Mount Serene

Reviews

• "The Coach"

  07 October 2019

  "It was one absolutely wonderful weekend and I will most definitely go ahead and suggest it to anyone."

• "The quiet serene environment"

  11 August 2019

  "The cottage is very private and caters for that quiet getaway from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, good for clearing the head, it is nice to sit and enjoy nature and think about "nothing"Thank you Glenda for making out stay a memorable one. We plan to return during the summer to experience the plush green foilage."

• "The peace and quiet!"

  10 October 2018

  "The kids absolutely loooved this exciting new experience. It was so much fun, quiet and peaceful. A beautiful experience we will definitely go back and Glenda is just an awesome owner always ready to assist. Thank you for a wonderful experience!"

• "Sleeping in a train."

  25 September 2018

  "We loved every moment there. The coach is very well equipped. The kids loved having a train as a home for a weekend."

• "Cottage"

  04 September 2018

  "Lovely to stay over. It would have been nice if the pool was heated or if it was a small jacuzzi. Will do it again."

• "Sneak away"

  08 April 2018

  "It was a serene get-away with slow walks and soft lingering in the pool..."

• "Walking up the Magalies berg"

  19 March 2018

  "Going up the mountain is tough, but the reward is remarkable. This was our second time at the rock cottage and we would love to go there again, however the barbecue blows the smoke in your face and could do with an improvement."

• "The whole experience"

  04 March 2018

  "The privacy, the night sounds, the relaxing surroundings. Really was a great, albeit, too short, stay.....We'll definitely do it again."

• "Lovely weekend away"

  05 February 2018

  "The coach is really something impressive and the kids loved it. Spacious with a private splash pool, patio area with braai facilities and functional kitchen. Couldn't ask for more if you just want some private R&R"

• "Peaceful & Quite"

  11 December 2017

  "Our second time staying at Mount Serene, very peaceful and quite relaxing place to spend a weekend."

• "It was exactly how the unit was described.Quiet,secluded and peaceful."

  04 November 2017

  "The splash pool was the best to cool down and have a sundowner."

• "Kwirky accomodation, the kids were so excited!"

  11 September 2017

  "As you would expect from a train- the passage is narrow, but it is surprisingly roomy! The kitchen is well equipped, only thing lacking is an oven- but one gets by without a hitch. I loved it- the quality of the wood that these trains were build from is stunning. Would really recommend it for a fun weekend away. Don't expect an ordinary holiday"

• "The privacy of the cottage was amazing - loved the fireplace."

  26 June 2017

  "Loved the stay. Would have liked to have a hotter shower especially in this cold weather - but, stil enjoyed our stay."

• "Safe hiking"

  02 June 2017

  "Very clean and neat"

• "Nice and quiet surrounding"

  14 May 2017

  "Very cosy with the fireplace. Real time to chill."

• "Serene it is"

  09 January 2017

  "Cozy, quiet and in middle of nature... Mount Serene deserves its name. The cottage was very comfy and hiking trail delightful. Will definitely come back. Thank you to Glenda (& team) who promptly assisted when needed, even on Xmas day :)"

• "Mount Serene over Christmas"

  27 December 2016

  "We spent Christmas at Mount Serene & it was amazing! The whole "train sleeping" increased the positive experience we had - age of our group included toddlers, teenagers, young adults and mature adults. Thank you!!"

• "Awesome"

  19 December 2016

  "loved it. I will recommend it to all my friends!"

• "Great experience"

  29 November 2016

  "Lovely experience. Enjoyed our stay. Very private and peaceful. Lots of birdlife. Clean and neat. Bathroom roof neads repair and here and there a few things need attention before they are beyond repair. This would be a great shame. Would be lovely if there were more fans or ceiling fans perhaps....very hot when trying to sleep!! Overall we loved it and will return in future."

• "Lovely"

  21 November 2016

  "Excellent weekend getaway"

• "Total R&R"

  10 October 2016

  "If you are in need of a quiet, restful break away, Mount Serene is the place to go. The cottage is stunning, very private yet you dont feel isolated. Glenda the host is very hospitable. Her dog Bandit visited and he was a pleasure to have around - we looked forward to his visit each evening. This is a place you can conect with nature in all its glory. Will be back."

