2 guests : 1 bedroom – 1 bed – 1 bath
Our Gypsy Bowtop Caravan was handmade by a wonderful local craftsman. Made with Spruce and Cypress wood, and a canvas top covering the characteristic bows, it is a unique and very comfortable space. It is self-contained with a double bed, a bathroom, a dinette and kitchenette with a small wood-burning stove. Windows in the canvas give views of the garden and mountains. There is a private deck with seating and a Weber outside. Situated lower in our garden, it is a restful and peaceful space.
The space
Our Gypsy Bowtop Caravan was handmade by the wonderful craftsman Howard Dunbar in Stanford. It was a special experience to work with Howard, from collaborating with him on the design, seeing his skill with small spaces and the beautiful materials he used. The floor and sides of the Bowtop are constructed from Spruce and the wood of an old Cypress tree that grew in the Tokai Arboretum (it was salvaged after being damaged in a big fire).
There is a private deck with table and chairs, a beautiful view of the mountains, and a Weber braai. Brickettes and fire lighters are available at our local shops — The General Store (open until 5pm), and The OK (open until 7pm). The Bowtop has a small wood-burning stove with wood cut to size for it — this is wonderful for those cold winter mornings and nights. There is a small heater if you don’t feel like lighting the fire, and 2 small portable fans for the summer months. The dinette seats 2 and the kitchen has a mini fridge/freezer, sink and 2-hob gas stove, with all necessary kitchen utensils and tea things. The bathroom has an eco toilet (which is emptied into our existing system every 2-3 days), a sink, a shower and towels. The sleeping area is reached by a pull out step, which includes shelves for your clothes if pulled out further. The bed has a down duvet made from ethically harvested feathers, and 100% cotton bedlinen. There are 2 hot water bottles and a cotton throw for the really chilly nights. Windows in the canvas allow views at different points of the mountains and trees. The stars on a clear night are magical.
There is a dam that makes a lovely swimming spot in the summer for the brave! The Bowtop is situated lower in our garden, where we are in the process of creating a permaculture food forest and medicinal garden. It is a restful and peaceful space.
Send a booking request on this form, or book now on Airbnb: https://www.airbnb.co.za/rooms/723785843748425096
