As a reader-writer, stories are my life. So, whenever I come across a person, place or object with a particularly great story, they tend to crawl a little deeper into my heart.

This has certainly been the case with Schoone Oordt.

We were fortunate enough to have owner, Alison Walker as tour leader of the #OverbergFam2019 trip and along the way, she shared a bit about the hotel’s fascinating history and the special role she and her family have played in restoring and reviving this beautiful grand dame.

Schoone Oordt first appeared on Alison and her husband, Richard’s horizon late in 2002. After enjoying a short Christmas holiday in Arniston – where a pregnancy test had proven positive – they drove home via Swellendam and caught sight of this majestic house, aging but still beautiful.

“Richard and I had always wanted to live and raise children in the country,” said Alison. “Richard’s dream was building a game farm; mine a beautiful old guesthouse filled with artists, poets, writers and of course, children.”

Even though it wasn’t a farm, something about Schoone Oordt captured their imaginations and an offer was put in.

They gained occupancy in May 2003 and by November of the same year, Alison, Richard and their brand new baby boy, Kai, were settled into what was essentially a building site.

Richard and two labourers stripped, sanded, and varnished every ceiling board and floorboard as well as rehanging every shutter and window. The kitchen was completely gutted and rebuilt, followed by a further three renovations over the years.

Schoone Oordt was officially opened in November 2007, but the work has never stopped.

“Keeping true to the premise that this lovely old lady is a constant work in progress, we’ve just finished refurbing and upgrading all of our Luxury Rooms in winter 2018 with new carpets, headboards, curtains, cushions and some small little special extras,” says Alison.

And, by the way, between all the building and renovation, Alison and Richard were blessed with another boy and two girls!

One of the things I like most about Schoone Oordt Country House is the fact that it strikes the perfect balance between elegance and cosy comfort.

For example, evening turndown includes the kindling of a roaring fire in your suite’s hearth and delicious home-made chocolate truffles daintily displayed in a tiny glass dome on your bed.

These intimate touches make bedtime at Schoone Oordt feel both homely and utterly luxurious.

Speaking of which – if, like me, you enjoy ritualising bath time, Schoone Oordt’s spacious en-suite washrooms will have you swooning.

Each one is fitted with a large Victorian bath as well as a lavish shower. Since the Overberg has had no shortage of rain over the past few seasons, water restrictions are non-existent and therefore running a bath is not a taboo (Capetonians, you know what I’m talking about here).

Bath salts, candles and essential oils (for diffusing) are provided, helping you create a supremely soothing environment. Fluffy white towels and robes offer the perfect warm embrace when the time inevitably comes to leave the comfort of your bath or shower.

By the way, all the shower gels, shampoos and lotions at Schoone Oordt have been locally produced in Swellendam by the highly-acclaimed Rain Africa. Rain prides itself in creating beautiful bathtime products from sustainably sourced indigenuos botanicals. 

Whether you’re sitting down for a 3-course breakfast, your complimentary afternoon tea spread or treating loved ones to dinner, every single meal at The Conservatory – Schoone Oordt’s restaurant – feels  like a special occasion.

This season, talented Chef Jason Whitehead was called in to consult on a new menu and the result has been truly magical. Expect meals that are not only mouth-wateringly delicious, but also beautifully presented.

When The Conservatory’s Chef Obakeng Mholo left Swellendam in 2018 to marry and start a new life in Bloemfontein, Alison and Richard decided that, instead of replacing him with a new Head Chef, they’d upskill and empower two of the ladies who’ve been working in the kitchen since the very beginning. 

Elizabeth and Grieta have grabbed the opportunity with both hands and are making a strong impression with their creativity and talent.

With the ample comforts and luxuries of Schoone Oordt, the temptation to just stay put is real.

However, Swellendam and surrounds has such a wealth of intriguing activities and attractions that it would be something of a sin to miss out!

Fortunately, the property is also located right in the heart of this picturesque Overberg town, offering the perfect location from which to explore.

Within walking distance, you will find the historic Drostdy Museum, a range of hiking/mountain biking trails in the Marloth Nature Reserve, the fascinating Masbiekers Valley Project, and, of course, a super selection of highly-rated restaurants and shops.

If you feel like taking a drive, the Bontebok National Park is about 5km away and offers lovely day visitor picnic facilities. There’s also the Berry Guest Farm in the Hermitage Valley that offers an array of exciting activities for the whole family – from canoeing and swimming to foefie sliding and enchanted forest walks. 

Slightly further afield, you will find the scenic Tradouw Pass and the quaint town of Barrydale on the other side.