Rijks Country House

Nestled in the beautiful Tulbagh valley, this exquisite five star boutique hotel opened in October 2008 following extensive and impressive renovations. It offers travellers and day visitors an exceptional experience in both service and facilities with remarkable attention to detail and a graceful elegance.

The Rijk's Country House is situated on the eminent Rijk’s Wine farm, home to Rijk’s Private Cellar, five minutes from the centre of Tulbagh. High trees and an abundance of Iceberg roses welcome you onto the Estate from where you can see hills of vineyards surrounded by the Obiqua, Witzenberg and Winterhoek Mountains.

Restored Cape Dutch style buildings are the frame-work within which you will experience classic furnishings and a warm and relaxed ambience. Should you wish to sample or purchase wines from the Estate, enjoy the Polo wine bar and tasting room where visitors can sit around a large restored wooden table, or outside on the terrace with it’s incredible views of the valley. Otherwise, relax in the charming lounge where you will find a library of reading materials and a cosy fireplace. International and traditional cuisine coupled with impeccable service can be enjoyed in the hotel’s intimate restaurant, Que Sera, or at a high table in the private dining area, Mon Ami. Alternatively, the outside Iceberg terrace is the perfect place to relax whilst having a decadently large cup of coffee, a glass of wine or dining al-fresco overlooking the dam or under the stars.

Superior rooms and family villas - evident of innovative design and stylish fittings – have their own private terrace overlooking a river - along which you will find a swimming pool, braai and lapa area, the French game of boules and hundreds of beautiful roses. In the evenings you can sit on your terrace and watch the sun set behind the surrounding mountains, leaving the vineyards and trees silhouetted by a brilliant pink and orange sky.

Picnic on the banks of the river or enjoy a romantic walk through the vineyards and rose gardens. Explore the town with its quaint shops and restaurants, travel the surrounding wine routes, or – for the more adventurous – go hiking or horse-riding through the vineyards and up the mountains.

An all-encompassing luxurious experience with a beautiful view out of every window, Rijk’s Country House is sure to leave you feeling rejuvenated, relaxed and like you have discovered a little piece of paradise.

Contact Details
Telephone Nr:	(023) 230 1006
Fax Nr:	(023) 230 1125
Email Address:	This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Website:	www.africanpridehotels.com/rijks

Location

Rijk’s Country House is located on the wine farm of Rijk’s Private Cellar in Tulbagh.

Tulbagh is a small valley surrounded by the Winterhoek, Witzenberg and Obiqua mountains with the Klein Berg River running alongside. The town was named after Rijk Tulbagh - Governor of the Cape from 1751 to 1771 – and its main road boasts 32 National Monuments, more than any other street in South Africa.

GPS co-ordinates:

Latitude - 33°16'5.94"S

Longitude - 19° 8'41.00"E

Approximate distances by car:

From Cape Town International Airport – 90 minutes

From Cape Town – 80 minutes

From Paarl and Worcester wine routes – 40 minutes

From Stellenbosch and Franschhoek wine routes – 60 minutes

Directions:

Route 1- via Wellington -
Take the N1, northbound, from Cape Town towards Paarl. Turn left at the (R44) Wellington "Agter Paarl/Klapmuts" off ramp, heading towards Wellington. Cross over the four way stop and after about 5km's turn left at a set of traffic lights into Distillery Road - this is a continuation of the R44. This road leads towards Hermon, Ceres and Porterville. You'll drive through the scenic Nuwe Kloof Pass and after approximately 5km you'll see a turn off to Tulbagh - take a left here. Continue straight with the road until you reach a 4-way stop- turn left into the main road - Van der Stel Street. Head straight through the town and continue for another 2km's. We are on the left - look out for the large white gateposts. Please note that the roads are all tarred from Cape Town to our entrance.

Route 2 - via Malmesbury –
Take the N7, northbound, from Cape Town in the direction of Malmesbury.  Take the Malmesbury off ramp to your left and at the stop turn left again, heading into the town.  Pass the large silos on your right until you get to a traffic light - continue straight over the traffic light.  At the next stop, turn right.  This leads out of Malmesbury and you will pass the Swartland Cellars on your right.  Turn left at the R46 directing you Hermon/Riebeeck Kasteel.  Continue straight with this road; past Riebeeck-Kasteel until you get to another stop which joins with the R44 at Hermon.  Turn left and head on through the Nuwekloof Pass until you see the left turn to Tulbagh.  Continue straight with the road until you reach a T-junction - turn left into the main road - Van der Stel Street.  Drive though the town and straight on towards the Winterhoek Mountains for approximately 2km's.  Look out for our large white gateposts on the left.

Rooms

The hotel offers 10 superior rooms, 2 luxury rooms and 3 2-bedroomed family villas.

Each room is luxuriously spacious with its own unique colour scheme and original artworks. High ceilings and the finest in furniture and fittings create the perfect amalgamation of classic modern and old charm.

