Gnome Cottage
Gnome Cottage is a quaint and unusually shaped building, set in a pretty enclosed garden. It is a sh...
Gnome Cottage is a quaint and unusually shaped building, set in a pretty enclosed garden. It is a short walk away from the centre of Clarens, with its many art galleries, restaurants and interesting shops. The cottage contains a comfortable double bed, a bathroom, a fully equipped kitchenette for self-catering and a living and dining area. Quality linen, towels, toiletries, heating and electric blanket in winter and a complementary tea and coffee tray are provided. The cottage will be sanitized before each check in.
We accept pets but we have some rules - they must be house-trained, have their own beds and not sleep with you nor get on the beds or chairs, you will clean up after them, pay for or repair any damage that they have caused, and to not leave them on their own for longer than an hour as the barking and howling is not pleasant for the neighbours. Cooperation is sincerely appreciated! Only a few metres away from the garden is access to a wide choice of hiking trails in the conservation area and not far away are two excellent golf courses, tennis courts, superb trout fishing, historic explorations, dinosaur trails, horse riding and game viewing. Bring your passports and you can enjoy a day trip to Afriski in Lesotho and visit the caves on your way.
"Cute and comfy, thank you."
"Die blyplekkie was baie skoon en netjies. Dit het gevoel ons bly in 'n woud met feetjies. Love die tuinjie en die belangrikste was dat Mia ons hondjie uit haar vel was, want sy kon heerlik rondhardloop en veilig in die yard wees. Baie dankie vir die baie goeie ontvangs. Sal verseker weer daar gaan oorbly."
"Well equipped and comfortable. Within easy walking distance of the village. Ideal for this couple and dog."
"Cottage was immaculate, and perfect for 4 days"
"We loved the cottage was well organized. loved the fact that we could have our pets with us."
"I really loved the place and found it really great value for money."
"Lovely, quite an private."
"Lovely little cottage and garden for the pets. Cottage very close to Clarens inner town.Walking trail very close to the cottage. Walked with our dogs. I will go back to Gnome Cottage again."
"The shape of the cottage is something new"
"We thoroughly enjoyed our stay at Gnome Cottage, the host was friendly and very hospitable. We had a comfortable experience and hope to visit again soon."
"Unfortunately with the very cold weather in Clarens Gnome cottage was definitely not adequately heated.only once in bed with electric blanket were we warm.we had booked for 3 nights but sought alternative accomodation after the first night and moved.unfortunately a costly experience paying for 5 nights instead of 3 but at least we were more comfortable"
"Cute but comfortable accommodation. Lovely big garden for the fur-kids to explore. Very affordable."
"Some aspects were very good and comfortable but a few things need to be maintained - door handle coming off, cold tap was dodgy but it was good value for money"
"Cute and comfortable"
"Great place to get away from the hussle & bustle of modern life - the silence is deafening but welcome. Accommodation is rustic but tired and overpriced when compared to other available. We chose Gnome Cottage because it looked "different" -and we weren't disappointed. First stop with a comfy bed for a good night's rest before pushing on, on our extended road trip around this beautiful country."
"Only the weather was a bit miserable :("
"Love the fact that our dog was also welcome, he loved the stay just as much as we did! A very good experience overall, hope to be back soon. One suggestion though, the bed could do with a better matress."
"A lovely stay and very accommodating of the canine contingent! <br/>Garden very spacious and pleasant for the dogs (with even a washing line I could hang my damp washing I brought along). <br/>Terribly cute - everything was spotless.<br/>Brigitte and Michelle both made sure our stay was well organised and we had everything we needed."
"Enjoyed our 3 night stay in this quaint small cottage. Clean and comfortable and Michelle is a lovely lady with a big heart."
"It was a wonderful stay. The cottage is cosy and private, yet close to the shops. It has everything you may need to do your own cooking if you do not want to go out."
"We enjoyed our stay at Gnome Cottage, especially the fact that its 100% pet friendly. The cottage just need maintenance, but other than that it suited our needs."
"It's a great place. Everything was nice and clean. It is cosy and warm and perfect for your stay in Clarens."
