Restaurants and accommodation are two things Dullstroom has in abundance. Among all the lodges and B & Bs, Jock’s Cottage is an absolute gem with its roots firmly in the town’s history. I recently had the opportunity to spend the weekend in this cottage and returned to the bustle of the city with great reluctance (Dullstroom’s a mere two-and-a-half-hour drive from Pretoria).

Situated next to the nature reserve, Jock’s Cottage and Joe’s Place are four-star self-catering guest lodges.

Joe’s Place was originally a dairy shed, now converted into four units, each accommodating two people, and linked by a common veranda looking out onto the breathtaking view Dullstroom has to offer.

Jock’s cottage is a double-storey that can accommodate up to six people; the main bedroom downstairs has a double bed and en-suite bathroom, while the two bedrooms upstairs share a communal bathroom, and feature two single beds each. There’s also a little secondary sitting room upstairs. (View more pics on my Facebook page.)

The open-plan kitchen/living room is spacious but cosy enough for chats late into the night. The lounge fireplace is well-stocked with firewood and will warm up the whole cottage. Winters can get really chilly, and aside from the fireplace, there are also hot water bottles and an electric heater, as well as extra blankets to keep everyone warm and toasty.

While it is still within walking distance of Dullstroom’s main road, Jock’s Cottage is a little removed from the other cottages, and your neighbours – ducks, cows, frogs, horses – will only contribute to the peaceful atmosphere.

It is the perfect place to relax and switch off from the madness of daily city life. However, if you are determined to bring your gadgets along, an extension cord could be handy (at least you can sit outside while twittering along), and the 3G reception is pretty good.

Dullstroom offers a great variety of shops and activities. There are various gift shops, a clock shop, a knife shop, a coffee roastery, two chocolatiers, a cheese shop, a craft shop where visitors can create their own souvenirs, and a restaurant for every taste. It is of course also the place to visit if you want to try your hand at fly fishing. You could also go clay-pigeon target shooting, visit the local microbrewery, go horse riding, mountain biking, or hiking on several trails.

Jock’s Cottage is a great stop-over for groups of friends or families on their way to the Kruger National Park, and also for those looking for a restful holiday experience outside the ordinary. There is covered parking, daily housekeeping service, and fresh linen is provided after three days. A laundry service can also be organised for guests staying for extended visits.

This was without a doubt one of the best weekend getaways I’ve ever had. The accommodation was neat and clean, provided all the basics one could wish for and is surrounded peaceful untouched scenery, just a stone’s throw from the town’s cultural heartbeat.

Rates are R350 per night per person sharing (with the exception of Fine Feathers – a luxurious cottage known as the ‘honeymoon suite’, which is R450 per night, per person).

For more information about the cottages, seasonal specials, or to make a booking, get in touch with owners Jan and Hanlie on jockscottage@lantic.net