• "Coach at zero speed"

  12 August 2016

  "Just what we liked. Simple, everything provided and peace. Great birdwatching even in winter.<br/><br/>Flick, Pete and Joan"

• "Fantastic"

  10 August 2016

  "Had a lovely visit and look forward to visiting there again in the summer - was a most enjoyable stay and really most accommodating!!!<br/><br/>"

• "Relaxing spot in the Magaliesberg"

  05 July 2016

  "We thoroughly enjoyed our stay in the restored coach, which was very cozy despite the cold weather outside. The location was very quiet and scenic and a short drive from Joburg. The owners are very friendly and accommodating.<br />"

• "Peace and quite"

  30 March 2016

  "What a lovely time we had. We found the couch was absolutely gorgeous.The area is so private with beautiful views of the Magalies mountains. We will definitely visit them again."

• "Mid W. stay"

  02 March 2016

  "Baie lekker rustig, plek baie mooi skoon, al wat jy nodig het is in die plek. Daar is egter van die goed wat aandag nodig het wat al redelik oud is. Die swembad was n plesier, net baie moelik om in en uit te klim. Die huis kort egter baie dringend aandag, die mure bars uitmekaar sowel as van die kaste in die kamer en in die kombuis."

• "Weekend family getaway close to home"

  24 February 2016

  "<span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: calibri, sans-serif;">Our family of 8 booked the coach for a weekend &amp; thoroughly enjoyed it. We got what we were looking for, a spot in the country, just an hour or so's drive from home &amp; where we had privacy as a family. Quirky accommodation, crispy-clean bedding, lovely peaceful location with no tv to distract you &amp; two beautiful dogs on the premises who guide you when you take a walk.<span style="color: #1f497d;"> </span>We had all we needed &amp; who knew 8 people could enjoy a splash pool so much! If you want to get away, not too far from Joburg<span style="color: #1f497d;">&amp; you enjoy the privacy of not being disturbed by others</span>, this is a lovely place to chill &amp; relax with family<span style="color: #1f497d;">.</span></span>"

• "great"

  28 December 2015

  "Very quiet and peaceful. Just what I needed"

• "Mount Serene for Peace and Quiet"

  02 November 2015

  "What a lovely Cottage to stay in, comfortable and enough space. We really enjoyed the idea of having the pool right at the door. This was exactly what we needed, peace, quiet and no other people around, just us and the trees and birds.<div>Thank you for a relaxing weekend.</div>"

• "Impressed!!"

  09 February 2015

  "We spent one night (to our regret - we wich we could stay for several!!) in the railway coach.We were very impressed the moment we arrived at the coach.All the reddish woodwork is utter beauty! It is clear that the owner spent a lot of tender loving care in the restoration - inside and out.Everything was very neat.The kitchen is much better equipped than we're used to for the price!The surroundings is very quiet and peaceful - though Mount Serene is on a farm and not a nature reserve the veld and trees are beautiful - yes, Serene in deed!We will become familiar faces at Mount Serene and bring friends with, from time to time!"

• "What a lovely peaceful place"

  31 January 2015

  "A pity we only found out about this place recently.Definitely will be my favourite destination for a quiet and relaxing break - close to the city but yet feels like you are 1000's of kilometers away from anything."

• "Stone Cottage"

  02 January 2015

  "If you need to get away from the maddening crowd, faulty traffic lights and the noise of urban living, then consider this place. We recently immersed ourselves in the bird life and beauty of this totally-private rustic retreat. Time took on a much slower beat. We went out hiking everyday, the best part of which was the way the owner's 2 border collies insisted on accompanying us, even showing us the way at times! And in the heat of the day we certainly appreciated the plunge pool. Accommodation was clean and satisfactory. Our 3-day stay was a good experience. A big thank you to our hosts."

• "Fantasties!"

  15 September 2014

  "n Ongelooflike ervaring!!Baie netjies en volledig toegerus. Gaan defnitief weer hier oorbly!!<br><br>An amazing experience! Very clean and fully equipped .Will definitely stay here again!"

• "Such a peaceful place!"

  20 August 2014

  "We stayed only for a weekend and wished we could stay a bit longer. The kids loved the train set up and my little girl loved playing with the dogs! I must say everything was just quite right, from finding the tea & sugar in the kitchen to comfortable beds.The fireplace made all the difference since it was a bit chilly. You even forget there is no TV! I would definitely go back!"

