Set in an extraordinary location on the outskirts of the picturesque village of St Francis Bay lies Dune Ridge Country House a family run estate that epitomizes tranquillity and charm. Surrounded by rich coastal fynbos, an abundance of birdlife and large gardens, this country house typifies comfort and charm without compromising service or attention to detail.
With beautiful oregan pine flooring and fixtures, adorned with antique furniture and dark hued Persians this old farmhouse takes you back to a bygone era. Large verandas overlook the indigenous garden while Nyala gracefully graze on the lawn or resident caracal saunter past at sunset...making this a coastal treasure.
Originally built in the early 2000`s from absolutely nothing, this remarkable establishment captures the essence of a bygone era of an old African farm. All materials were either recycled or brought in from the surrounding areas. The large stone fireplace that adorns the open plan living room with comfortable kudu skin leather couches was built utilising rocks from the nearby Gamtoos River Valley. While the fire crackles away guests can sit back and relax and enjoy a selection of South African publications or reference books from our intimate library sipping on a complementary local Port Wine or Sherry.
Surrounded by immaculately kept indigenous gardens Dune Ridge consists of six double rooms and one family cottage. All have private patios and gardens and all guests can enjoy the guesthouse`s large sparkling outdoor pool. Set in the magnificent gardens with a spectacular view of the Estate, the recently renovated open-air Boma area provides an attractive alternative to the more formal dining room, offering innovative, informal meals with the focus on fresh wholesome cuisine or a traditional South African Barbeque.
Aromatherapy, massage and reflexology are available on request in the privacy of guests suites or alternatively in our Bush Spa. Dune Ridge`s additional features include an internet and email facilities or business centre and a Curio shop. There are also two well known golf courses within easy access of the guest house one being the infamous Links in St Francis designed by Jack Nicklaus and rates as one of the Top 10 courses in South Africa.
Perfect for a romantic honeymoon, Dune Ridge also provides the ideal escape for a family holiday. Unlike many establishments of this calibre and in this area, Dune Ridge welcomes and caters for children of all ages.
Accommodation at Dune Ridge Country House:
Nestled discreetly within the lush landscaped gardens or attached to the main house, each unit has its own private patio and view over the natural coastal fynbos. Our 7 suites, individually decorated with dark wood furnishings and all with en-suite bathroom (bath and shower separate), mini bar, television, ceiling fan, telephone, underfloor heating and hairdryer. There are 3 different accommodation options:-
MAIN GARDEN SUITES
The four main garden suites are attached to the main house. These rooms all have King Sized beds which can be converted into Twin.
Dark hued cupboards and headboards complement the rich fabrics and throws that adorn these rooms. Each room has a large ottoman that can fold out into a stretcher bed for those couples that would like a child to share the room with them.
Classic ball and claw bath tubs all with garden views fit perfectly into the black and white bathrooms each with a separate shower as well as toilet. All bathrooms have underfloor heating to warm up the rooms on those chilly winter evenings.
GARDEN SUITES
Two adjoining garden suites situated on the edge of the garden, facing the coastal thicket. For those couples that are looking for the ultimate breakaway with no noise just the sound of the sea and birds these are the perfect rooms. Light and airy with crisp white linen and light floral throws and scatter cushions. Each with its own private veranda that can be enclosed if need be these rooms are cozy and private.
Classic ball and claw bath tubs all with garden views fit perfectly into the black and white bathrooms each with a separate shower as well as toilet. All bathrooms have underfloor heating to warm up the rooms on those chilly winter evenings.
FAMILY COTTAGE
One Family Cottage big enough for a family of four. This unit is large and spacious, two bedrooms the main bedroom with a King Bed and the second bedroom with twin beds. There is an independent lounge area that leads out onto the open patio/veranda which is ideal for outside dining or al fresco meals during the summer months.
A large bathroom with its black and white checkered floor, classic ball and claw bath, white marble top with twin basins and spacious shower. This bathroom has underfloor heating to warm up the room on our chilly winter nights.
The Family cottage has a large garden with an outdoor swing for the children to use which is ideal while adults sit on the patio with a good book and relax within easy view of their children.
WHAT TO DO AND SEE IN AND AROUND DUNE RIDGE COUNTRY HOUSE:
Unspoiled beaches, a rugged coastline, a river linked to a unique canal system and nature areas with numerous footpaths through unique fynbos species all await holidaymakers and visitors from around the world in our beautiful St Francis - one of the Kouga Region`s hidden treasures.
Situated on Route 62, the tranquil village of St Francis Bay boasts unique building styles, where black roofed and white walled homes surround the canals and just down the road a Mediterranean building style fills the ridges of Santareme. From here the Kromme River can be navigated for 10km by leisure boat or canoe, whilst the extensive canal system offers residents and holidaymakers an exotic marina lifestyle. Fish from your front lawn, enjoy a daily SUP sight seeing around the canals or simply relax and finish your day with a sunset cruise.
Nature lovers and sportsmen alike have plenty to choose from. Enjoy over 50 different sporting codes - from surfing and fishing, tennis and squash, kite boarding, wind surfing and paddling to trail running and mountain biking, plus who can resist two world class golf courses.
The privately owned Port St Francis has a unique charm where the fleet of squid (chokka), hake and pilchard vessels berth on one side of the harbour and deep sea fishing boats and yachts are moored safely between luxurious residential units on water`s edge. A visit to the Port would not be complete without a tour of the Port and a tasting of local calamari, or book yourself on a whale watching trip and bay cruise, and check in at the St Francis Sustainable Seas Centre on Squid Square.
Cape St Francis has a beautiful pristine beach, various protected nature areas with hiking trails and resembles a quaint fishing village. It is also home to a rehabilitation centre for the African Penguin, situated next to the century old lighthouse. The waves offer some of the finest surfing in the world. Oyster Bay, a hamlet to the west of Cape St Francis, is jealously nurtured by the inhabitants and boasts a beach as far as the eye can see alongside moving sand dunes too high to conquer. Enjoy a beach horse ride or try and find the ancient Khoisan fish traps only visible during low tide.
RELAXATION TREATMENTS:
Our authentic Bush Spa, discreetly tucked away amidst coastal fynbos bush, offers a variety of relaxation treatments ranging from relaxing massages to indulgent facials all tailored to
suite our guests individual needs.
Drawing inspiration from the local coastal bush, the ocean breezes, burning log fires and aromatherapy oils this is truly the epitome of relaxation and extravagance.
Each treatment begins with a hot Rooibos, Mint and Geranium Foot Soak
Choose from the following:
Back, Neck & Shoulder Massage - 30 minutes
A wonderful antidote to stress and muscle tension, this massage concentrates on specific areas of tension in the back, neck and shoulders.
Bush Spa Swedish Massage 1 hour
This full body medium pressure massage provides a sense of well being and helps reduce tension, soothe sore muscles, increase circulation and induce relaxation.
Deep Tissue Sports Massage 1 hour
Vigorous full body massage is designed to stimulate the circulatory system
in order to release lactic acid and to relax aching muscles
Magical Moonlit Massage - 1 hour
In the still of the night with just the light of the burning log fire, candles and lanterns leading the way to ultimate relaxation. The faint sounds of the Night Jars calling in the distance..this will transport you into an imaginary dream world, preparing you for a sweet slumber.
Standard RegimA Facial - 60min
Cleanse, Exfoliate, Massage and Mask. Everything used will be in accordance with the skin type
Advanced RegimA Facial - 90min
Cleanse, Exfoliate, 30 min facial and decollete massage, mask. More in-depth treatment using serums/masks according to skin type.
