These modern, yet cosy, self-catering cottages are the perfect pet-friendly place to stay while exploring Pringle Bay and the surrounding areas.

Where is it?
Pringle Bay, Western Cape

Why stay there?
These modern, yet cosy, self-catering cottages are the perfect place to stay while exploring Pringle Bay and the surrounding areas. However, being beautifully situated amongst the fynbos with stunning views of the mountains and having the river and beach right on your doorstep, you may find yourself not going very far!

How much does it cost?
Milkwood R1 100 per night for two adults
Mussel Pot R1 100 per night for two adults, R250 per additional person
Mongoose R1 320 per night for two adults, R250 per additional person
The Otters Lair R1 650 per night for two adults, R250 per additional person

Can I take my dogs?
Yes, well-behaved dogs are welcome with prior arrangement. There are plenty of wide open spaces for them to enjoy, while being kept safe in an enclosed environment. You will need to keep an eye on them though as there are decks (smaller dogs could easily fall off) and the river and ocean are close by. The owner also has two (friendly) resident dogs who occasionally visit the premises.

Can I take my kids?
Yes, children are most welcome. Although you will need to keep an eye on them for the same reasons as above.

Contact details:
Telephone 084 524 9706, www.thebarnaclepringlebay.com

Surrounded by indigenous fynbos, with the river and ocean only a few metres away, The Barnacle self-catering cottages are a wonderful option for a modern, yet cosy, place to stay while exploring the tiny hamlet of Pringle Bay or the nearby towns of Rooi Els, Betty’s Bay and Kleinmond. However, you may find yourself enjoying the views and creature comforts as much as we did and end up not going very far!

Tino, myself and a friend were kindly hosted at The Barnacle, spending two nights in The Otters Lair (the fanciest unit – lucky us!) and it was so lovely that we didn’t explore the area as much as we thought we would! In fact, we spent more time swanning about on the deck enjoying champagne breakfasts with a view, cosying up by the fireplace in the evening with a glass of wine or having naps! The wind was howling (as it can do in Pringle Bay) and as the cottages are protected from the wind, it was really the best place to be. To be honest the only time we left The Otters Lair was to take walk on the beach and attempt a row up the river in the paddle-ski’s. We also popped into the town to see what we could find for a few hours and when the wind died down on the second night we enjoyed a braai under starlit skies.

It was absolute bliss and Tino had a great time too – he loved the beach and spent a lot of time snooping about in the fynbos, smelling mongoose and other Kogelberg Biosphere critters that I am sure come visiting.

There are various self-catering cottages to choose from, all as lovely as each other and unique in their own way.

The Otters Lair

(R1 650 per night for two adults, R250 per additional person)
Situated on two levels, The Otters Lair boasts incredible views from the deck and upstairs lounge area. You’ll find yourself spending a lot of time here! There’s a fireplace with a basket of wood provided (you can purchase more for a small fee) for chilly nights and a small built-in braai on the corner of the deck. The deck has a six-seater table (perfect for those champagne breakfasts) a sun lounger and a table for two – romantic dinner under the stars perhaps? Indoors boasts a large kitchen with everything you need, including tea and coffee, along with a giant chest freezer so you can stock up on your braai packs! The couches are super-comfy (Tino really appreciated these I have to confess) and there’s a dining table for indoor meals or evening board games.

On the ground level you’ll find a double bed and a bunk bed, along with an open-plan shower. The loo however does have a door! The linen and towels are top quality and we delighted in using the soft and fluffy bath sheets, that also smelt divine! Beach towels are also provided.

Mongoose

(R1 320 per night for two adults, R250 per additional person)
This ground level cottage has a double bed and bunk bed in a large open-plan room with separate bathroom (with shower and Victorian bath). There’s a cosy veranda with a portable braai, while upstairs you have a large deck boasting wonderful views with two sun loungers. If you are there during the winter months you can also enjoy the indoor fireplace.

Milkwood

(R1 100 per night for two adults)
A smaller unit sleeping two adults in a double bed, with a lounge, kitchenette and full bathroom with shower and Victorian bath.  However, while the unit may be more compact than the others, those who enjoy braaing will love the large outdoor area leading onto the gardens, with built-in braai and large pub-style table.

Mussel Pot

(R1 100 per night for two adults, R250 per additional person)
Here you’ll find a light and airy open-plan double bedroom with additional double bunk, along with a basic kitchenette, a full bathroom and deck with braai.  This unit is upstairs and situated next door to The Barnacle.

All the cottages and units boast bright and cheerful décor, comfortable beds with good linen and everything you need for a self-catering stay, along with wonderful views, beautiful fynbos-filled grounds and the sea right on your doorstep. You also have access to paddle-ski’s if you fancy a row
up the river- highly recommended on wind-less days.

If you do decide to venture further than your deck or the beach, the town of Pringle Bay has quite a few restaurants to choose from (a few are also pet-friendly), along with shops to get anything you may have left behind. The small towns of Rooi Els, Betty’s Bay and Kleinmond are also worth a visit. Those who love the outdoors can enjoy the many hiking and cycling trails in the area.

Whichever cottage you choose to stay in at The Barnacle, I would recommend you stock up on loads of good food and wine, take along your favourite books or magazines and take a break from the world for a few days. In fact, make it more than a few days…

Inside information:
While The Otters Lair and Mongoose have the best views and wonderful decks, Milkwood has the best braai area (well in my mind anyway!)

Published May 2019 | Hosted by The Barnacle