for the first latte of the morning
Beware of the Agapanthus… just love this sign
Pintos Butchery in Robertson is famous for it superb quality meats, braai-ready specialties and its all-girl team, headed up by Heidi
The McGregor Saturday Morning Market
Saturday is market time and the dogs have it. humans have it too with freshly baked breads and pastries and olive oil. Farmer Judy,who always arrives late has crisp, crunchy vegetables – all organically cultivated – and free range eggs. Best get there early as it only lasts for an hour or so. for delicious ready-made meals and other tasty produce… it’s a must-visit.
FROM JUNE THROUGH SEPTEMBER THERE IS A GOOD CHANCE THAT MCGREGOR AND WILD ALMOND WILL BE RINGED BY SNOWY PEAKS
Snow-capped peaks around McGregor. Quick! Bring out the mulled wine and bubbling Coq au Vin! The various species of Protea will also be out in glorious bloom on the nearby Rivierssondereinde Mountain Range. It only takes about ten minutes to drive up to them. On the way back, stop in at Lords Winery for some scrumptious Shiraz.
The end of the “Road to Nowhere”, wow, what a view!
If you would like to visit McGregor and stay at Wild Almond, please complete the contact form below and we will get back to you,normally within an hour (08h00 -22h00)…..unless it’s McGregor “nap time” of course
RATES FOR “THE ANNEX”
The rate is calculated on a per person,per night sharing basis with a minimum nightly rate of R1020
R510 Per person per night sharing for “THE ANNEX”
Example….2 guests sharing is R1020 per night and R2040 for 2 nights
Example…..4 guests sharing is R2040 per night and R4080 for 2 nights
Minimum stay is 2 nights at “THE ANNEX”
Children of 16 years and older are full rate.The Annex is not suitable for young children
Sorry,no pets
To book “THE ANNEX”, please go to the bottom of this page and email me the reservation dates required for “THE ANNEX” and I will respond within an hour up until 8pm and from 8am in the morning
RATES FOR “THE COTTAGE”
The rate is calculated on a per person,per night sharing basis with a minimum nightly rate of R900
R450 Per person per night sharing for “THE COTTAGE”
Example….2 guests sharing is R900 per night and R1800 for 2 nights
Example…..4 guests sharing is R1800 per night and R3600 for 2 nights
Minimum stay is 2 nights at “THE COTTAGE”
Children up to 12 years are half price and thereafter full rate
Sorry,no pets
To book “THE COTTAGE”, please go to the bottom of this page and email me the reservation dates required for “THE COTTAGE” and I will respond within an hour up until 8pm and from 8am in the morning
I accept payments via EFT,Snapscan,PayPal and through prior arrangement,I have a Yoco credit card facility at the cottage
To secure your reservation,we require a 50% deposit of total, upfront and the balance is due at least 7 days prior to arrival.I supply an invoice with all the relevant payment details etc
Believe it or not,Dennis is rated a Super Host on AirBnB,looking at him snoozing on Wild Almonds verandah ,you would never guess it….it’s true however
Dennis is a Superhost………Superhosts are experienced, highly rated hosts who are committed to providing great stays for guests
I am a retired retail marketing exec and live in the gorgeous village of McGregor. Mo,my lovely wife and partner is a retired fashion exec who is passionate about creating all things good to feast upon.We love welcoming our guests and friends to Wild Almond and sharing our experiences of life in McGregor and Wild Almond.
A Few Examples of Our Guest Reviews ………………
THE ANNEX Sophie Agostini……Paris,France 7 February 2021
What a lovely place to stay! I highly recommend it even though I would love keeping this beautiful secret place for myself only! It is simply magical with very nice standing, so peaceful and well located. L’endroit est décoré avec beaucoup de gout! Dennis est un hôte délicieux qui adore la France! Fin connaisseur et passionné il saura vous faire partager toutes connaissances de la région! Big thank you to Dennis for letting us enjoying his little secret family paradise this week-end, a pure jellewery! Et encore un grand merci pour les délicates attentions que vous aviez laissé à notre arrivé: les fleurs fraiches, la petite brique de lait, les petits chocolats sur l’oreiller et la délicieuse bouteille de vin! You are the best Dennis! Looking forward to coming back!
