Jonkmanshof: 20 Bath - Suite 1

Jonkmanshof comprises two 19th-century Cape Dutch-style homes in Bath Street that were lovingly renovated with lashings of design flair – courtesy of Jacques Erasmus of Cape Town’s Hemelhuijs fame and his business partner Hein Liebenberg.

Located in a quiet side street just off the main road, both homes offer spellbinding views of mountains, orchards and gardens. Inside, the owners have given the houses a fresh lease on life, while preserving key features, such as original wooden floorboards and high ceilings, and adding some warm country-style touches, such as exposed river-reed ceilings and a selection of the finest antiques and furniture.

Every room is an immersive artwork, every object and antique considered – but it’s comfortable too, with thick lime-plastered walls, fireplaces, cashmere blankets, underfloor heating, a wood-burning Aga stove in the kitchen/dining area at 20 Bath, and homemade liqueurs such as limoncello, vin d’orange and kumquatcelle from the courtyard orchard. There are magical gardens to explore and farm dam-style pools to dip in, too, but you’re also a short walk from the town’s attractions.

THE LODGINGS

Each of the two homes has two boutique suites. You can choose to rent out the whole house (or both homes to sleep a total of eight) for exclusive use, or book on a per-room basis. Suite One at 20 Bath is intimate and peaceful, with ample seating areas and a large ensuite bathroom with views of the courtyard and the potted citrus garden.

Inside living

• Suite One with a king-size bed (can be made into twins) and ensuite bathroom with a shower and bateau bath
• Wood-burning fireplace in the lounge
• Library and desk
• Fully equipped kitchen with Aga

Outdoor living

• Private garden with a farm-style swimming pool
• Outside terrace with recliners and a dining table
• Indigenous succulent greenhouse

Good to know

• Daily breakfast included in per room rate, or available at an additional cost for exclusive-use bookings
• Dinner prepared by a professional chef on request (minimum of 4 guests)
• No children under 8 years unless the house is booked for exclusive use

THINGS TO DO

On the property

Spend the day in the garden, lounging by the pools in summer, or curling up with a book in front of the fire when it’s chilly

In the area

• Ride a Dutch bike around town on a Flying Feet cycle tour
• Hire a vintage/classic car for a chauffeur-driven tour
• Visit the Montagu Museum (comprising two buildings in Long Street)
• Soak in the hot springs or visit Guano Caves waterpark
• Stroll through the Nature Garden and along riverside Lover’s Walk
• Dine at more than a dozen restaurants and coffee shops
• See local art in home studios and galleries (including Hick’s, Ibis and KWV)
• Enjoy the Saturday morning market
• Shop for Montagu’s famous dried fruit – and local crafts
• Go for wine and olive tastings
• Go rock climbing and abseiling in Cogmanskloof
• Hike the Aasvoëlkrans, Badskloof or Bloupunt trails
• Test the seven mountain-bike routes
• Play a round of golf at the Montagu Club