Adrian
Table of Contents
- Escaping Cape Town
- Preparing for the Trip
- A Cottage Under the Stars
- Already Dreaming of My Next Trip
- Ready to Book Your Stay?
Escaping Cape Town
My Retreat to a Stone Cottage in Citrusdal
Every six weeks or so, I hit a breaking point. Living in Cape Town, with its endless construction noise, occasional run-ins with self-centered locals, and tech bros deploying apps no one asked for (thinking they’re the next Zuckerberg), becomes overwhelming. That’s when I know—it’s time to disconnect from the internet’s chatter and reconnect with real life.
A while back, I stumbled upon a hidden gem: a stone cottage nestled high in the mountains near Citrusdal. It was love at first sight, and this was my second visit.
Preparing for the Trip
Like Flying Business Class
The whole process of getting ready for a retreat here feels like preparing for an intercontinental flight in business class—careful planning, anticipation, and a sense of luxury in the simplicity of leaving the noise behind.
The drive from Cape Town to this hidden gem only takes two hours via the N7 highway. You eventually turn off onto the winding Middelberg Pass (R303), where the real adventure begins. But since I don’t drive a 4x4, the super-friendly host, Michael, handles the final stretch. He picks you up near the entrance and takes both you and your luggage up the mountain to the stone cottage.
A Cottage Under the Stars
This place is pure peace. No emails, no meetings, no annoying app notifications—just the quiet sounds of nature . If you’re into hiking, there are lots of awesome trails to check out. Just make sure you bring good hiking shoes 🥾—those trails aren’t messing around!
The stone cottage is not just a hiking retreat; it’s also perfect for stargazing. With minimal light pollution, the night sky is absolutely breathtaking. But the highlight? Stargazing from the comfort of an outside bathtub at midnight—soaking in warm water while looking up at a sky bursting with stars. There’s nothing quite like that moment of serenity when the only sound is the wind through the mountains, and the universe seems close enough to touch.
If you’ve got a GoPro or a fancy camera, the area is ideal for astrophotography. Whether you’re capturing a time-lapse of the Milky Way or simply lying back and marveling at the beauty of it all, you’ll find yourself lost in the experience.
This peaceful setting also makes the cottage ideal for deep work. Whether you’re a writer, artist, knowledge worker, or solo entrepreneur, the tranquil environment fosters creativity and focus. It’s amazing how much clarity you gain when the digital noise is turned off, and you’re surrounded by mountains, stars, and silence.
Already Dreaming of My Next Trip
This visit was even better than the first, and I’m already counting down the days until I can return. There’s something magical about the balance this stone cottage provides—it strips away the excess and leaves only what matters. It’s not just a getaway; it’s a reset for the soul. And with those midnight stargazing baths under the vast sky, it’s a place that keeps pulling me back.
Ready to Book Your Stay?
If this sounds like the getaway you need, don’t wait too long to book your spot! Whether it’s for hiking, deep work, or just soaking under the stars, this stone cottage won’t disappoint.