“The Annex has been furnished and arranged with ultimate luxury and relaxation in mind. The finishing details and styling has been done beautifully. We had an incredible stay and wish we could have stayed for much longer.”…………Karin December 2020
| Overall | 100 |
|---|---|
| Cleanliness | Thumbs Up! |
| Comfort | Thumbs Up! |
| Location | Thumbs Up! |
| Facilities | Thumbs Up! |
| Value for money | Thumbs Up! |
| Exceptionally lovely cottage | Wild Almond Cottage is everything it should be: a perfect period cottage in keeping with its surroundings, with an interior revealing a deft artistic hand in its decorations and furnishings. There is no air conditioning but our lazy day under the stoop was breezy and there is a refreshing splash pool. An excellent dinner at Karoux, 5 minutes walk away was a treat. Thank you Dennis! |
| Susan Brown | 2017/03/14 |
| Overall | 100 |
|---|---|
| Cleanliness | Thumbs Up! |
| Comfort | Thumbs Up! |
| Location | Thumbs Up! |
| Facilities | Thumbs Up! |
| Value for money | Thumbs Up! |
| Very pleasant weekend in McGregor | The accommodation was so very encompassing. The detail was impressive, paintings, utensils, bedding, books, cleanliness, peaceful, ambiance, plung pool and free wifi. Communication with the owner was excellent and informative. Nothing to. be improved upon. Book it now! |
| Hazel Jeannes | 2018/06/06 |
| Overall | 100 |
|---|---|
| Cleanliness | Thumbs Up! |
| Comfort | Thumbs Up! |
| Location | Thumbs Up! |
| Facilities | Thumbs Up! |
| Value for money | Thumbs Up! |
| Wild Almond Cottage McGregor | What an amazing gem. Gorgeously outfitted with crisp cotton sheets and thick towels, all the cutlery and crockery (and bottle openers) you need, a stunningly deep plunge pool, and all the extras like custom-made cds and quality hand soap and cream. We received such a warm welcome from gracious hosts Dennis and Mo, and can’t wait to go back. Categorically 5 star. |
| Cathy Lile | 2018/04/09 |
Our stay at Wild Almond, at the Annex, was fantastic! The accommodation is generously equipped, very clean and tastefully decorated. The most beautiful accommodation I have booked through Airbnb so far, at a surprisingly reasonable price. We will definitely be back again soon
Gesine and Jan (Hamburg Germany)
February 2022
THE ANNEX……..Kim from USA ……April 2022
| Dennis’ place was one of those rare gems that you stay at and don’t want it to end. Situated within walking distance to so much that McGregor has to offer and yet felt like a very private hideaway. The garden was relaxing and the space furnished with all the creature comforts and more! |
| “Perfect stay in every way and really appreciate the local knowledge and recommendations. We enjoyed some time at several establishments and I’m even taking home some small paintings from Art in the Garden and some of Ilse’s delicious wines. Thanks again Dennis!” |
Tania
April 2019
My stay at Wild Almond was exquisite. What makes it different from any other Airbnb that I stayed before (and I’ve stayed at a lot) is that it feels like a real permanent home. Nothing had been spared, from the books, CD’s, playlists, great chairs and upholstery, outside furniture, lovely glasses, a full kitchen, to a Dover stove and everything local and wonderful. This place is a gem. Don’t even think twice, book now.
An exceptional property. Pristinely clean, divinely quaint, yet still so spacious, 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom cottage. We absolutely loved our stay and would very highly recommend it to would-be-bookers!
THE ANNEX
Dear Dennis, it is very special to be hosted by people who understand the true meaning of Hospitality . Thank you ever so much. We’ll be back
Lilah and Peter
15 March 2021
AirBnB
What a lovely place to stay! I highly recommend it even though I would love keeping this beautiful secret place for myself only! It is simply magical with very nice standing, so peaceful and well located. L’endroit est décoré avec beaucoup de gout! Dennis est un hôte délicieux qui adore la France! Fin connaisseur et passionné il saura vous faire partager toutes connaissances de la région! Big thank you to Dennis for letting us enjoying his little secret family paradise this week-end, a pure jellewery! Et encore un grand merci pour les délicates attentions que vous aviez laissé à notre arrivé: les fleurs fraiches, la petite brique de lait, les petits chocolats sur l’oreiller et la délicieuse bouteille de vin! You are the best Dennis! Looking forward to coming back!
Sophie
Feb 5 – Feb 7, 2021
AirBnB
The Annex has been furnished and arranged with ultimate luxury and relaxation in mind. The finishing details and styling has been done beautifully. We had an incredible stay and wish we could have stayed for much longer.
We had the most incredible time in your stylish place. Thank you so much!
Karin
Dec 18 – Dec 20, 2020
AirBnB
Simply superb. Set right off the main road, right near the Krans, this place is just beautifully put together and very stylish. Everything from lovely pieces of furniture, to excellent kitchen equipment, to a charming garden, beautiful linens, a lovely bathroom, excellent wifi – it literally has it all. Dennis was very helpful in making suggestions for local things, and is so enthusiastic in his appreciation of all things McGregor. I stayed a week and wish it could have been longer and most certainly will return. A marvellous spot. Many thanks for a great stay.
Shalini
Oct 15 – Oct 22, 2020
AirBnB
Beautiful home and hospitable host. Close to everything. A wonderful stay.
We had such a lovely stay in your beautiful home! Stylish touches in the house, and you were very caring and considerate as a host. We would definitely come again. Thank you!
Jenny
Sep 25 – Sep 27, 2020
The Wild Almond Collection 