Getaway to the Beautiful Frog Mountain
The road to Frog Mountain splits from the N2 highway at Infanta4x4, brushes up against the Buffeljags dam, and snakes deeper into the Langeberg mountains. The road continues through the entrance to Frog Mountain farm, past a herd of beautiful Nguni cattle and ends in a tiny loop at the gate that leads to Sam’s Place. The luxury 12 sleeper farmhouse is private and lovingly decorated, like the other 5 cottages, a balance between rustic simplicity and luxurious details like Egyptian cotton linen on the King beds.
The nature lover in me delighted in the sound of birdsong, and the horses grazing in the green fields just under the deck where we lit the braai. The fresh scent of grass in the crisp dusk instantly washed our cares away as we watched the sky turn dark to reveal the spectacular Milky Way.
Sam’s Place feels like a modern home in the heart of nature, with a large open plan kitchen and living room with an indoor fireplace that does a brilliant job of heating the space while still keeping the room smoke free. Along the side of the house facing the river, a wide wooden deck invites visitors to make themselves comfortable and stare out over the lush beauty of the valley. It made for the perfect extended family holiday farmhouse near Swellendam.
Frog Mountain as a Remote Workation
One of the biggest bonuses of the "new normal" we are all faced with is that most businesses have opted for a fully or partially remote working arrangement where possible. This opens up the opportunity to work from anywhere where you can connect to a sufficiently fast wifi connection. There are few things better than closing your laptop after a day’s work and stepping out onto the porch overlooking the best nature has to offer, an instant mini-vacation. While I was able to conduct all the Zoom meetings I had scheduled for the day, my two little ones played with the dogs and cats on the farm, explored the garden, and even decided to go for a dip in the swimming pool, the fact that it was still mid-winter had little bearing on their enthusiasm for the great outdoors.
Indeed, it was great. One day we decided that instead of having lunch indoors, we would spend our lunch hour together at the waterfall, not even 400m from the farmhouse. There is nothing like a quick swim in the ice-cold water (from the melting snow-capped mountains) to wake you up and fill you with a warm buzz of energy, feeling more deeply connected with nature and myself.
Cuddle up in Front of a Warm Fire
At night we cuddled up on the soft couches and watched the fire dancing in the hearth. In those quiet moments, with a glass of red wine and the people I love most, I could feel a deep calm seep into my bones. Nature in all her unadorned beauty is truly the best medicine for the modern soul.
Meditative Walks in the Labyrinth
When a meditative mood strikes, and you want to try something other than an awe-inspiring walk in the natural forest, a labyrinth could be found on top of a little hill behind the reception building. A walk both the grandparents and kids enjoyed very much.
On our final day, we went to the play area where a jungle gym and mini soccer field promises hours of fun for the kids. There was also a boma and firepit where parents could braai while the kids got rid of any leftover energy before bedtime.
More things to do
- Enjoy the fabulous round swimming pool in natural surroundings
- Free your wild side and take a dip in the river or natural pools at the waterfall
- Grab one of the canoes and head out on the river
- Get the adrenalin pumping with the exciting foefie-slide over the river
- Hike in the Langeberg Mountains on your doorstep
- Bring your mountain bike and ride the 8km farm road, or explore the surrounding epic mountain bike trails in Swellendam
- Fish the well-stocked dam - catch & release - Tilapia (Bream)
- Historic Reception Barn for guests use: including, table-tennis, board games, mini-library (borrow a book) and DSTV.
- Tell the kids there is no Wi-Fi this holiday and enjoy some offline time together :)
Types of accommodation
At Frog Mountain you are not limited to staying at the farmhouse. If you prefer a more rustic stay, the cosy rondavels offer something special for the kids, who get to sleep in a loft close to the thatch roof. The Willow Lodge offers 3 bedrooms and a loft (like the rondavels) if you have a larger family than would fit the rondavels.
