Aasvoëlkrans B&B Montagu

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Email Aasvoëlkrans B&B Reservations: booksa@madbookings.com

* Credit cards accepted.
* Proudly South African.
* TGCSA.
* 4-star Bed and Breakfast.

Aasvoëlkrans B&B Accommodation

The Beds..
The three en-suite garden cottages ensure privacy with their separate entrances and patios from which to watch starry summer nights or enjoy the bright sunshine. The interiors of all the rooms (as well as Jeanne’s own magnificent home) are decorated with unconstrained care, and tasteful works of art - all with a subtle African flavour – adorn the walls.

The detail extends outside too, with giant cacti and intriguing sculptures accentuating various walls and open spaces around the buildings, while on the lawn stooping metal birds and tortoises cause you to stop, look and look again.

The guest units each have a large bedroom with an en-suite bathroom. All the bathrooms have showers and are decorated with paintings and kelims. The units have single and double beds to choose from, as well as heated floors for the wintertime. All linen is 100% hand-embroidered linen. The facilities can sleep six adults and four to five children. The bedrooms in the guest units have private, shady little stoeps where you can relax and enjoy drinks and conversation.

A good night’s sleep is guaranteed by the combination of the complimentary Montagu Muscadel sweet wine and the crisp 100% Percale cotton sheets, which are designed by Julie Lombard, from Turning Leaves. After awakening to the sounds of various indigenous birds, you may make your way to the breakfast area, where, depending on the weather, Jeanne will serve you breakfast on the patio or in the sunlight breakfast room. Each cottage has under-floor heating to ensure comfort during the cold winter nights.

The House
In the shadow of the Aasvoëlkrans mountain on a six acre stud farm bordering the village of Montagu, lies the unique Aasvoëlkrans B&B. The house and cottages were built in 1998 after a fire destroyed the previous home. It was designed by Melanie Alston, daughter of the owners, and an award-winning architect.

A rounded corrugated roof, wood pillars and beams, plain whites on walls and big plates of glass are warmed by bright splashes of colour, soft furniture and an African motif, which is tastefully woven in. Carved animals pop up unexpectedly, indoors and out, sometimes even from large buckets of fresh flowers which were picked from Jeanne’s large, child-friendly garden.

The fresh farm air at Aasvoëlkrans will definitely give you an appetite. Guests can enjoy large, beautifully laden breakfasts in the dining room. If you have any specific preference, your hosts will happily cater for it. The town has many restaurants, such as the Wild Apricot Restaurant and Preston’s Restaurant and Thomas Bain Pub (open seven days a week, 9am till late).

The Breakfast
Breakfast is served between 08h30 and 09h30. It consists of the freshest fruit Montagu has to offer, a variety of yoghurts, muesli and cereals, our famous dried fruit, freshly baked bread, strawberry scones, bran muffins, cinnamon and apple crumpets. All baked goods are produced based upon your hostess’ mood.

Of course the standard country tradition of bacon and organic eggs produced by our very own free range chickens is part of the package. Jeanne makes this her own by adding her special mix of mushrooms and rosemary. Bottomless coffee and tea to your liking is also on the menu.

Every morning the tables are a surprise with a different setting but with the same flair as the rest of the surroundings, with fresh flowers, herbs and locally made crockery, linen, table-clothes and serviettes.

Weather permitting we also do an outside sitting in the garden next to the pool between the local wildlife and tamer fowl and horses.

The garden
Opening the French doors of the garden cottages reveal a beautiful garden with sweeping views of the mountains and the little village below, and the B&B’s inviting pool. While splashing about in the pool you can see the Arabian and Thoroughbred horses and fouls in the paddocks, or watch the Rhodesian Ridgeback dogs lazing in the sun eyeing the Guinea fowl darting across the lawn to shelter. Close your eyes and experience the silence of this charming setting.

The Farm
Aasvoëlkrans is a stud farm, so it offers facilities of the outdoors kind. In summer, cool off in the private swimming pool, or go hiking in the mountains. There is plenty sunshine in the large garden, and, when the sun goes down, the romanticism of bright starry nights.

One of the town’s main tourist attractions is the Montagu Hot Mineral Water Springs. The springs are situated at Badskloof and the water is a lovely 43° Celsius. Hike along the Aasvoëlkrans Hiking route, which starts at the B&B. There are various trails in the area to choose from, such as the Cogmans Kloof trail and the Bloupunt trail.

If you are a wine lover, it is well worth visiting the wineries around Montagu, such as Uitvlucht, Rietrivier, Drie Berge and the Montagu Co-op Wine Cellar. Go and see the Thomas Bain Memorial Plaque and the old English Fort near the tunnel in Cogmans Kloof. Otherwise, take a stroll in town and visit the Town Museum and other historic houses.

