Tucked away in Church Street, Bain’s Barn is a cosy home away from home in the countryside town of Tulbagh, approximately an hour and a half’s drive from Cape Town. Bain’s Barn has a real “cottagey” feel to it and a step through the sliding door immediately makes you feel as though you’ve come home, no matter how far away from your own you may be. The cottage offers a mix of rustic and contemporary treasures with heart shaped décor, floral cushions, and soft rugs.  If you’re looking for a romantic hideaway close to all of the amenities, Bain’s Barn is the place for you.

The cottage dates back to 1801 and features beautiful Cape Dutch architecture with a thatched roof, wooden rafters, and a large stable door leading to a secluded outdoor courtyard. Sleeping 2 people in a cosy one bedroom cottage, Bain’s Barn has an en-suite bathroom, open plan lounge and fully equipped kitchen with everything you need for a self-catering stay.

Upon entering the lounge, I could practically feel the warmth rush over me as I closed the door on the freezing winter night. Our long day had tired us out, but that didn’t stop us from skipping around the cottage and exploring the lounge with its warm atmosphere, beige couch and flat screen television (with select DStv) that practically calls for romantic movie nights in. We loved the kitchen with its pops of red brought about by the kettle, teapot, pots and pans, and tea/coffee tins, and a few quick checks in the cupboards revealed everything you need for self-catering.

Several stairs lead up to the bedroom where the queen-sized bed, draped in high quality cotton linen and soft throw pillows, lures you to climb into bed – even in the middle of the afternoon! The wooden headboard with its decorative heart-shaped cut outs adds a feminine touch to the otherwise neutral room, and the cute photo frames, heart shaped flower vases, and magazines gives the room an intimate lived-in feel. One thing you really want when visiting Tulbagh in winter is a place that is equipped for the cold, and Bain’s Barn surely is. With a panel heater, radiator heater, and electric blanket, we could have been oblivious to the fact there was snow on the nearby Ceres Mountains.

A large stable door opens up onto a little enclosed courtyard, and although we arrived after dark, a peek outside revealed a small enclosure covered in pebble stones, dainty patio furniture, and pink bougainvillea snaking its delicate tendrils along the wall. Can you imagine a better place to enjoy your early morning tea and rusks?

I could barely wait to jump into a hot shower and was very pleased when the scorching water gently thawed my freezing body. My exit from the shower was welcomed by freshly rolled hand towels, Nivea cream hand wash, and towels nearly large enough to wrap my entire body in. Warm and cosy, I climbed into my toasty bed and slept better than I had in weeks.

WE LOVED:

• The discount vouchers provided with the stay, offering discounts and specials at a number of restaurants and attractions in the area.
• The heaters and electric blankets were a welcome escape from the freezing cold winter, and the fact that Honene, the owner, had turned on the heater to warm up the room in anticipation of our visit was fantastic!
• The complimentary rusks were well received with our morning tea!

The central location allowed ease of access to a number of restaurants in walking distance, namely:

Readers Restaurant – owned by the kindest crazy cat lady you will ever meet, this restaurant-come-gift-shop is filled with all sorts of cat lover paraphernalia, from t-shirts and key rings, to photo frames and statuettes. You’ll feel as though you’re having dinner at a friend’s house.

Belgian Kitchen – set in the old Paddagang building, a bright neon OPEN sign is the only indication that this restaurant exists at all. The menu offers a range of seafood, stews, pies, and steaks, as well as 10 Belgian beers. Ask for a table near the fireplace.

Things I Love – a great spot for breakfast. This restaurant-come-showroom offers a range of over-priced décor, but the food is great!  The patio is perfect for summer breakfasts with freshly squeezed juice, health cocktails, homemade ginger beer, and organic raw chocolate milkshake on the menu.

Popler’s Pub – this dodgy bar on Van der Stel Street is not to be judged by its cover. Step past the pool tables and leather clad locals and order from the pizza kiosk. It’s only R50 for a large pizza and they’re incredibly generous with the toppings.

It’s the little extras that make all the difference. I will definitely be planning a trip back to Tulbagh, and I hope to spend a lot more time here. For a cosy winter getaway, I highly recommend booking a stay at Bain’s Barn!