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Old Oak Manor
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The History. The main guesthouse is located on the same property as Café Felix in an old farm house dating back to around 1856. It is apparently one of the oldest houses in Riebeek Kasteel and started life as a Victorian style building. This was changed to a Cape-Dutch style with the addition of a Cape-Dutch gable at some point in its past. Unfortunately, the only old elements remaining today are the clay ceiling in some parts of the building and the half-meter thick clay walls (the original doors and windows were replaced).
The guesthouse was named after the oldest oak tree on the property (estimated to be 180 years old). The other old oak on the property, which is estimated at about 150 years, provides a welcome shade to the restaurant outside area.
A previous owner once had a vision of horses drinking at a wooden trough at the back of the house where the swimming pool is located today. Such stories stimulate the romantic imagination around the history of the place.
The Interior. The interior of the main guesthouse is thanks to the creativity of owner and well-known interior decorator Salomé Gunter. The "lived-in" French Provencal style of interior is apparent throughout the house and many guests have referred to Old Oak Manor as a "home from home". The interior of the house has been featured in many local and international interior magazines, and even on the front cover of some French interior magazines. The special ambience created by the interior is without a doubt responsible for the "X factor" of the place.
The Accommodation
The Main Guesthouse has four en-suite bedrooms respectively called Tara, Julius, Misty and Felix and are named after the owners' cats. The two bigger rooms, named after the two "fat cats" Tara and Julius, are located at the back of the house and open onto a patio leading to the swimming pool. These bedrooms have a double bed and spacious bathroom with free standing Victorian bath and shower. The interior of the rooms creates a warm and cozy "lived-in" feeling.
The other two rooms in the main guesthouse, named after the two "sleek cats" Felix and Misty, are respectively located to the side and front of the house. These bedrooms also have double beds with an en-suite bathroom containing a shower. This same relaxed style of décor was used here. All rooms have wall heaters for the cold winter nights.
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The Loft is located above the restaurant. This spacious living area consists of a lounge, bedroom and en-suite bathroom and contains a double bed and two day beds. DSTV, tea/coffee facilities and an honesty bar are available in the loft. Room service can be ordered from the restaurant during normal open hours. With its special interior this space is very popular as a honeymoon suite and has been the focus point of many interior shoots for local and international magazines.
The Garden Cottage. Surrounded by the pleasant smell of Lavender bushes this cheeky little garden cottage, called tongue-in-the-cheek "Die Gifhuisie", sits in one corner of the property. The interior style is simple and the main room contains a double and single bed and connects to an en-suite bathroom with shower. Tea/coffee facilities are provided and room service is available from Café Felix during its normal open hours. "Die Gifhuisie" is a matter of personal taste. During a visit by the French Consulate it was called "the most French thing outside France".
The Shared Spaces. A cozy lounge provides a comfortable retreat while relaxing with a book and a good glass of wine. A wood burning stove provides heat for the cold winter days. The bedrooms opens into a dining room that has tea and coffee facilities with an honesty bar and wine fridge.
