Turning old shipping containers into luxurious living spaces is all the rage at the moment, and it’s easy to understand why. There are several advantages to using them for accommodation purposes: They are quite affordable, employ more eco-friendly building methods, are quicker to build, and, since you can connect or combine them in different ways, owners can dream up their ultimate tiny home by stacking the containers horizontally or vertically. So, TravelGround has decided to have a look at some of our favourite container contenders to give you a look inside these creative accommodation options.

Encounter Container Home

Koringberg

This container home is situated on a private plot in the village of Koringberg and offers an eco-friendly, off-the-grid and gas-powered stay. With no electricity, Wi-Fi or TV, you’ll sure have time and tranquillity to recharge those batteries. Come sit on the deck, light a fire and take in the incredible Swartland view.

Where: Koringberg, Western Cape
Capacity: 2
Pet friendly: Yes
Braai facilities: Yes
Activities on site: Birdwatching, cycling and mountain biking

Easy 4 Dayz

McGregor

This stay got its name from something the owner’s brother would tell her everytime she asked him what he felt like doing or eating, ‘I don’t know Sis. I’m easy for days’. The idea was to build something creative and bold while remaining respectful to nature. The container is ideal for those who would like something different without having to compromise on luxury and top-of-the-range appliances. Large barn-style sliding doors open the living room to the covered deck with a braai and a splash pool where you can laze away your days.

Where: McGregor, Western Cape
Capacity: 4
Pet friendly: No
Braai facilities: Yes
Activities on site: Swimming

FamTin @ The Riverstone House

Wolseley

If you’re looking to escape to quirky and contemporary accommodation on a farm, FamTin is exactly what you need. This container home is located on the banks of the farm dam and though there is no TV, it does promise breathtaking pink and orange sunsets behind the Mostertshoek Mountains – nature’s own television. With an enclosed paddock behind the unit and a pet-sitting service on request, it is also pet friendly, so be sure to bring Lucky along.

Where: Wolseley, Western Cape
Capacity: 4
Pet friendly: Yes
Braai facilities: Yes
Activities on site: Birdwatching and cycling

Contain the View Cottage @ Golden View Luxury Self Catering

Clarens

Contain the View Cottage offers self-catering accommodation for a small family in beautiful Clarens. Large stacking doors in the living area open onto the outside deck with a beautiful view of the Drakensberg Mountains in the distance. The fireplace ensures cosy nights during winter and the green lawn is the perfect place for the kids and Lucky to run around when the sun is out.

Where: Clarens, Free State
Capacity: 4
Pet friendly: Yes
Braai facilities: Yes
Activities nearby: Horseback riding, fishing, cycling, swimming, birdwatching and wine tasting

Casetta del Fuoco

Plettenberg Bay

After the owners lost their house in a devastating fire, this container on a smallholding just outside of town was their home for almost two years. As a result they named it ‘Fire Cottage’ in Italian. It is a small, quaint space but because they lived here for so long, you can be sure it has everything you need for a self-catering getaway. It has a solar geyser and uses rain water to minimise your carbon footprint.

Where: Plettenberg Bay, Western Cape
Capacity: 5
Pet friendly: No
Braai facilities: Yes
Activities on site: Birdwatching

These shipping containers could have been rusting away in a harbour somewhere. Instead, thanks to the ingenuity of their owners, they have been put to better use and now offer weary travellers a place to rest their heads for a night, or groups of friends or family a space where they can spend some quality time together.

All photos: TravelGround.com