WELCOME TO MOUNTAIN ECO PODS!

WOOD-FIRED HOT TUB – NB TO READ TO MAKE THE PERFECT TUB!

The hot tub is wood-fired. Wood is provided against the edge of the pod towards the Grabouw side. To heat it up, open the lid with the wooden handle and make a fire inside the stainless steel box. Make a relatively large fire to start to ensure the water heats up sufficiently. Once the fire is properly going, close the lid but leave it slightly ajar where the slit is on the top, so that air can draw. Give the water a bit of a stir every 15 minutes or so to ensure the heat is evenly distributed. The water will take about 1 – 1.5 hours to properly heat up. Once it’s close to your desired temperature, make sure the fire isn’t too big otherwise the water becomes too hot. Once the water is hot the fire only requires a piece of wood added every now and then to maintain the temperature. Please take care not to put the stainless steel lid down onto the plastic hot tub or the wooden deck as it gets very hot, and we are concerned about melting the hot tub. Please use the stones on the hot tub or the ground at the back for this. Once you have finished using the tub in the evening we suggest placing the blue cover over the water and it will retain heat quite nicely for the next day.

ELECTRICITY SUPPLY (SOLAR AND BATTERY POWERED)

The eco pod is completely off grid. We don’t draw any electricity from Eskom, which means no load-shedding schedules – yay! This does, however, mean supply can be slightly limited and may cut from time to time. For example if you use your normal hair dryer / hair straightener this will likely drain all or most of the electricity supply and you won’t have any until it can recharge in the sun, which will take a few hours. Please use the small low-watt hair dryer supplied in the bedside drawer. The geyser, oven and hob are all powered by gas. 

GEYSER / HOT WATER TROUBLESHOOTING

The geyser is powered by gas. If you have not had power and you are now without hot water, head to the back of the house where you will see a big white box with black hexagonal shapes. This is the geyser which would have been switched off when the power went off. Just touch the black hexagonal shapes and it should switch back on. 

FIRE SAFETY 

Please ensure all fires are completely put out when you go to bed. The wood that clads the pod is fire retardant, but being in the thick of the fynbos puts the pods at risk of fire damage if guests are not careful. Thank you for being vigilant and caring about our little slice of nature.

In the event of a fire inside / at the Pod:

Try to extinguish the fire using the fire extinguisher in the large kitchen cupboard and call for help. Call one of the emergency numbers below, and evacuate the Pod as soon as it is safe to do so.

In the even of a fire outside the Pod:

If there is a fire on the mountain or somewhere nearby which puts you in danger, call the emergency numbers below and evacuate the Pod safely.

BRAAI + FIREPLACE

Please braai in the braai on the verandah, and use the inside fireplace only for fires to warm up the pod and create a cosy atmosphere. You would think it goes without saying, but please don’t braai in the inside fireplace.

SECURITY 

If you go out for the day please lock up, it is not necessary to activate the alarm during your stay. The red button on the set of keys and attached to the wall are panic buttons. We have never had any security incidents on the farm but are realistic about living in SA so thought we would provide you with peace of mind. We can hear this alarm from the main house and it also alerts the local security company.

RUNNING/HIKING/WALKING ON THE FARM

You are welcome to cross the main road and go over to the main farm where you can walk/run amongst the orchards. There is also a relatively easy hiking trail if you look out from the deck towards the reservoir to your right. This trail is not challenging and is about 3km long. You are welcome to traverse the mountain further but there are no formal trails.

THE DAM

The Theewaterskloof Dam is available for you to use if you bring your own paddle skis/canoes or motorised boats. You are also welcome to go down for a swim. All motorised boats are to be registered at the Theewaterskloof Sports Club before using them on the dam.

LUNCH/EATING OUT

If you would like to eat out there are a few options in the area:

1. 1. Stettyn Vineyards – on the other side of Villiersdorp you will find this charming winery. They recently redid their tasting room and now offer delicious cheese and charcuterie boards and fresh oysters to go with their wines. Their menu is attached, we highly recommend it as a nice local outing. Tasting room bookings can be made online https://www.stettyncellar.co.za/contact/
   2. Kelkiewyn in Villiersdorp has basic lunch options like toasted sandwiches etc. https://www.facebook.com/KelkiewynVilliersdorpOfficial/
   3. Alwyn Vincent in Villiersdorp is also simple fare and has pizzas you can order. It recently started the occasional sushi night, please call them to enquire. https://alwyn-vincent-bistro.business.site/
   4. Melting Pot at Oak Valley is excellent for Asian fusion fine dining. Bookings are essential. https://www.themeltingpotcafeteria.com/
   5. Franschhoek has a large variety of options. For more relaxed dining we recommend Tuk Tuk Microbrewery or Hey Joe, and for fancier fare try Chef’s Warehouse at Maison or Protégé, the latter serves a great breakfast. 
   6. Botriver also has some good options, a favourite being Farro at Gabrielskloof for lunch and/or wine tasting. https://www.farrofoodandwine.com/menu

WINE TASTING

1. Our local Kelkiewyn has a lovely refurbished tasting room where you can taste all Villiersdorp Cellar has to offer.
2. Stettyn Wines just past Villiersdorp offers a great tasting and if you have time you can settle into a cheese board too.
3. The Elgin and Franschhoek Valleys are abundant in wine tasting options. We recommend Paul Wallace in Elgin (by appointment) and Oak Valley. Haute Cabriere is just a stone’s throw away over the Franschhoek pass.

ELGIN RAILWAY MARKET

The Elgin Railway Market is a must-do if you are wanting to go home via Somerset West. It’s set in a refurbished old apple shed where you can watch the old steam train’s arrival from the deck. 

CAPE CANOPY TOUR

Voted one of the top experiences in the world and the second best tourist attraction in Africa, it is a must for the adrenalin seekers and adventurous at heart. Call 021 300 0501 to book as bookings are essential.

CHECK OUT

When you want to check out on your day of departure, kindly do so before 10h00. If you would like to linger a bit longer, we may be flexible on this depending on guests checking in, so let us know and we can try our best to accommodate you. Please leave the keys in the door and let Camilla or Devonia know you are going. Devonia: 062 418 7700. You can Whatsapp or call.