• "Stone Cottage"

  21 July 2014

  "We enjoyed the stay. This is the place to go for a couple that wants time away from the busy city and family. They will see us again"

• "Great Weekend"

  05 May 2014

  "My family and I had an awesome, relaxing time at Mount Serene, the coach was lovely and my kids loved the experience.We would surely love to go back again!Thank you Rob for the awesome time, we really felt comfortable"

• "A retreat"

  30 April 2014

  "Staying in the historic railway coach was fun! Rustic yet cosy in the compartments and casual in the dining sitting area. The kitchen being in a galley is challenging but we made do! On the raised patio we relaxed around the braai plek. :)There are 3 different walks with the furthest one up to the top of the mountain. Spectacular views!Ablution area clean and very hot water!"

• "Baie aangenaam"

  24 March 2014

  "Wat 'n aangename ervaring. Stil en rustig. Al wat jy hoor is die vols en die beeste. Baie, baie lekker."

• "The Coach"

  17 March 2014

  "The stay in the coach was fantastic. It revived a lot of memories. It was a fantastic experience especially for my two grand sons."

• "Relaxing weekend getaway"

  17 February 2014

  "We spent a very relaxing weekend recharging our batteries at Mount Serene. We stayed in the Coach - the kids LOVED it. Not having a tv was a nice break from reality and we enjoyed the short hike to the plateau. Will definitely be recommending it to our friends."

• "Fantastic little gem"

  27 January 2014

  "Fantastic little gem, ideal for a romantic getaway to reconnect and recharge. Definitely recommend it. Just don't forget peaceful sleep or tabard ;)"

• "Briliant"

  02 January 2014

  "There are three words to describe the stay at Mount Serene. BRILLIANT! BRILLIANT! BRILLIANT! An awesome place to let your hair down, relax and celebrate nature. Even better place to celebrate your anniversary."

• "We will definitely return very soon!"

  17 December 2013

  "We arrived in the sweltering heat only to be welcomed by a lovely splash pool, just big enough for the two of us. The house was quaint and private, just what we needed."

• "Stone cottage"

  09 December 2013

  "Just what was needed - to get away to somewhere quiet and peaceful. Nothing but the sound of birds.The cottage is delightful, comfortable and away from anywhere. Took my 4 legged friends who had an absolute ball."

• "Relaxing"

  25 November 2013

  "We really had a relaxing weekend in the Stonne cottage, the most enjoying part was that there was no other people in site. Thanks Rob."

• "Rejuvenating"

  16 June 2013

  "Peaceful and stunning. Rejuvenating and the perfect hideaway to find inner peace."

• "Pleasantly surprised"

  19 May 2013

  "Not knowing what to expect I was pleasantly surprised, accommodation great. But the walk up the Mountain twice and the view from there beats everything. I definitely come back."

• "Lovely, quaint cottage on the slopes of the Magaliesburg"

  08 April 2013

  "The stone cottage is a quaint cottage well kitted out for 2 people. It is a comfortable base from which to explore the Magaliesburg, or to chill around the private pool. Very affordable and highly recommended for a couple's time away."

• "Getaway from the city"

  18 March 2013

  "Mount Serene is great for people wanting to get away from the rat-race of city life. Really peaceful and quiet. The Coach is also a novel place to stay in .... only thing missing was the motion and sound of being on the rails, otherwise the experience was just like being on a train in the good old days!"

• "Great self- catering overnight escape"

  14 January 2013

  "Spent the weekend away as a couple in the Stone cottage on the property. It was just at the bottom of the property away from the main house, and fairly private. Had own plash pool and was HUGE inside, withe comfy bed, great and great living area. Lovely hike to the top of the mountain. Close enough to both Magaliesburg and Rustenburg and far away from Jhb for a good trip away. Would go there again as a couple."

• "Awesome"

  29 December 2012

  "Thank you for a lovely stay. We will definitely return. The coach was evertything we needed. The birds and sunsets was just awesome. It really brought memories back of vacations on the train as a kid."

• "Wonderful"

  29 November 2012

  "We had a wonderful stay at both the coach and the cottage...definately going back!"

