From guest reviews, Calitzdorp Country House, situated on the R62 among the vineyards overlooking the town of Calitzdorp, does not deserve its 4-Star grading – but a full 6 Stars!
There is no doubt that Calitzdorp Country House is one of the best accommodation offerings in the Klein Karoo and, for foodies, they also offer a unique culinary food experience called ‘Lessons I Learnt from Lasagne’.
Calitzdorp Country House is known for offering guests tranquillity, luxury, personalized service and gourmet meals. Its namesake, the town of Calitzdorp, traces its roots to 1831 when JJ and MC Calitz were allocated the farm on which the town stands today.
Set between two world heritage sites, the majestic Swartberg and Rooiberg mountains, Calitzdorp is known as the port wine capital of South Africa. Several award-winning major wine estates call the townhome.
Your hosts, Andrew and Nell Rogers, are known for being very welcoming – often going beyond the call of duty to make sure their guests’ stays are memorable. They certainly enjoy sharing the beauty and serenity of the Klein Karoo with visitors and travellers.
Accommodation at Calitzdorp Country House
Despite its countryside location, the Calitzdorp Country House offers everything you would expect from a luxury guest house. It was actually built in the style of a country residence and elegantly furnished in a way that celebrates the Klein Karoo.
Accommodationis offered in five luxurious air-conditioned bedrooms that come with King-sized beds, free Wi-Fi, its own private patio and en-suite Italian-styled bathrooms that include large showers, twin washbasins on Italian granite slabs and outsize baths.
Adding to the elegance of the house are original Oregon wood floors and a collection of original South African art and antiques.
Other facilities include a shared lounge, a patio with spectacular views across a valley of vineyards and orchards to the majestic Swartberg Mountains, a Klein Karoo garden and a beautiful swimming pool.
Crisp, clean linen, soft fluffy towels, quality hairdryers and gowns all add to the overall feeling of being in a top-class accommodation establishment.
The gourmet meals served at their fine restaurant are the perfect end to days concluded by spectacular Klein Karoo sunsets. They also offer full English, Vegetarian and Gluten-Free breakfasts to get you started on your day.
For your added peace of mind, there is secure parking on the premises.
Find their accommodation rates HERE.
Culinary experience
The quaintly named ‘Lessons I learnt from Lasagne’ culinary experience is presented on most Saturday afternoons or on request for groups. During this experience, you will explore caramelisation, slow and low cooking, layering of flavours and why size is important as you analyse a lasagne over a glass or two of wine.
Pick up secret tips and tricks while creating a béchamel/white sauce, a Pomodoro/Italian tomato sauce, Bolognese meat sauce and homemade pasta. Then put them together to create a perfect lasagne, having discovered the myriad of other delicious meals that you can make with its individual components.
Contact the establishment directly to book for this experience.
Things to do in and around Calitzdorp
For the adventurous, the town of Calitzdorp and the surrounding Klein Karoo is abundant with things to do. Visit local vineyards and cellars, the historic Red Stone Hills, the Cango Caves, Ostrich farms, try various biking, hiking, walking trails and sample Karoo-inspired cuisine at local restaurants.
Your hosts will be happy to make recommendations.
Reviews from previous Calitzdorp Country House guests
“This is how you imagine a country hotel should be. Comfy rooms with every amenity, big bathrooms, bathrobes in the wardrobes and a quiet sitting out patio. Nothing too much trouble and Nell’s dinners are superb. It was our first time in Calitzdorp but it won’t be our last!” wrote Lynn S on their TripAdvisor page.
247livelife added; “What could be better than sitting on the veranda with a glass of local wine and watching the sun go down. Well maybe enjoying a breakfast the next morning! Rooms are very comfortable, and a big plus is that there are plugs in all the right places. I particularly like the fact that you arrive as a stranger, but leave as family, as Andrew and Nell are so friendly!”
“You will never go wrong to stay over! Andrew and Nellie are the perfect hosts. They have beautiful views, extremely comfortable rooms, dinner was amazing, and of course Calitzdorp has some of the best wines! Thank you so much, Calitzdorp Country House is a home away from home!” Elfrida Fivaz described on their Facebook page.
“Some singers sing of women’s eyes. Yet I, as custom may call me crude, would rather sing in praise of Nell’s lasagne!” Francois Ferreira of the Francois Ferreira Cooking Academy wrote this on the kitchen wall upon attending the culinary experience.
Calitzdorp Country House is located at 1827 Calitz Street, in Calitzdorp. For bookings, call 044 213 3760 or email info@cchouse.co.za. Alternatively, you can do your bookings online HERE. Here is their location on Google Maps. Also follow them on Facebook HERE.