Read 2 traveller reviews of Hunters Country House

Hunters Country House is set in a quiet, forested area between Knysna and Plettenberg Bay, along the Cape's Garden Route. Once a homestead called 'Pear Tree Farm', it opened in 1989 as first class luxury accommodation. None of the Expert Africa team have yet visited Hunters Country House, but here is what we know about it…

Hunters Country House boasts 21 thatched suites, dotted around neatly landscaped gardens:

- The Forest Suite is very spacious, and can be used as a large Family Villa, in connection with an adjacent Premier suite. It's a house of its own, with a kitchen, a lounge area, a thatched gazebo and a private pool.
- The Classic suites also have their own sundecks and swimming pools for total privacy, as well as an outdoor shower.
- The Premier suites feature extra dresser and wardrobe space, ideal for longer stays. They have large patios with parasols and sun loungers to relax.
- The Garden suites can also be used as Family suites, accommodation two parents, one infant, and up to three older children.
- The eight Garden cottages are individually decorated and set within the lodge's country garden.

All the suites at Hunters Country House have a fireplace (the Forest suite has two), air-conditioning, an en-suite bathroom with separate bath and shower, a mini-bar, tea / coffee making facilities, and a patio with a table and chairs.

The main facilities at Hunters include a large outdoor pool with shaded sun loungers, which can be used by all guests. There's no spa, but pampering treatments in the privacy of your room can be arranged. The guest house has a supervised play area for children, with toys, games, a paddling pool and a shaded sandpit. Dining is either at Hunters manor house, where the main restaurant is located, or at the Summer house. You may also enjoy breakfast in the sunny conservatory.

Whilst staying here, there are a lot of activities to do, both on the lodge's estate and in the nearby area. From romantic picnics for two in Hunters lush gardens, to horse riding in the local forest, treetop canopy tours, visits to the elephant sanctuary, or sunset cruises aboard a catamaran on the Knysna lagoon – there's a lot to explore!

Lodge overview

Lodge type: Town

No. of bedrooms: 21 suites

Season: Open Year Round

Ideal length of stay: 3 - 4 nights

Central facilities: Hunters Country House has a thatched manor house with a lounge area, dining rooms (main restaurant), a conservatory, and a vast wine cellar, as well as a Summerhouse. There's also a large, sparkling swimming pool, set in the lodge's lush gardens, and a play area for children on the hotel grounds. Wellness treatments, such as hot stone massages, aroma therapies, and reflexology, are available upon request in the privacy of your room.

Geographics

Location: Garden Route, South Africa

Accessible by: Self-drive

Key personnel

Owner: Hunters Country House is owned by Hunter Hotels.

Staff: The general manager is Inge Johansen. Hunters' executive chef is Carmen Truter.

Food & drink

Food quality: Hunters' main restaurant serves a weekly changing menu of South African dishes, combined with international trends. The restaurant's executive chef, Carmen Truter, always includes seasonal products, which are only available for short periods during the year. The country house also has a wine cellar, holding 3000 bottle of exceptional South African wines, to go with the meals. It serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. The Summerhouse serves a simple menu, focusing on local products, from cheese to seafood. It also serves breakfast, lunch and dinner, and has become a family favourite. Under the direction of Carmen Truter, both restaurants are Diners Club Platinum Award Winner 2006, 2007 and 2008. Furthermore, the Conservatory at Hunters offers breakfast, which is served as a buffet and or as individual tables. Picnics are also available upon advance request.

Dining style: Inidividual Tables

Dining locations: Indoor and Outdoor Dining

Children

Attitude towards children: Children are welcome at Hunters Country House.

Age restrictions: There are no age restrictions.

Activities: Hunters Country House has a 'Cub's corner' for toddlers and a 'Teen Scene room' for older children, which are supervised throughout the day and stocked with books, toys, videos and games. There's paddling pool, a jungle gym, a shaded sandpit, as well as a dining area.

Equipment: Cots are available on request.

Generally recommended for children: Yes

Notes: Hunters Country House has two Family suites (the Garden suites), which have a parents room, enough space for a single bed, and a sleeper sofa in the family room to accommodate two children. A cot for infants can also be placed in the Family suites.

Health & safety

Malarial area: No

Dangerous animals: Low Risk

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