The COTTAGE AT WILD ALMOND, MCGREGOR

This delightful and stylish,self catering cottage at Wild Almond is situated in the centre of 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.

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“THE COTTAGE”Cottage Garden_edited

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.

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Peaceful McGregor… on the road to nowhere…..rush hour is an unknown here

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Sleepy Voortrekker Street

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!

Time Out

You have arrived for your well-deserved and much-anticipated break.

 
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Slowly turn right into pretty Tindall Street and make your way down towards the bottom  until you reach the old Blue Gum trees… You have arrived at the secluded Wild Almond Collection.
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Front entrance to THE COTTAGE

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

Wild Almond Fire NewDining and Kitchen in “THE COTTAGE”… Special Space!

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On your left is the dining/ kitchen space in “THE COTTAGE”. An old Cape Stinkwood dining table, fringed by French and American Golden Oak colonial chairs rests under an old brass candelabra. A glass of decent red and a delicious meal cooked by the Master Chef  of the house, finishes it off.
Pots
Of interest is this vintage Stinkwood donkey yoke which I have converted into a really nice “Batterie de Cuisine” for the pots. The butchers hooks were made by “Blacksmith Martin” of Montague.

…AND SO TO BED i

Main Bed Full bedThe 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”

Bedroom 2A 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

Stoep
The spacious, shady stoep at “THE COTTAGE” is great for relaxing on after a hard day of wine tasting at our fabulous wine estates. Loungers, Weylands wicker chairs and our trusty Weylands outdoor table, along with a portable drinks trolley and a Weber braai, make for a gorgeous descent into a beautiful sunset-kissed evening.
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Stretch out on the built-in sofa bench with your latest Allende literary work of art at “THE COTTAGE”.
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View from the garden, looking at the stoep and the main bedroom on the right at “THE COTTAGE”.
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Peekaboo through the Mission Olive Tree and spot the cooling farm-style plunge pool at “THE COTTAGE”

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

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“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…

Bemind 1
Ilse Schutte is the proud owner and winemaker of her very own Bemind Wines. Her distinctive handmade wines shine in McGregor. About two years ago she decided to have a baby and still make wine. She had previously been the winemaker at a prestigious local wine estate and has won many prestigious awards for the estate. Her MCC bubblies are superb, her Shiraz sublime. All her fruit is basket-pressed the old fashioned way and matured in French Oak. Go on, wander up there and have a taste.Oh yes….and on Monday evenings she does traditional vetkoeke washed down by her delicious wine

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.

Mc Wines

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

Beware of the agapantus

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

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 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 

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Me

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.

Lovely note left by a living musical legend,Sipho “Hotstix” Mabuse, Barry and Chrissie Varkel November 2021

A Few Examples of Our Guest Reviews ………………

                                                                                                                                                       SophieAgostini……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!

Jessica’s Review…5 Star
Jan 17 – Jan 19, 2021
Wild Almond “THE COTTAGE”
 
 
A lovely, quaint, peaceful, wholesome little cottage! A perfect getaway and just what I was looking for! Want to return when all the wine farms are back up and running! Flexible and hospitable host! Much appreciated.
 
 
Elsabé’s Review……5 Star
Jan 15 – Jan 17, 2021
Wild Almond “THE COTTAGE”
Elsabé
An absolute blissful weekend in the most tranquil and relaxing space. Dennis is indeed the super host! We will definitely be back, as soon as possible
Again, thank you so much for a superb stay. It’s one of our favourites now!
Karin’s Review …..”THE ANNEX” at Wild Almond

Isabelle’s Review
Nov 22 – Nov 24, 2020
Wild Almond…..”THE COTTAGE”
Isabelle
 
 
Wild Almond exceeded our expectations! Well equipped and comfortable with all needs met. A beautiful garden with a great view. There were also many lovely personal touches. Thanks so much! Isabelle and Myrtle
Thank you for a really wonderful stay! We enjoyed every minute. Thank you for the warm welcome. Take care
 
Hein’s Review….5 Star
Jul 5 – Jul 11, 2020
Wild Almond…..THE COTTAGE
Hein
 
I had the most wonderful stay in this beautiful cottage that has everything and more! It’s within easy walking distance to the village and if you want to rest well, enjoy the sun on the patio and the fire in the evening, this is the place to stay! I could have easily moved in!
 
……..Dennis and Mo, Thank you for the most wonderful stay in your beautiful cottage. It’s truly beautiful, comfortable and very cozy and I could have easily moved in to stay permanently! Best regards, Hein
 
Neasa’s Review……5 Star
Mar 13 – Mar 15, 2020
Wild Almond…..”THE COTTAGE”
Dennis’s place is absolutely gorgeous and picture perfect. We loved the garden views and my husband and I both felt so comfortable and relaxed. The cottage on the inside had such a great feel, we would highly recommend the place.
Thank you Dennis for being a great host. My husband and I enjoyed our stay at your place. It was beautiful and so relaxing. Recharged our batteries 🙂
 
16 July 2019………Tim and Janelle from Tanzania and Kenya
 
Morning Dennis,

 

At the end of our trip, after two more B&Bs after yours, Janelle and I agreed we liked Wild Almond the most by far. 
We’ll be back soon, and will tell all our McGregor-bound friends about your lovely, cosy place.
Thanks again for a great stay
 
Overall100
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Exceptionally lovely cottageWild 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 Brown2017/03/14
How you were rated
Overall100
CleanlinessThumbs Up!
ComfortThumbs Up!
LocationThumbs Up!
FacilitiesThumbs Up!
Value for moneyThumbs Up!
Very pleasant weekend in McGregorThe 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 Jeannes2018/06/06
How you were rated
Overall100
CleanlinessThumbs Up!
ComfortThumbs Up!
LocationThumbs Up!
FacilitiesThumbs Up!
Value for moneyThumbs Up!
Wild Almond Cottage McGregorWhat 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 Lile2018/04/09
Tamar User Profile
Tamar
May 2018
 
As we arrived at Almond Cottage we sighed “ahhh, how lovely!” in union….and then to be received by Dennis with his warm smile and hearty welcome….and then the delight of walking into his beautifully appointed cottage which felt more like home than a weekender. Every moment of…Read more
Dennis User Profile
Response from Dennis:
Thank you both for the lovely and much appreciated review…..please come back soon
 
 
Tracy User Profile
Tracy
December 2017
 
Well, what more can I say that the other reviewers have not said already? Expectations were high after reading the other reviews and the real thing did not disappoint. This is a delightful little cottage! We stayed for 3 nights, which was perfect for us. We arrived on one of the hottest days of the summer and the cottage was lovely and cool. We had a dip in the pool and braai’d out on the patio. We met Dennis and Mo, the owners, had them over for a glass of wine – a lovely couple. And yes, as the other reviewers have said, all the small personal touches are noticed and appreciated – thank you Dennis!

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Our stay at Wild Almond, 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

WILD ALMOND……..Kim from USA ……April 2022Save

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!”

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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.

Candice April 2019

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!

WILD ALMOND

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

Wild Almond 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

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