Reviews

Review Source: Budget Getaways, Tree Spirit Cottage, Knysna Forest

 

October 2016 – Hidden Gem in the Gouna forest ★★★★★

Tree Spirit Cottage is an amazing gem hidden in the Gouna forest. Fiona and Anthony are superb hosts and you could not ask for more. The cottage is perfectly positioned alongside a small dam and offers you all the comforts of home. Even to freshly picked herbs and veggies from Fiona’s veggie garden. Bambam the donkey will keep you company alongside the braai at night. During our stay at this wonderful little cottage we got engaged at the Knysna Ellie Park and we will definitely be back at Tree Spirit Cottage soon for another romantic weekend away. Thank you Fiona and Anthony!”

(Michele Steyn, visited Oct 2016)

June 2016 – A winter’s tale ★★★★★

We spend a fantastic, cold June weekend at Tree Spirit Cottage. Despite the cold weather, the beautiful cottage was warm. The view from the cottage is lovely, looking over the dam and surrounded by natural Fynbos vegetation. The children rode their bikes around the farm while my husband caught a fish in the dam next to the cottage. Anthony and Fiona are excellent hosts, with many interesting and amusing stories to tell. Fiona is an excellent chef. Although we used the wonderful braai facilities and seating area, Fiona’s meal was the highlight! My children adored the friendly animals, particularly Bam Bam the donkey and Hilary the pig. They spent so much time with them. Bam Bam even ran along on a few bicycle rides. There are lovely hikes in the natural forest nearby. We took one, which we all enjoyed. The setting of the farm on the mountain is particularly appealing. It is so quiet, although it isn’t far from Knysna. We enjoyed the peaceful days in nature and the nights looking at the milky way, while sitting around a fire. My 9 year old daughter cried her heart out when we had to leave. It was great to see the children enjoying nature so much. We will definitely be back. Its the type of place that will have you feeling no stay is long enough.

Keren Oosthuizen – visited June 2016

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An absolute jewel of Knysna Forest  ★★★★★

Well priced, hosts very hospitable and a truely forest cottage experience, we will visit again and again. Lovely nearby Gouna Forest walks with the historic Ambrose Church, a boat with your own mini lake in front of you, private with wonderful forest sounds. It’s the farm animals (donkeys and sheep and chickens) that crept into our hearts and the information given by our hosts on organic permaculture was astounding. An absolute jewel of Knysna.

Andre du plessis, visited April 2015

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Do it and book, you won’t be disappointed   ★★★★★

If you read the comments below most people say they wish they had more time on the farm, that is exactly how i feel about my experience, it was amazing and I wish I had more time to take in the farm and the lazy atmosphere it provides. It was amazing and I will say one of the best places I have stayed at. We (my girlfriend and I) use budget getaways all the time when going away and this was one of the best places we have stayed at. The hosts are very welcoming and the cottage is private. I loved making a big fire in the pit under the stars, if you looking for a getaway to get-away from town life this is the place. The location, Knysna Forest is also excellent and the facilities are great. Do it and book, you won’t be disappointed. I will be going back.”

Zebulin Rangasami, visited June 2015

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We loved it so much we stayed an extra night   ★★★★★

The directions said the road was interesting and it certainly was. The sights out the window as we drove were reminiscent of the pictures conjured up by the stories we had read of Knysna Forest, mostly courtesy of Daleen Matthee. The Gouna valley, Knysna forest is breath taking, Knysna is so much more than the famous heads. Upon arriving at Tree Spirit we were greeted by Fiona and her entourage of animals. The sheep and their adopted pig pal, ”Bam Bam” the friendly lovable donkey who walked us to our cottage where he would visit often to the delight of the children. Fiona is an awesome friendly honest to goodness host, she even left us some delicious strawberries hand-picked from her organic garden. On occasion we were lucky enough to be visited by the resident Bush buck, when lily pads were on the breakfast menu. Mrs Bush buck headed for the hills when we came across her on our morning run. It was hot during our stay so the outside shower (with hot water!) was an awesome way to cool off. A lazy braai ended our evenings with a sunset second to none. The evening rivals that of Sutherland, we traced many a satellites path across the night sky. The lack of noise that we have become accustomed to was nowhere to be found, just pure tranquility and peacefulness aplenty, it was amazing, we loved it so much we stayed an extra night. We will definitely be going back.

Candy De Jager, visited December 2015

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Everything was perfect   ★★★★★

The South African sunrise, the donkeys and sheep, the happy frogs at the pond singing me to sleep, the pampering, the conversations, the camaraderie, the exquisite freshly made meals, and thoroughly delightful company of Anthony and Fiona, everything was perfect. This was more than a getaway. It was an experience that will last a lifetime.

