There is a small shop selling beautiful kelims and wonderful home made Persian pickles and jams; and the owners of Kuhestan, Shahrzad (who comes from Iran) and Brett Hone are warm and generous hosts.

Walking in the indigenous Afro-montaine forest is a bit like walking into a fairy tale, except that here there are more birds.

The birds in this part of the world are spectacular. I have never seen Knysna Louries before, although we have many of their cousins, the Grey Louries (think they are now officially called Go Away birds) in our garden at home. Knysa Louries are special; their loud, uncouth cries echo in the forest, sounding more like animal gruntings and cacklings than anything coming from a bird's beak. Their green plumage and crests look very sedate until they take flight, and then you are treated to a flash of spectacular scarlet at the feather on the underside of their wings are revealed...breathtaking!

The Magoebaskloof trail is also within easy reach of the cottages, and besides hiking and bird watching the area offers trout fishing, scenic drives, many different eating establishments, tea plantations and more. It is well worth visiting for a relaxing break in beautiful surroundings.