One of the most beautiful guest houses in Swellendam, on South Africa’s Garden Route. Experience stylish living on a large country retreat. Augusta de Mist is a luxury retreat set on 1.5 ha of eclectic fynbos. The guest house is conveniently located in the Historic Quarter of Swellendam and in typical Cape fashion tells the old stories of this old Overberg town in a deeply romantic 1802 Cape Dutch homestead with more original features than you can shake a stick at.

The homestead’s shutters are yellowwood and the ironmongery original, as indeed are the reed ceilings which are held together by 200+ year-old mud and clay. No wonder then that the homestead, Park Villa, is a National Monument.

Augusta de Mist guest house on the Garden Route has a solid reputation for it’s breathtaking gardens, attention to detail, excellent service, interior design, luxury as well as some of the finest food in the Overberg. Wander past the pool, over seasonal streams to stumble upon the garden cottages. Augusta’s allure is obvious: simple white structures, reminiscent of the historic cottages of this region, reed ceilings, contemporary interiors and art, bucolic views and indigenous planting.

Augusta de Mist Garden Route Bed and Breakfast welcomes you…

Features

Accommodation consists of 7 luxurious suites in different locations on the estate, each one with its own unique atmosphere. The garden suites are unique with total privacy and intimate setting. Suites have fireplaces (wood supplied), modern comforts, air-con, DStv or DVD players in 2 others, a small movie library, music stations with a few jazz and chamber recordings supplied as well as boardgames.

As you step inside the suites, you discover even more country romance in the stylishly appointed interiors, which mixes the eclectic African, South African and European heritage. In reflecting the architecture, each of the suites features subtle and unique decor. The finishes are chosen for comfort and have a lived-in feel. Vintage pieces and antiques have been selected with care, adding to the homegrown spirit that pervades.

Unique African art punctuates throughout. Crisp yet plush bedding comforts you through the night while the bespoke lamps provide a source of warm and cosy lighting.

Room Features

• Fresh flowers
• Complementary Port
• Kenyan Tea, Rooibos Tea and freshly ground coffee with cafetière
• Honesty-bar fridge stocked with local beer, sparkling grape juice & bottled water
• Digital safes in most suites
• 100% cotton Percale bed linen
• 100% cotton dressing gowns
• Hairdryer
• CD music station, and small selection of custom designed in-suite CDs
• Heaters
• Fans
• Fireplaces in most suites, stocked with wood
• Air-conditioning, in most suites
• Electric blankets & a hot-water bottle for chilly winter nights
• DStv in 2 suites
• DVD players in 2 suites, with a small selection of interesting DVDs
• Free WiFi to stay connected
• Board games in some suites
• Microwaves in some suites
• Private patios
• Safe off-street parking, in various locations, near your accommodation

 
Accommodation

Agapanthus Garden Cottage

Ultra private and spacious. Luxury cottage, free-standing, built in old style, with thick walls, reed ceilings.

Arum Lily Garden Cottage

A very private space, with a view over the Historic Quarter. Luxury free-standing cottage built in old style,with thick walls, reed ceilings.

Strelitzia Garden Cottage

Free-standing historic cottage with garden views.

Protea Garden Suite

Spacious family suite with garden views (max 3 adults, or 2 adults and 2 children under 12; under 2s stay free).

Aloe Twin Garden Suite

 Adjacent to Protea & just a few steps from the historic homestead, Park Villa. Garden views and right next to Protea, ideal for extended families.

Honeybush Heritage Suite

National Monument dating from 1802.

Ideal to book with Sugarbush. Can sleep young child.

Sugarbush Heritage Room

National Monument. In heritage 1802 homestead. Garden views.

Breakfast

Breakfast served under the vines in summer and in front of a log fire in winter.

Dinner served by Augusta’s African Kitchen – dine on a 5-course prix fixe, plat du jour basis. Traditional Cape Table classics such as Bobotie, Dennningvleis, Lamb Curry, Oxtail and Malva Pudding are served.

Cheese Platters, Ploughman’s Platters & Charcuterie Platters as well as a choice from our wine cellars are offered to enjoy in the comfort of your own room in front of a crackling fire or on your private patio. Make sure you order in advance to ensure availability and the freshest ingredients.

Extensive grounds, with a private nature walk including two hidden picnic spots and a lookout. You wont believe you’re actually right in town.

Our Gardens

It is the biggest dilemma you are faced with when visiting Augusta de Mist: where do you sit? The pool area is perfect with a large willow tree and the kind of privacy that encourages you to shed the layers and have a cocktail.

But then privacy is even greater in the small fynbos forest at the top of the property where you can climb a hand-hewn stairway to a fine view of the Overberg. Of course just the thought of all that hiking on the grounds makes the fountain on the front lawns quite a good bet for a good old sit and much more civilised.

Speaking of civilised, you may as well take tea on the stoep while sitting and take in the lawns, rose bushes and giant trees. Or just sit on the lawn. But what about the picnic clearing in the fynbos forest, the wine cellar or even just the lounge in your suite? Such is life in the country.

There are not enough days on the average visit to sit in all the available spaces and congratulate yourself on a perfect choice.