061 038 1105
Off grid Holiday Experience
Your Hosts
Craig & Theolien
Will welcome you on site and am always availalbe to assist where needed.
Offered
Off-grid Living - The Natural way...
Solar Electricity
River & Rain Water
Gas Stove & Geyser
Google Maps: Chorister Cottage, Sedgefield
Self catering
Nature walks
Just a few minutes from the beaches and shopping centres in Sedgefield
Heritage
Many years back Craig’s Mother, Glenda, bought this piece of ground not even knowing what it looked like. Moving from Cape Town during the Lainsburg floods in 1981, she didn’t know what to expect. At first she thought it was only the small piece of land down by the river. Only to discover later that the ground stretched from the river at the bottom right to the top of the ridge behind the house. What a Gem!!
After school and college Craig built a little wooden “mancave” with no running water, electricity or any luxuries, naming it Chorister Cottage after the local bird, Chorister Robin. Just a place where a youngster could chill. After gallivanting overseas, he came back, got married and realised that his mancave wasn’t big enough. Remnants of the original mancave are still visible in the 2nd bedroom. With his own hands, limited money, no formal training or experience, he set out on the adventure, and expanded it to the size it is today. The hillside is mostly clay and moves a lot, which you will notice in the leaning floors and walls - not to worry, it wont cave in on you!
In over 30 years the old place and grounds had its share of changes and facelifts, with proof of walls being moved (more than once) still visible on the floors, upgraded from candles and paraffin lamps (they are still used when necessary) to solar electricity and from the old bucket water system to running water inside the house. River water is pumped via a solar system to tanks in the forest to ensure a good water pressure when opening the taps. And a gas geyser ensures a nice hot bath every time. Because of natural organisms our water has a brown colour, but it is safe to drink. Grounds have been excavated into terraces, opening up the forest for airflow and clearing alien vegetation. Because of the natural spring, a lot of drainage had to be created, with a lot of blood, sweat and tears going into making the place as it is today.
While building and renovating Loerie cabin to our taste and needs in 2019, we decided that we wanted to share our off-grid living with other people, giving them an opportunity to get away from the rat race, taking a moment to breath and discover the natural beauty we’re blessed with. Recharging your soul. This place is a haven and safe place, away from everyday life.
Breathing in fresh air... seeing wildlife and natural beauty... hearing birds and the breeze through the leaves... smelling sweet forest smells... feeling the tranquillity and softness of the river water on your hair and skin... makes this place a piece of paradise, close enough to the beautiful town of Sedgefield for amenities, but far enough to feel like you are away from civilisation.
What to expect
Completely off-grid and solar powered, the cottage is perfectly equipped with everything you’d need for a proper dose of downtime: Oodles of space, a great big wooden patio where you can put your feet up and of course silence, in fact you won’t hear much more than the birds here, maybe even the Chorister Robin, the little bird after which the cottage was named.
Sleeping wise, you’ve got two bedrooms (a double and a twin with an additional double sleeper couch) making the cottage perfect for two couples sharing (unfortunately no kids under 12 allowed). There is a shared bathroom with shower. There’s also a great outdoor bath, where you can take a soak while gazing at the stars.
The living, dining and kitchen areas are open plan. Comfy couches are scattered around the living room and there's a cozy little bar counter as well. The dining area has a dining table and the kitchen is well equipped with a gas stove, oven and fridge. You can head onto the wooden patio via doors leading out from the living area.
Apart from enjoying the general laid back vibe and tranquility of the cottage, there are plenty of walks and mountain biking options in the nearby surroundings. Further afield, you’ve got the Goukamma and Gericke’s Point beaches, hiking options around nearby Groenvlei, the bird hides at Rondevlei and for the MTB junkies, the Garden Route Trail Park is a short drive away. Your hosts, who stay on the property, can give you additional info on nearby activities.
For a super-chilled, away-from-it-all getaway, with easy access to the outdoor delights of the surrounding area, Chorister Cottage makes for a great few nights out in the wilds of the Garden Route. Regrettably we have no fences and have a lot of wildlife like baboons, monkeys, buck, etc. that like to visit, so no pets can be allowed.