• "Feedback"

  25 November 2012

  "What an awesome place! One would never have guessed it. Definitely the place we'd want to stay again and again! Excellent, really!"

• "All in one"

  15 October 2012

  "This was just what we were looking for - A private place where we could unwind and the kids could have fun. Great place for family time."

• "Relaxing stay"

  17 September 2012

  "Simple accommodatation, great setting. Has a nice walking trail on the property."

• "Stone cottage"

  14 September 2012

  "Fantasties. Alle geriewe waaraan jy kan dink is in die cottage. Jy vat net kos saam. Ek was met honeymoon en niemand het ons gepla nie. Tot die eienaar se twee honde was liefdevol. Sal beslis weer gaan en aanbeveel. Dankie Rob."

• "Amazing location"

  25 June 2012

  "An amazing location with beautiful scenery and privacy. The cottage, although having everything you need, is quite 'dated' and could do with a revamp and some homely touches to add some warmth and atmosphere."

• "Awesome"

  30 April 2012

  "A lovely and tranquil and serene place. A great getaway from city life. The owner Rob is very accommodating and respectable person. Will definitely return!"

• "Peace and quiet"

  13 February 2012

  "Wonderful location and venue to get away from it all. Could not have asked for more."

• "Excellent"

  13 February 2012

  "This is an excellent place to get away from your busy life and have some rest, peace and tranquillity. The Coach is very well equipped and one of the best places that we have ever stayed in. We would recommend it to everyone and definitely make use of it again in future. The location is ideal as it is very close to Johannesburg and Pretoria - you don't need to travel for hours to get there and once you are there, all the pressure and stress of city life and work disappears. The hospitality of the owner, the peace and tranquillity and the location, as well as the accommodation, makes this the ideal spot to get away from the city."

• "Weekend away"

  30 January 2012

  "Once again we had a stunning, relaxing and peaceful time at the Stone Cottage at Mount Serene. Everything you need for a quick breakaway from the city."

• "Wonderful"

  12 January 2012

  "Wonderfully quiet. Can really rest here and have peace. Clean and wonderful service. Pool really needs steps."

• "Pleasant"

  09 January 2012

  "We found the stone cottage to be pleasant and welcomed the isolation of its location."

• "Serenity!"

  06 January 2012

  "Our stay at Mount Serene was wonderful. The Coach was very authentic and a lot of fun for our six-year-old daughter. The view was spectacular. We were treated to very warm hospitality from the owner and we felt very welcome. Will definitely be visiting again in the future!"

• "Awesome"

  03 January 2012

  "This is definitely one of the best self-catering venues we've ever stayed in. When they say you only need to bring swimming towels and food, they really mean it. Everything was there, including all the peace and quiet you could want. We will definitely be back!"

• "Enjoyable"

  06 December 2011

  "We had a thoroughly enjoyable time here. The surroundings were incredibily peaceful and the train carriage was stunning! Thank you Mount Serene for a great weekend."

• "Fantastic"

  28 November 2011

  "We had a wonderful time at Mount Serene. The coach is great and our son absolutely loved the idea of sleeping on a train. We enjoyed the private splash pool and of course, we always welcomed the beautiful resident dogs, Lady and Bandit. Thank you for our stay, we really enjoyed it and will most certainly be back."

• "Lovely"

  20 November 2011

  "I had a lovely stay and will recommend it to my friends!"

• "Peaceful venue"

  10 October 2011

  "We spent the weekend at Mount Serene in the Stone Cottage and found it to be exactly what we were looking for, a relaxing break away from the hustle and bustle of city life. We'll be back."

• "Peace of mind"

  12 September 2011

  "The place is very calm. We are well rested. I would recommend it to anyone who wants to get away from the city life."

• "Mount Serene"

  19 August 2011

  "The coach is wonderful for a weekend away for a family. I enjoyed the time with children and grandchildren and the kids had a great time."

• "Mount serene"

  10 August 2011

  "We had a great time. The cottage is lovely with everything you need and more. Rob was even so kind to put a vase of fresh flowers in the cottage for us. The water was too cold to swim but we will be back for that in December. Thanks for everything."

