Braeside Guesthouse

Braeside is a Cape Edwardian house of 1901 on Van Oudtshoorn Avenue in Swellendam, set in a large garden with a pool and views across to the Langeberg and the Marloth Nature Reserve. The stoep runs the width of the front, and a red-carpeted stair climbs to the front door between white columns.

Three bedrooms are let, each with its own bathroom, air conditioning, wifi and coffee and tea things. Langehoven is a double for two with an en-suite shower, a kitchenette and its own entrance onto the garden. Elizabeth sleeps three, with a double and a single, a fireplace in the room and a bathroom with a proper bath. Queen Ester sleeps two adults and a child, with a double bed, a child bed, a small sitting corner, a bar fridge and a microwave.

Outside there is a lawn big enough to matter, mature trees, a rockery and a pool that earns its keep in summer. Parking is secure and off the street.

Swellendam is the third-oldest town in the country and the Drostdy Museum, the Dutch Reformed church and the restaurants on Voortrek Street are all a short walk away. The golf course is next door, Marloth Nature Reserve is on the doorstep for walking, and the town sits on the N2 about two hours from Cape Town, which makes it a natural overnight on the Garden Route run.