Protea Wilds Retreat

ABOUT US

Our goal was to create a peaceful and charming setting, that respects the farm and environment.  We want our guests to truly getting away from city life. Yet still close enough to also enjoy all the wonderful activities that the Knysna/Plettenberg Bay area has to offer. 

The farm (Heideplaas) has been in the family for about 30 years. We farmed with protea and still have plantation, but our aim is to reclaim as much of the fynbos as possible (have already had great success with it). We decided as a family to create Protea Wilds Eco Reserve CC (trading as Protea Wilds Retreat today) on the property more than 15 years ago and we have been showing a steady growth every year.

I (Amanda de Vos) lives on the farm with my fiancée Martin de Kock, an artist, who also helps me to manage the guest house and farm in-between creating his paintings. I am the hands-on manager of the farm and the lodge – from marketing, to taking bookings to cooking breakfast and dinner. I always try to look after my guests as well as I can without being intrusive.

The manager’s house is on a different location on the farm as all the accommodation. We are always striving to better our accommodation and customer service.  Our pool is solar heated. We chop our own firewood by using our local alien vegetation (wattle and blue gum) and so making an impact for future generations. Our gardens are almost exclusively indigenous and we use plants that can survive with the rain we get, so that we do not have to use extra water to irrigate. 

SERVICES

• Tranquility and peace, safe, breathtaking views all round, activities, affordability. Between Knysna and Plettenberg Bay, Fisanthoek. Bird life, protea and fynbos, 270 hectares, no vehicle through road. Various mountain bike trails on the farm and from the farm, eg. a section of the Dr Evil Classic.
• Activities on the way to Plett or Knysna include - forest horse riding, quad bikes, cheese- and wine tasting, Knysna Elephant Park, Adventure Land, road stalls, Zinzi Restaurant, Harkerville Farmers Market (Saturdays), Garden of Eden, Harkerville Mountain Bike Routes, to name a few!
• Book your gourmet or family picnic at our private picnic area (indigenous forest and Langkloof mountain views).
• Relax on the pool deck or if you feel brave, take a hike down to the Bitou river (or make use of other easy walking routes on the property).
• Wireless internet access at reception/manager’s office or on the shaded patio, free of charge (100 -300m away from Protea Cottage and the units or 2kms away from Bitou Valley House).
• 6 Self-catering studio units suited to two adults each with kitchenettes and a dining table inside and outside. Covered patio and deck with stunning views, en-suite shower room. Fynbosskerm with pool deck, lounge with fireplace and DSTV, bbq areas and a dining/breakfast room (fireplace). Also suitable to group accommodation (10 -12 adults plus kids sharing).
• The quaint, private Protea Cottage sleeps 4 (2 bedr, 2 bathr), DSTV, radio, fireplace, patio. Lapa with bbq (seating) and boma fire pit. Above ground kids pool.
• The completely secluded Bitou Valley House sleeps 6 adults (3 bedr, 2 bath). DSTV, fireplace, music system, dvd. Fenced and pet friendly. Stunning braai area with pool and shaded seating, outside private shower with-a-view (warm water) and a lovely deck.
• About 22 kms from Knysna/Plett (25 mins). Partly on the N2, then 9 kms inland (good gravel, our roads are mostly maintained well). Suited to sedan motors, but not very low profile/tiny cars – although guests have driven here in all types of vehicles! I suppose it is what you are used to or not! Can get muddy if it rains a lot.
• Self-catering. Linen and bath towels, quota firewood, shampoo, shower gel, hand soap, lotion, shower cap, vanity kit, toilet paper, coffee and tea on arrival, included. Serviced daily during high season, except 25 Dec, 1 Jan and Sundays. Inquire during lower seasons. Safe, shaded parking. Continental or English breakfast on request.