Skuinshuis Artist's Cottage \ Accommodation in Prince Albert

The Skuinshuis Artist’s Cottage was built ca.100 years ago in the labourers’ flat-roofed style, with original mouldings around entrance door and windows. Recently extended to include a new bedroom, bathroom and two outdoor seating areas, the cottage now offers a stylish and cosy self-catering retreat for two adults. 10% of all income supports the Skuinshuis Scholarship Fund, administered by owner Sally Arnold since 2000 in aid of various creative projects (e.g. art classes, dance projects) for the youth of Prince Albert.

Self Catering Accommodation

Cottage facilities comprise a fully equipped kitchen with original 50’s gas stove (four burners and oven), vintage cast iron Dover wood stove, fridge, iron and ironing board, a small lounge/dining room, adjoining bedroom with king size bed, air conditioning/heating, mosquito net and hanging storage space, bathroom with extra-long bathtub, walk in shower, hand basin and hair dryer, DSTV (bring your own card) and wifi internet.

The courtyard terrace leads onto a sheltered seating area facing the swimming pool and garden, with outdoor furniture, sun umbrella and portable barbecue. Percale linen, towels and dressing gowns provided. Serviced once weekly with laundry service on the premises for a small additional fee. Shady parking on the quiet, safe country street at cottage front gate.

Attractions & Activitioes

A choice of local restaurants and coffee bars offers a delicious selection of fare. Excellent cheeses, olive oil, dried fruit, fragrant Karoo lamb and dessert wine are produced in the village. The Prince Albert Gallery hosts a permanent display of local artists’ work. Local weavery and other outlets stock products made from cuddly indigenous mohair. A cheerful internet café (with home-baked produce) is a nearby favourite. Art movies are shown in a former dam every 2nd Wednesday.

A dirt, 1.6km long municipal airstrip plus small hangar allow for the safe landing and storage of a small airplane or helicopter. Prince Albert is the perfect place for chilling out after a hectic time in the city, for focusing on new creative projects (writing that book/screenplay?) and is a secure base from which to explore further afield. Panoramic hiking and cycling tours, as well as personal yoga lessons and massages (at extra cost), can be arranged on prior request. Complimentary mountain bikes available on request.

Location

Prince Albert nestles at the foot of the majestic Swartberg Mountains (the 2nd highest range in South Africa and a World Heritage Site) on the edge of the Great Karoo - a plain of vast proportions. This semi-arid area boasts stupendous scenery in the form of endless vistas bordered by the Cape Fold Mountains, flat-topped mesas and other interesting geologic formations.

By contrast, Prince Albert is a fertile green oasis with furrow-led water running off the mountains and is situated just 2 hours, via the spectacular river gorge Meiringspoort and Oudtshoorn, from a major airport with regular domestic connections: George. Cape Town is 4-5 hours distant via the accessible, well-constructed N1. Route 62, a popular drive through charming historical towns, winelands and beautiful scenery, is within close reach via the imposing Swartberg Pass.

Climate & Weather

Summers can be exceedingly hot (dry heat around 40º C in January and February). Gusty, cool late afternoon winds off the Swartberg prevail in the hotter summer months, dropping after nightfall. Winter days are sunny and warm (up to 25º C) with chilly nights (0º C). Rainfall is minimal. Clothing should include a warm sweater and long pants for all seasons.

Related / Useful Links

• Accommodation in South Africa
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• Prince Albert Self Catering
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