Facilities and Services:
• Children are welcome
• Off-street parking
• Swimming pool
• Rhodesian Ridgeback guided hike to the Aasvoëlkrans summit
• Arabian and Thoroughbred horses
• Horse riding catered for on the nearby Groenvlei riding farm
• Award winning garden
• Bright starry nights

The Outdoors
The mountainous area offers great hiking routes, such as the Aasvoëlkrans Hiking Route which starts at the Bed & Breakfast. Other trails in the area include the Cogmans Kloof trail and the Bloupunt trail.

Montagu has also been described as a rock climbers paradise, some would go as far as calling Montagu the Rock Climbing Capital of South Africa, and the infamous face ‘Legoland’ is situated 5 minutes driving from the B&B.

The recently completed Castle in the Sky rock climbing route is situated on the Aasvoëlkrans Hiking Route, ten minutes hike from the B&B. The best climbing conditions are found between May and September.

Bosch Kloof
The mountains and kloofs surrounding Montagu offer the perfect crags, or quartzitic sandstone, for rock climbing.

The Town of Montagu
Montague is hands-down one of the most picturesque towns in the Western Cape, if not South Africa, not just according to the locals and many visitors, but also according to the panel of judges who awared it the Village of the Year in 2002.

Montagu, on Route 62 is approximately 2 hours drive from Cape Town. This peaceful town is steeped in history and is famous for its awe inspiring rock formations, orchards, vineyards, local herbs and healing hot mineral springs.

Visitors will discover the Wildflower Nature garden, bird sanctuaries, nature reserve, museums, art galleries, historic homes, lovely hiking trails, 4X4 and mountain bike trails and ideal rock climbing opportunities.

Approaching Montagu from the Breede River one travels alongside the old Bain’s road through the spectacular Cogmans Kloof eventually negotiating the Hole in the Rock, known locally as the Gateway to the Klein Karoo.

Attractions in and around Montagu
Just a couple of things to do in Montagu, definitely not to be missed!

The Famous Montagu Tractor ride
This trip has become a legend since 1985 as a tourist attraction in South Africa and is a popular event for offshore tourists. The tractor/trailer takes you to the summit of the mountain range and after a brief stop at the summit (where muskadel is served), a typical farmhouse potjiekos lunch awaits at the end of this 3-hour excursion.

Rose show
The annual Montagu Rose show takes place on 22 and 23 October 2004 and is a must for all lovers of roses. It is a competition for all ages and in different categories of flower and arrangements.

Montagu is on the Route 62
Route 62 is a scenic route running through the Western Cape, South Africa, offering an inland alternative to the Garden Route from Cape Town to Port Elizabeth.

Starting in Tulbagh, the route goes through Worcester, Robertson, Montagu, Oudtshoorn, and a number of other towns. The route takes in the Boland mountains, Breede River valley and the Little Karoo. The section from Tulbagh to Oudtshoorn claims to be the longest wine route in the world.

Route 62 is the tourist route, that meanders between Cape Town and Oudtshoorn, the Garden Route and Port Elizabeth, offering the shorter, scenic alternative to the N2 highway. It’s an area of magnificent landscapes and towering cliffs, crystal clear streams and the abundance of trees and indigenous flora - all contribute to making the Breede River Valley and the Klein Karoo two of the Western Cape’s most diverse regions.

The ever changing colours of the majestic mountains, scenic passes, rivers, vineyards and orchards, as well as the multitude of attractions, will offer you an unforgettable adventure — whether this is in the physical sense or simply a kaleidoscope of scenic tranquility.

The (amazing) hot Montagu Springs
No mention of Montagu is of course complete without a mention of the world-famous Montagu Springs.
It is practically impossible to ascertain the exact date of the discovery of Montagu’s hot mineral spring, but the manner of their discovery is as follows: In the very early days trekkers often followed the course of rivers, and, according to our archives, the wagon on one such nameless pioneer became stuck in the rocks of the river bed.

In his efforts to free the wheels, the trekker’s hand was so badly injured that his party was obliged to pitch camp in the vicinity of the present-day Montagu. They drank of the clear, strange-flavored water, found it wonderfully refreshing and traced its course through the Kloof where they discovered the hot spring.

The injured hand, bathed frequently in the warm water, healed miraculously. News of the healing water was soon spread by word of mouth and as a result the sick and ailing visited the hot spring, sometimes from as far afield as 50 miles, which was a considerable distance to travel in those days.

