Dune Ridge Country House lies hidden away in a thick fynbos behind St Francis Links. Drive down Tarragona Road and you will find this wonderful guest house at the very end of the road.
This is one of my favourite places to stay in St Francis Bay mostly because of its tranquillity and charm. Designed and built with the purpose of being a guest house, Dune Ridge Country House is spacious, attractively furnished and well managed.
The Cape homestead-styled buildings, with their high roofs, spacious rooms, polished wood and large verandas, symbolise charm and comfort from a bygone era.
Accommodation
There are six double rooms and one family cottage. Attached to the main house are the four Garden Suites. In the garden you will find two Garden Cottages and the Family Cottage.
All the bedrooms are spacious and sumptuously equipped. Expect King Size beds and fresh, crisp, white linen. I sleep like the dead each time I visit Dune Ridge.
The Family Cottage has two bedrooms with the second bedroom having two single beds.
The bathrooms have huge tubs and showers as well as under floor heating, which is such a pleasure in winter. Each room also comes with a ceiling fan, well-stocked mini-bar, a tea and coffee station and DSTV.
The feature I most enjoy is the large private patios found off each room. I always enjoy relaxing on the private patio, reading or watching the sunbirds flitter from flower to flower, while the kids explore the ample grounds, play on the swings or have a dip in the pool.
Facilities at Dune Ridge Country House
This comfort carries through to the main lounge area, which, with its huge stone fireplace, is furnished with large, deep Kudu-leather couches.
In winter, the fire is always crackling away and the lounge is a great place to enjoy a drink, play board games and chat with other guests.
The dining room, bar and deck are all adjacent to the lounge and stepping off the veranda you’ll find a beautiful indigenous garden with abundant birdlife and small game.
There is also plenty to keep you busy at Dune Ridge itself – from their Bush Spa, large swimming pool and a nature walk.
The indigenous fynbos gardens are spectacular and abound with birdlife. Sarah, the owner and manager of Dune Ridge Guest House is conservation conscious and loves her garden.
On your walk around the gardens you will no doubt come across the vegetable and herb garden which makes a big contribution to the delicious meals served.
Sarah says, “All produce utilised in the guesthouse either comes from our own gardens or sourced locally. All our rubbish is separated and recycled and the wet matter all goes into our vermicomposter for the production of organic fertilizer.”
Breakfast and other meals
Sarah is also an accomplished chef and you should order her fresh wholesome African cuisines in advance.
Breakfast is served in the dining area where each table is set with crisp linen, sparkling cutlery, warm muffins and freshly-squeezed orange juice. Eggs to your liking and bacon, mushrooms and tomatoes are on order too!
Dinners are served daily and these are truly amazing. Sarah also offers vegan and dietary friendly meals and she conducts cooking classes on a weekly basis at the country house.
List of awards
– Won Best 4 Star Country house in the eastern cape – Lilizela Awards – 2019
– National Finalists for Best 4 Star Country House 2019
– Platinum Wine List awards for 6 consecutive years
Top reasons for staying at Dune Ridge Country House
- The peace and tranquillity
- Extremely comfortable furnishings
- Excellent breakfasts
Dune Ridge is ideal for private small weddings, romantic honeymoons and secluded family holidays.
To make a reservation call 042 294 1560. To make an online reservation click here. Find Dune Ridge Country house on Google Maps by clicking here.