• "Serene and quiet"

  18 July 2011

  "It was a very quiet and serene breakaway. The chalet was amazing and the views spectacular. The hosts were very gracious and did not interfere with us at all. Well equipped and well maintained. Definitely going back again when I can for another tranquil relaxing break. The directions were perfect and I was highly impressed."

• "Great"

  21 March 2011

  "Our stay was lovely and the two bags of wood was most welcome. If you want to rest, this is the place. The owner is very friendly and we enjoyed the walks in the mountains. We enjoyed the splash pool and the beautiful garden surrounding the cottage. I will recommend this place to anyone who wants to get away from city life. Stunning."

• "Mount Serene"

  26 October 2010

  "Lovely place, really quite and the paddling pool was great fun. Staying in the train coach was definitely a experience I can recommend. Though I only give it 4/5 due to lack of entertainment, good thing we brought a portable radio with us."

• "Lovely!"

  15 October 2010

  "Thank you so much for letting us make use of your cottage. It was what we wanted peace, no noise and no children no people!!!! Just us and the bush!!! Lovely...the accommodation was so luxury more than what we expected one can see that there’s a lot of love in the cottage!!!!! Thetwo2 dogs made us feel so loved by just sitting with us and being content!!!!! Will really visit you again and will advertise you to everyone and thank you two Safarinow, I would never have found this gem if i ... more"

• "Wonderful"

  04 October 2010

  "I had a wonderful time at Mount Serene. Best place to relax and just have fun without hassle."

• "Peace and quiet"

  27 September 2010

  "Was amazing to get away from it all, and just forget everything while relaxing in nature. Beautiful surroundings. Splash pool is an excellent idea. Stunning, private stone cottage. Will definitely see us again. "

• "Mount Serene"

  20 September 2010

  "Very freindly and accomodating hosts. We all had fun staying in the train coach. All we needed and more."

• "Weekend at Mount Serene"

  20 July 2010

  "Beautiful, secluded place, ideal for a weekend getaway! Staying in the railway carriage was a wonderful experience for me and my 7 girlfriends, unique accommodation idea! We enjoyed every bit of it!"

• "Peaceful getaway"

  29 April 2010

  "We spent 4 rainy days (coach), which we thoroughly enjoyed. Even the fact that the kids had to remain indoor 90% of the time was not a problem as they could enjoy the novelty of the coach instead. Mt Serene is truly a peaceful family getaway with a bit of farm thrown in. What is also nice is that it's totally un-commerciallised."

• "Peace and tranquillity"

  08 February 2010

  "Our overseas visitors just love the peace and tranquillity of Mount Serene. We joined them for a day and just loved the train carriage and splash pool. What a nice place to recharge the batteries, getaway and really have a break. Rob is very welcoming as was the beautiful collies who roam around. "

• "Serene is definitely the word!"

  19 January 2010

  "What an amazing weekend away! I would recommend Mount Serene to anyone and will definitely be going back in the future!"

• "Very nice."

  14 December 2009

  "Like the bushveld idea with the Oasis in the centre.Will definitely come again"

• "Very nice. "

  14 December 2009

  "Like the bushveld idea with the Oasis in the centre.Will definitely come again"

• "Mount Serene"

  27 October 2009

  "Our weekend at Mount Serene was lovely, very relaxing. We didnt hear or see anyone, its so quite and peaceful!"

• "Mount Serene"

  27 October 2009

  "Our weekend at Mount Serene was lovely, very relaxing. We didnt hear or see anyone, its so quite and peaceful!"

• "We had a wonderful stay. "

  19 August 2009

  "The accommodation was simple yet it catered for every need. All the little things like that were supplied like fire wood, candles, matches, bath soap, coffee and tea etc. Some of the things we all tend to forget when packing. The owner was very friendly and even though there was a misunderstanding with the booking he handles the situation extremely professional and we truly appreciated it. I have already told all my friend about it and recommended they try it out for a nice relaxing time. We will certainly be returning in warmer weather as I'd love to use the pool facility and take on the hikes in the mountain. "

• "Relaxing weekend"

  11 August 2009

  "We had a very enjoyable, relaxing weekend. The facility was clean and restrooms hygienic and clean. My wife really liked the bedrooms the way the coach was transformed. Mountain climbing was our first experience and it was really relaxing, hope to do it soon again. We admired the dogs for their sense for play and intelligence. I would really refer this breakaway to anyone who like the peace and quite of the veld. "

• "Great Family getaway"

  17 July 2009

  "We got lost and only arrived really late.We arrived to a warm welcome and warm coach already prepared for us by the hosts.The place was beautiful, the view, the unit just everything.I have small kids and was scared of the no tv issue.We spent so much time together and was exhausted at night.I really recommend this to anyone that wants to spend valuable time with their family.I'm already planning my next visit but this time hubby and I will try the romantic getaway."