The now-popular Montagu bath were originally part of the farm “Uitvlucht” but were sold for the first time in 1857, and have since been in the hands of various hands and bodies. At one time the property belonged to the old NCCR (New Cape Central Railways), also to Mr Jannie Marais, the benefactor of Stellenbosch University. Other owners were a Mr Fernandes (from Madeira) who gave the whole complex an exotic and literally colorful character.

Mr Hugh Tevis, Australian millionaire, intended building a large imposing spa but wartime restrictions (1939 - 1945) dictated otherwise and he settled for building only “Little Sanctuary” as a holiday home. A Montagu hotelier, Mr Aaron Idelson followed, and the Montagu Municipality then took over, and the caravan park and public swimming pool were subsequently constructed.

On the 25th of January 1981, disaster struck Montagu in the form of a flood which swept away the entire Baths complex, stripped the Kloof of all vegetation (excepting 1 tree) and altered the course of the Keisie River to such an extent that the beautiful walking trail through the Kloof was completely obliterated and Lover’s Walk destroyed. However, the Municipality investigated all venues until a developer was found who gave Montagu Springs its present new look, and reconstruction of the Hotel had already been commenced by a local hotelier.

Lover’s Walk has been painstakingly been built up and spacious lawns now fringe the walk that, like before passes the beautiful cliffs, leads past Eyssen House (the Ou Meul) and through the Baths Kloof to the hot springs. Many trees have been planted, and the enchanting beauty of the most charming walk can once again be enjoyed.

The luxurious new Springs Hotel attracts hosts of tourists, including many from overseas and all are fascinated by the exquisite setting and most impressive beauty of the whole Baths project.

The History of Montagu
Montagu was cut off from the main trek routes due to the seemingly impenetrable nature of Cogmans Kloof, it wasn’t until Thomas Bain built the pass and the tunnel that trade began to develop the area. In 1841 Montagu was laid out on the farm Uitvlugt and in 1852 John Montagu the Colonial Secretary of the Cape visited the infant town.

In 1855 the first school was opened and two years later a contract was signed for the building of a church designed by George Burkett.

In 1873 the Montagu Hot Springs began charging a “ticky” for using the baths. Their use obviously goes back to time immemorial with traces of early man having been found in the nearby caves. The importance of the Baths to the general public is reflected in the conditions written into the title deeds.

“That the outspan place and Thoroughfare as laid down on the Diagram shall remain free That the grant now made the Public shall not be excluded from the benefits derived from a Hot Spring situate within the Limits of this land-but on the contrary have the right of using the said Spring as a Hot Bath and that it shall be optional with them, should the proprietor hereafter construct suitable accommodation on the spot, to avail themselves thereof or not as they may think proper, That all Roads leading to the Bath shall remain free, that the said public frequenting said Bath shall be allowed to Outspan on this land, but that cattle shall not unless with the consent of the grantee or his successors remain longer than twenty-four hours on this land.”

Montagu banknotes were printed and issued from 1861 to the demise of the bank in 1868, The bank was in the building now occupied by attorneys on Bath Street. Samples of the notes are on display. In 1877 Thomas Bain built the Tunnel and the new road through Cogmans Kloof.

Between 1902 and 1985 the Brink Brother’s enterprises were of major significance to the town. Their activities included general dealers, bottling works, canning factory, dried fruit production and a department store. In 1936 Montagu was declared a health resort. This resulted in an influx of wealthy people purchasing holiday houses. At one time Montagu boasted 5 millionaires.

In 1941 the Montagu Muscadel Co-Operative was formed with fifteen members present at the first meeting. The development can be gauged by the fact that in 1944 800 tons of grapes were processed; in 1991 the figure had grown to 11,000 ton.

In 1950 Montagu hosted the first South African Wine Festival. With much trepidation and debate the committee members assured the protesters that “Drinkers will not be able to make themselves drunk during the periods the wine will be served. We will not have dishonour brought to our product.” All went well.

In 1954 The Montagu Nature Garden was inaugurated by a group of ladies who regularly gathered to work in the gardens, as it still is to this day. During the period July to October, each Tuesday morning the ladies provide tea and snacks to all who care to join them.

In 1982 Joubert House was acquired by the Museum Trust. In April 1995 President Mandela in his first informal engagement following his inauguration, opened the twenty-first Muscadel Wine Festival. ( After the first Muscadel festival there was a period when the tradition lapsed.)

How to get to the bed and breakfast
We’re located on the outskirts of town at 1 Van Riebeeck Street, in the part of town referred to by the locals as Montagu South.

Email Aasvoëlkrans B&B Reservations: booksa@madbookings.com