Under Milkwood, near the Knysna Heads, is a group of log
cabins (called chalets) hidden in amongst heritage milkwood trees overlooking
the lagoon. Lynne stayed there with friends about 20 years ago and so we were
very glad to be invited to revisit to see the changes they are busy
making. It is owned by Paul Van Zuydam, a
South African who lives in the UK with his wife, and who owns Le Creuset and
Screwpull, two internationally successful companies. There are also two other
properties attached to Milkwood that we got to view. www.milkwood.co.za. Contact General
Manager Clary Starbuck who was
extremely helpful to us.
We arrived after quite a heavy storm had struck the
night before but the sun was shining and the comfortable chalets have not
changed very much over the years. This
was our deck with the magnificent milkwood tree growing beneath and offering
shade and our view of the lagoon
A view of the chalet from the side
A nice place to have breakfast, or a braai, weather
permitting
This is the inside of one of the chalets, as Lynne
remembers it from a visit in the '90s
Another view of the kitchen and dining area
This is the inside of the newly renovated chalet in
which we stayed. The walls have been clad in washed pine and it gives the rooms
a much more spacious and modern feel. There is also a wonderful smell of
pinewood. As you can see on the stove,
all the chalets are fitted out with an almost complete range of Le Creuset
cookware, crockery and other items
The lounge area of the old style chalet (these two chalets
are essential identical) and it seems that some regular clients say they prefer
the old design
We much preferred the more spacious modern design,
there is more comfort and less of a feeling of roughing it.
Our bedroom was furnished very tastefully in creams
and beiges which compliment the washed pine walls
The same furnishings in the old style chalet
All of the chalets have good views from the bedrooms
Our view of the milkwood tree with the lagoon in the
distance
An unconverted shower bathroom
The new shower bathroom
The twin bedded room
The unconverted bathroom
The new conversion which seemed larger, but was
actually slightly smaller we were told.
It has a very deep and luxurious bathtub
There is also a self catering guest house called PAQUITA
VILLA on the left hand side of the complex which can be hired by the day and
sleeps six people and it has direct access to the beach. This is the main living and dining area. Rates
per day for 2014: Low Season (11 Jan – 15 Dec): R2995.00 & High Season (16
Dec – 10 Jan): R5199.00
Lynne and General Manager Clary Starbuck viewing the
house.
There is a fully fitted and equipped kitchen
and there is a large terrace outside for warmer days, which has good views over the lagoon
A nice reading nook on the upstairs landing
One of the large double bedrooms. All the rooms have en suite bathrooms
This one has its own terrace and seating area
A twin bedded room
One of the en suite bathrooms
and the other double bedroom
They have a ‘pop-up shop’ where you can buy the entire
range of Screwpull and Le Creuset wares.
Very, very tempting especially as it is one of our favourite ranges to
cook with. Some lovely colours and some
very innovative new designs
© John & Lynne Ford, Adamastor & Bacchus 2014