• "Father's Day weekend"

  22 June 2009

  "We had a wonderful weekend where even the 3 kids forgot that cartoon network existed and played hide-and-go-seek for a change. The surroundings are so peaceful and quiet - would definitely recommend Mount Serene to all my friends."

• "Sshhhhh ..."

  05 January 2009

  "Our stay at Mount Serene (The Cottage) was a very peaceful and relaxing week!The hosts are very helpful with any needs you may have - you just need to ask and they will assist as best as they can!I will definitely be referring it to friends and family for a quiet stay away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life."

• "Fantastic"

  18 November 2008

  "The views were fantastic. We stayed in the coach and it was well-equipped and comfortable. The hosts were helpful and helped us find a great restaurant nearby.I would definitelygo again!"

• "Fantastic spot!"

  26 September 2008

  "We really enjoyed ourselves. The cottage was nice and clean and the splash pool was well used. With the bird life and mountain scenes it was a great place to get away from it all. What a relaxing time we had. "

• "Quaint Mountain Stay"

  22 September 2008

  "Our stay in the 1937 train coach against the slopes of the Magaliesburg was as relaxing and beautiful as we had hoped. The train provides a unique setting, with a number of little touches that occasionally made me wish the train was still moving. The setting was just lovely with beautiful mountain views."

• "Quaint Mountain Stay"

  22 September 2008

  "Our stay in the 1937 train coach against the slopes of the Magaliesburg was as relaxing and beautiful as we had hoped.The train provides a unique setting, with a number of little touches that occasionally made me wish the train was still moving.The setting was just lovely with beautiful mountain views. "

• "Tranquil and relaxing."

  07 July 2008

  "The hosts were extremely welcoming and accommodating.The accommodation was fantastic.Staying in the coach was different to the usual and very exciting especially for the kids, who had never been in a coach before.We had a fantastic time!"

• "Stunning"

  19 May 2008

  "It's a great place, just to relax and to do nothing. will be going there again"

• "Serene in a true sense"

  04 May 2008

  "If you are looking for a truly calm, relaxed get away then this is the right place to go to. The self-catering cottage is nicely kept with everything you need. a lovely pool and a braai area allows you to have a relaxed afternoon or dinner. For nature and bird lovers it is also great. Facing the Magaliesburg mountain one cannot help but relax and enjoy. It is conveniently situated: 30mn drive from the Rustenburg Mall and 40 mn drive from Hartebeerspoort dam.The hosts are also great since they truly give their guests their 'space'. In fact we only saw them twice - when we picked up the key and when we dropped them off. Great place that we would highly recommend to anyone looking for a get away, be it a couple on a romantic trip or business people needing to get away from the buzz of the city. "

• "Recommended"

  18 February 2008

  "Fabulous"

• "Fantastic"

  12 February 2008

  "We enjoyed every second of our stay, there were no discordant moments at all. Thank you."

• "Perfect romantic getaway"

  04 February 2008

  "I sent my brother-in-law and his wife for Honeymoon to Mount Serene, we dropped them of and left. It is a Perfect romantic getaway if you just want time alone. The owners were so hospitable and friendly. "

• "Excellent"

  29 January 2008

  "If anyone is looking for a quiet getaway then Mount Serene is the place."

• "Excellent"

  29 January 2008

  "If anyone is looking for a quiet getaway then Mount Serene is the place."

• "MOUNT SERENE... Just that - Serene !"

  07 August 2007

  "It was a fabulous place - very private and secluded and very romantic. How about heating the splash pool's water for winter times ??? All in all a very nice experience."

• "MOUNT SERENE... Just that - Serene !"

  07 August 2007

  "It was a fabulous place - very private and secluded and very romantic. How about heating the splash pool's water for winter times ??? All in all a very nice experience."