"This is a great little place in an exceptional location! It is set in a beautiful yard, steps away from hiking trails and serene views of the hills. It's also two quick blocks from the main street, which hosts many restaurants and shops. The host will gladly provide recommendations if you wish!<div><br /></div><div>The yard has private, locked parking and is well stocked if you are staying for an extended amount of time. The bathroom only has a tub, which wasn't a problem for us, just for those who are used to having a quick shower in the morning.</div><div><br /></div><div>You know you've found a great spot when the host apologizes for the garden not having enough roses!</div>"
"We love Clarens! And this cottage is walking distance from the centre, but on the out skirts, nestled in the foot of the West mountain range, we just loved it.<div><br /></div><div>All we heard at night were crickets and bird life.</div><div><br /></div><div>Thanks sooo much for the rusks! That made it even more special! :)</div>"
"Staying at Gnome cottage made the experience of visiting Clarens one to remember. The cottage is special. I do feel that additional security fittings like exterior lights, trim back bushy garden and improved security gate is necessary.<div><br /></div><div><strong>Establishments Response:</strong></div><div><br /></div><div><div><em>We're sorry that these two utterly delightful guests were dissatisfied with particular aspects of the cottage and garden. As there is a municipal street light a short distance away, a very bright light on the gatepost of the cottage directly opposite, and an exterior light alongside Gnome's front door, which illuminates the entrance to both Gnome's driveway, and the front half of the garden, it has been found, in the past, that this was adequate. Clarens is considered to be extremely safe, something that people from bigger towns and cities are unused to, so issues of security here, are very relative.</em></div><div><em><br /></em></div><div><em>In keeping with the aptly named Gnome Cottage's unique appearance, the garden has been allowed the freedom to present a charming abundance of flowers and shrubs, that emphasizes the magical rather than the manicured.</em></div><div><em><br /></em></div><div><em>We do appreciate the Harndens' input, and should others in the future echo their suggestions, we shall definitely defer to the general consensus, and make whatever changes are appropriate.</em></div></div>"
"The Gnome Cottage is exactly as it says it is. It is perfect for two people who need a break from city life and are looking for some much needed R and R. We brought along our little pug who had a ball in the garden! The cottage has basic facilities but it is so central to Clarens and so peaceful and relaxing - just what we wanted. Will definitely recommend to friends and family - we will be back!<br />"
"<p>I loved Gnome Cottage and can't wait to go back! I spent the week with my two large dogs, hiking every inch of the Clarens hiking trails, eating, sleeping and reading.</p><p>I parked the car on Monday and didn't set foot in it for the entire week, as both the hiking trails and town centre are within walking distance of the Gnome.</p><p>Juliet and Michele were perfect hosts and although the Gnome is very basic, I honestly can't think of anything I needed that wasn't catered for.</p><p>The garden is fairly large, private and securely fenced off, so I didn't have to worry about the safety of my furry kids either.</p><p>The Gnome is a very understated gem and I can't wait to return:)</p>"
"What a perfect location, literally down the road from 'all the action'; lovely little garden and nice and quiet!<span style="line-height: 1.5;">Very cosy little place with everything one needs.(bath fine; no shower - perhaps installing a shower/spray attachment?) and would recommend to anyone.</span><span style="line-height: 1.5;">Friends stayed at nearby hotels and paid a fortune.</span><span style="line-height: 1.5;">Will definitely stay here again!</span>"
"A perfectly charming private cottage. For all the romantics out there. I simply loved it! My husband booked it for our honeymoon and he certainly earned brownie points for it. Couldn't help going again for our anniversary."
"Unfortunately due to the infestation of flies we cut our five night stay to just three nights. We tried fly traps, burning clove oil, spraying, nothing worked. The flies were just everywhere. Their breeding nest could possibly be at one of the compost heaps next door and would need to be destroyed before one can even begin to tackle the problem. Which is all such a pity as the cottage itself is well equipped, quaint, neat and cozy. The garden a pure delight and the property is situated within walking distance of town and the hiking trails. The 2 star rating would have been a 5 were it not for the flies.....such a pity!ESTABLISHMENTS RESPONSE:We are really sorry to hear the guests had a problem with the flies. They made no mention of it nor would they tell us why they were leaving early so we were not given a chance to try and rectify the problem.Clarens as a whole tends to get infested with flies at this time of the year but it is particularly bad this year since we have had so much rain and this causes vegetation and rubbish to rot. We know that people have been complaining recently about the flies at restaurants that have outdoor tables.As far as the compost heap is concerned, it is covered with plastic sheeting and decomposing compost generally generates too much heat, especially when under plastic, for flies to thrive, but it will be moved immediately!Also, the fly problem may have been made worse because the guests brought 3 dogs with them and we were not able to get into the garden to clear up the dog messes until after they had left.We have, however, asked them if they would like to return when the weather is cooler to stay In Gnome Cottage for 3 nights - one night for free and the other two nights that they have already paid for and chose not to use."
"We had a really enjoyable stay. The cottage is quaint and unusual. The owners very friendly. Will return!"
"We really did thoroughly enjoy our stay at Gnome Cottage , even though we were only there for 2 days we really had a good time and will definitely be back again soon . Brendan and Carol"