All rooms offer:

An outdoor terrace with table and chairs

Lots of natural light

Privacy and tranquillity

Flat screen TV and DSTV

Individually controlled air-conditioning as well as ceiling-fans

International plug adaptors

Large bath and shower with twin basins and separate toilet

Tea and coffee making facilities

Stocked mini-bar offering both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages

Electronic safe

Hairdryer

Sitting area

Dressing table and/ or work desk

Rooms are non-smoking, with ashtrays provided outside each room

DVD player in family villas*

Features and Facilities

Rijk’s Country House offers everything you would expect from world-class accommodation:

18 hour room service

Laundry and ironing service

Airport shuttle service

Transport to visit nearby wine farms and cellars

Ample open parking

Full service business desk with internet, fax and printing

Wireless internet

Gift and wine shop

GUEST lounge and library

Seating area to browse through the various travel and information guides available

Outdoor terrace

Swimming pool and lapa

Boules

Secure grounds

Private and public wine tastings (in the Rijk’s Cellar or wine bar and tasting room)

Picnics on arrangement – either in our vineyards or beyond

32 seater fine-dining restaurant - Que Sera

20 seater private dining room - Mon Ami

Polo Wine bar

Conferencing facilities

Babysitting services

Disabled room and access available

Activities and Attractions

Night-harvesting of the vineyard grapes in the summer months

Wine tasting at Rijk’s Private Cellar

Hiking and walking trails

Fishing

Bird watching

For those who would like to venture beyond the Estate, enjoy exploring the little town of Tulbagh or drive further out to neighbouring towns and villages. Whether it be for relaxation, wine, shopping or outdoor activities you are sure to find something to suit those of all ages.

Nearby:

Tour and tasting of Krone Borealis at Twee Jonge Gezellen

Wine tasting and art gallery at Saronsberg

Arts, crafts and curio shops

Specialty delis

Superb restaurants with a range of offerings - Readers, Pielows, Gossip etc

Boulders Bush Pub

Art galleries

Oude Drostdy Museum

Oude Kerk Volksmuseum

The Farmers Market takes place on the last Saturday of every month at Things I Love

Golf at the Ceres country club (20minute drive)

Polo matches in the summer months (local and international)

Hiking and walking trails

Photographic tours

Horse-riding

Fishing

Mountain-biking

Health and fitness centre

Bird watching

Dried fruit tours

Beauty salon and aromatherapy

Plant nurseries

Farmers market on the last Saturday of every month

Belgian chocolate factory, Moniki, who specialise in chocolate and wine pairing

Award winning cheese factory, Kimilili, selling handcrafted farmhouse cheeses

Waverley Hills Organic wine farm and restaurant

Wine farms in the area:

Manley Private Cellars, De Oude Drostdy Manor, De Heuvel, Blue Crane Vineyards, Saronsberg Cellars, Schalkenbosch Wine Estate, Tulbagh Winery, Theuniskraal Wine Estate, Waverley Hills,

Twee Jonge Gezellen and Buck’s Ridge Wine and Olives.

Tulbagh has a petrol station, ATMs, chemist, post office, wine shop, grocery shop and more…

Dining

Rijk’s Country House offers sumptuous cuisine as well as an excellent and detailed wine list.

Facilities available:

Que Sera, a 32 seater fine-dining restaurant offering an a la carte menu and buffet breakfast

Mon Ami, a 20 seater private dining room with high tables and chairs, a cosy fireplace and doors leading out onto the vineyards

Outside is the Iceberg terrace for al-fresco dining

Polo Wine Bar & tasting room

The Iceberg terrace is a popular place for breakfast - to read the morning newspaper whilst enjoying the fresh breads, local cheeses and vast selection of hot dishes. Enjoy a light lunch whilst watching the vineyards, or enjoy a beautiful star-gazing dinner. For those who would prefer to sit indoors, enjoy a glass of wine in our bar before going to relax to soft music playing in the background, world-class service and phenomenal taste explosions including game, seafood, traditional South African dishes and fresh salads. End off your evening with cheese and biscuits in our cosy lounge and enjoy the warmth of the fireplace in winter.

For those wanting a more intimate or special dining experience, our 20 seater private dining area offers you exclusivity at a long marble table with a fireplace and private entrance.

Conferencing

The Estate offers tranquillity and exclusivity for all occasions...

Perfect for outdoor team-building activities such as treasure hunts, amazing races, picnics and sports with the option to spend the night or get to know each other over a wine tasting or dinner.

Launch your products and services either in our conference venue of outdoors.

Book our dining areas for special occasions such as birthdays or engagements with the beautiful views surrounding you – ideal for photo moments and ever-lasting memories.

Use our conference facilities for board meetings and presentations, and have your lunch and tea breaks outdoors - either on our terrace or a group picnic next to the river – and then perhaps end off the day with a private wine tasting with local cheeses.

Walk down a red carpet to the river bank and have your wedding ceremony surrounded by roses and vines, then celebrate your special occasion on our terrace or in one of our restaurants.

Our conference venue seats:

60 pax Cinema

34 pax U shape

48 pax Herringbone

24 pax Boardroom

32 pax Schoolroom with tables

We offer a comprehensive conference package which can be tailor-made to suit your specific needs. A basic outline of what is typically on offer:

1. - Venue hire
2. - Standard equipment (TV, DVD player, overhead projector, screen, data projector, whiteboard, flipchart).
3. - Tea and Coffee on arrival
4. - Morning and afternoon break consisting of tea, coffee, juices and mineral water served with biscuits and scones. For the health conscious we offer fruit salad, fresh fruit and herbal teas.
5. - A two-course business lunch served on the Iceberg Terrace or in our private restaurant

Our personalised service and world-class facilities will ensure the success of any event.