Augusta de Mist is country-style retreat set on 1.5 hectares of eclectic fynbos. The country estate in typical Cape fashion boasts a deeply romantic 1802 Cape Dutch National Monument with more original features than you can shake a stick at. The shutters are yellowwood and the ironmongery original, as are the reed ceilings held together with 200+ year-old mud and clay.

This manor building forms the social hub of the estate housing both the guest lounge and dining rooms. It also plays host to a Heritage Suite which pays homage to Swellendam history and references South African iconic images and items. The bed is crowned by a cupola inspired by the Eastern style of the local church, while the reading room in the suite teams Afrikaner quilts and World Cup makarapas, which are pure township art.

While the cottages are meant to tell the old stories of Swellendam each also has its luxurious touch. Every suite has its own lounge, large bedrooms with similarly large en-suite bathrooms living areas and private gardens. Almost all of them have their own fireplace.

Breakfasts are lazy affairs under summer vines with strong coffee, fresh fruit and country-style hot offerings such as ‘Oeuf Cocotte’. Wine-tasting events are arranged with winemakers and all wine is available for purchase either for dinner, to take with on a picnic or even to take home as a gift. Augusta’s Kitchen produces a small range of chutneys and jams.

The pool area is perfect with a large willow tree and the kind of privacy that encourages you to shed the layers and have a cocktail. But then privacy is even greater in the small fynbos forest at the top of the property where you can climb a hand-hewn stairway to a fine view of the Overberg. Of course just the thought of all that hiking on the grounds makes the fountain on the front lawns quite a good bet for a good old sit and much more civilised. Speaking of civilised, you may as well take tea on the stoep while sitting and take in the lawns, rose bushes and giant trees. Guests can also enjoy the picnic clearing in the fynbos forest, the wine cellar or even just the lounge in your suite. There are not enough days on the average visit to sit in all the available spaces and congratulate yourself on a perfect choice.