Wende Wylie, visited November 2014

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All-in-all this is a wonderful retreat   ★★★★★

This is an amazing getaway with the added bonus of awesome hosts! After getting lost driving up the beautiful mountain we finally got to our destination, Fiona showed us to our retreat and we were in awe of the tranquility. Your stoep looks out onto a little dam (complete with rowing boat) where the birds greet you as they have a late afternoon dip. There’s a nice braai/pizza oven next to the forest too which we only got to use once as Knysna decided to be wet the rest of the weekend. Luckily there is a small kaggel and lots of DVDs, books & games to keep you snug inside. The rain didn’t stop us from going on the Terblans Nature Walk just around the corner, which is a must-do activity when there! The donkeys were super cute and love it when you give them some fruity treats. Fiona was kind enough to send me pics of the lambs that were born a few days after we left, so sad we missed it. All-in-all this is a wonderful retreat. The fridge is tiny (as they are solar) so don’t pack too much food in that can spoil, but definitely come prepared as you will not want to leave once you get there! Oh and ladies, the bath is amazing, so nice to chill in there with a book with a view of the outside world next to you.

Abigale Moller, visited September 2014

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Anthony and Fiona really made our stay memorable   ★★★★

Tree spirit cottage is situated far enough from town to appreciate the peace and quiet that nature brings, yet close enough to enjoy main attractions. Anthony and Fiona, together with all the friendly farm animals, really made our stay memorable. The three course vegetarian dinner made by Fiona is highly recommended.

Charl Louw, visited January 2015

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Thank you Fiona and Anthony for the best getaway ever!   ★★★★★

Upon arrival we were welcomed with open arms and by very friendly donkeys. Fiona picked fresh salad and herbs from her garden which was such an awesome and welcoming gesture. Everything was perfect from the beginning to the end. The cottage and the location is perfect, it is truly a piece of heaven and well worth every cent. We will most definitely go back and stay longer next time, two days was not enough. The peace, quiet and tranquillity of the farm was truly just what we needed. Thank you Fiona and Anthony for the best getaway ever!

Nicoline van Heerden, visited April 2015

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You will not be disappointed   ★★★★★

The place is beautiful, no doubt, but the real treat was the pampering! We were never wanting for anything, even while it rained. Fiona and Anthony are the heart and soul of the farm, welcoming and fun, schedule to have Fiona cook for you, you will not be disappointed. We, too, loved the morning visits from the donkeys and sheep. I highly recommend the Tree Spirit Cottage, Knysna Forest for anyone who wants to refresh and relax. Even if you never leave the grounds, you will have plenty to see and hear just by sitting out on the covered patio. Plan your trip now!

Karen Rusk, visited November 2014

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Highly recommended   ★★★★★

I had an absolutely fantastic stay at the Tree Spirit Cottage, Knysna Forest. Located on a farm in the gorgeous Gouna Forest in Knysna, Tree Spirit Cottage offers a relaxing, modern atmosphere, beautiful surroundings, and amazing, gourmet meals prepared by the owner, Fiona, herself. She grows all of her fruits and vegetables herself, along with honey she extracts from her own bees. She and her husband also own dogs, donkeys, sheep, and chickens, all of which are so lovingly cared for that they are very friendly, especially the donkeys. I found interacting with them very therapeutic and relaxing. Fiona herself is very accommodating and friendly, and easy to get along with. I really enjoyed her company. The modern cottage has electricity, purified running water, a modern shower, bathtub, clothes washer, and TV with various DVDs to watch. No dryer, though. A fireplace is used to keep the cottage warm at night during the late fall/winter (when I stayed). No broadcast TV is available, and neither is wireless internet. The 3G signal is pretty weak (since it’s in the middle of a forest), so any internet needs are best done in town. For the money, the value honestly can’t be beat. Fiona and her husband have put their hearts and souls into their accommodations, and it definitely shows. Highly recommended.

Scott Wells, visited May 2014

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It’s an absolute gem  ★★★★★

I thoroughly enjoyed my stay at Tree Spirit. Fiona and her hubby are absolute sweeties and went out of their way to make our stay enjoyable. We experienced terrible weather during our trip, but that did not stop us from exploring the local town, museums and the fantastic Tree Spirit farm. The house was absolutely beautiful, the views were perfect and the farm animals … well, they’re something else! Waking up to the entertaining farm animals every morning was quite something we enjoyed. I’d definitely recommend staying at the Tree Spirit Cottage, Knysna forest. It’s an absolute gem and no words would be able to describe it. Check it out for yourself – the tranquil surroundings are spectacular!

Kelly T, visited January 2014

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Will definitely come back! ★★★★

Fiona is a great hostess and an excellent chef! Perfect for vegetarians. The farm is a dream location for people who love nature and peace and tranquility. My favourite spot is the pond with the beautiful lotus flowers, great for a swim in the morning. Will definitely come back!

Ulrike Claudius, visited February 2013

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We hope to return soon ★★★★★

We recently visited the tree spirit cottage and was delighted with our hosts and the cottage. We hope to return soon.

Nico Nortje, visited October 2013

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The setting is idyllic ★★★★★