The French Cottage  Verified Listing

The cottage is built in country French style with the iconic Clarens sandstone. This luxury fully-equipped cottage sleeps 6 persons and comprises of 3 bedrooms, each with their own entrance. Downstairs are 2 bedrooms, 1 with a double bed and 1 with 2 three-quarter beds, both share a bathroom with a corner bath and shower. The upstairs room contains a king-size bed and en-suite bathroom with bath and shower.

Each room has tea and coffee-making facilities. The bed linen is luxury crisp white percale and soft towels are provided for each guest. Each bedroom has a heater, electric blankets and extra blankets for those chilly winter nights and both bathrooms have a heater. Fans are also provided for hot summer days. The country style open-plan kitchen and dining room upstairs have wonderful views of the property and mountains. The kitchen is fully equipped with gas stove and convection oven, a fridge and freezer and microwave. Full DStv is provided upstairs. A cast iron fireplace with wood provided for cosy winter evenings.

The village of Clarens lies at the foot of Mount Horeb, on the Free State Highlands Route close to the Golden Gate National Park. One of the most popular holiday towns in the Eastern Free State, its location inspires not only its own residents but everyone who stays there.

An easy three to four hours' drive from Johannesburg, Clarens has become the long weekend mecca of those after an arty, sleepy hollow with just enough entertainment not to be dull.

The town that first enjoyed a revival when it became something of an artists' haven during the early nineties is now premium second home property. It helps that it lies in a particularly scenic spot, surrounded by Rooiberge and the Maluti Mountains a little further southeast; its tree-lined streets and enticing restaurants, art galleries and boutique style stores a reason to amble away the weekend in the town's square.

There is no shortage of accommodation in Clarens in the form of guest houses, self-catering establishments, lodges and B&Bs in the area, and nature-loving activities in particular are what attract those who enjoy the great outdoors. There is horse riding, hiking, fly fishing, abseiling, white water rafting and golf. There are caves to visit, San paintings to explore, rocks to climb, and local restaurants offer live music over weekends.

Many of the homes and buildings in Clarens are built using local sandstone, giving them a particular appeal. The Artists' Amble is a route that takes in the local art galleries run by and supplied by local artists.

Secure parking is provided and the garden is completely fenced off, making it safe for young children. A fire pit area to the side of the yard is a great place for sundowners. A large open braai area downstairs also provided. A large variety of bird life can be seen as well as grey duiker, porcupine, genets and dassies. The property is home to a large overhanging cave with bushman paintings and perennial waterfall as well as an orchard and forest.

* Basotho Cultural Village.
* Clarens Golf Estate.
* Clarens Village Conservancy.
* Golden Gate National Park.
* Adamo Restaurant at the Protea Hotel.
* Clarens Brewery.
* Clementines Restaurant.
* Live music on the weekends.
* Art and Wine Gallery on Main.
* Basotho Cultural Village.
* Clarens Xtreme Adventure Centre.
* Bokpoort Horse riding.
* The Fertility Caves