Riversyde

Riversyde

Selected by The Greenwood Guide to South Africa, 2nd edition

Text written by Simon Greenwood

Dora asked me to fill in a questionnaire about her guest house and I realised then that she had every angle covered � impeccable food, personality, award-winning service, comfort, beds, linen, garden. All got top marks, and not because I was sucking up! There are only four rooms in the house, all large with deep carpets and egg-shell blue or salmon pink walls. One has a little balcony, two overlook the river and two have free-standing iron baths behind screens in the bedroom with you. For some reason I loved this � perhaps because I could watch TV from the bath. You must make sure you book with Dora early enough to give her time to include you in her delicious dinners.

But perhaps the most remarkable aspect of Riversyde is the river side. The tidal Great Brak River runs beside the lawns of the garden and there is an island rich in birdlife just a few metres from the jetty. The motorised raft can be taken two kilometres downstream to safe and unspoilt beaches. Or you can fish off it. There are canoes in the house too. Few hostesses take such deserved pride in what they do. Good base for golf, game viewing, beaches and day-trips to Oudtshoorn, Mossel Bay and George.

Contact Details

Telephone: +27-(0)44 6203387
Facsimile: +27-(0)44 6203387

Email address:
riversyd@mweb.co.za