Just the Tonic

Cute as a button, this cottage dates back to the Victorian era with bay windows, wooden shutters and a manicured garden. It’s within the town of Stellenbosch, in the heart of South Africa’s most famous wine-producing region – the Cape Winelands. Vineyards dominate the hills around town while the centre is home to tasting rooms and wine bars galore. Once you’ve stocked up on local chenin blancs and cab sauvs, get a slab of meat from the butcher in town and fire up the brick-built barbecue on the patio for a proper braai. Just make sure to leave enough time to digest before heading to the shared swimming pool for some cooling laps. Stepping inside, big bay windows flood the living room with natural light. Striking artworks on the pristine white walls and a coffee table piled high with glossy artsy books keep things feeling eclectic for classy evenings with a bottle of wine. The kitchen is big and bright, with plenty of prep space thanks to a kitchen island and breakfast bar and there’s a little collection of cookbooks for inspiration. We love the two double bedrooms with their modern-style four-poster beds and dedicated desks for getting a spot of work done if you need. Home truths: *For those bringing a car, this place has secure, undercover parking for up to two vehicles *This place has a solar-powered battery system that kicks in during load-shedding power outages *For those working remotely, each bedroom has a dedicated laptop desk *Guests here have access to a shared outdoor swimming pool open between 8am and 8pm *For those with reduced mobility, there's a ground floor bedroom and bathroom here *You'll have your own private entrance here