Phantom River View is a large estate nestled within a fairy tale forest setting just 9km before the town of Knysna, in the Western Cape. It offers a collection of private self-catering wooden cabins that don’t leave a stone unturned when it comes to insatiable luxury. Located along a long gravel road within Knysna Forest, a stone entrance way beckons you towards the “Phantom River View Estate”, and the breath-taking beauty that awaits you within.
Cabin 16 at Phantom River View
As our car turned a sharp left into the steep driveway of Cabin 16 at Phantom River View, I was wriggling with excitement and had to stop myself from springing out of the car while it was still moving. My partner beat me to it and I was summoned by a squeal I had never before heard come out of his mouth, and I turned to see him waving me over excitedly towards the back garden of the cabin. When I rounded the car and saw what he was unable to express in words, I stopped immediately in my tracks. The view was absolutely breath-taking. The wooden porch overlooked the forest valley below and the trees extended as far as the eye could see in a mishmash of exquisite greens and browns.
The 8-sleeper cabin itself is strictly self-catering, but not the self-catering type one would normally expect. Oh no, this is luxury self-catering! The cabin consists of an open plan lounge, dining room, and a fully equipped kitchen where chocolates, tea, coffee, and sugar await. In addition to the kitchen, there is also a scullery with a second sink, dishwasher and washing machine. What makes this cabin so spectacular is its wide unbarred windows and doors that welcome in the unparalleled forest views from wherever you’re standing. It makes you feel as though nothing else in the world matters.
If the downstairs part of the cabin isn’t enough to enthral you, then the wooden staircase that leads to the four large bedrooms, each with magnificent views of the forest, certainly will. The upstairs hallway, that leads from bedroom to bedroom, runs parallel with a long window that offers such a beautiful view, you just can’t help but stop and look out, each and every time you’re passing by.
The two main bedrooms are each equipped with a lavish en-suite bathroom (one with a shower and one with a bath) and a balcony door that leads out above the deck and swimming pool, and overlooks the forest ravine. The main bedrooms’ queen-sized beds are beautifully decked out in cosy duvet covers and pillows and if I hadn’t had such a full day planned ahead, I may have been tempted to collapse right there and then, at 12h00 in the afternoon. The other two bedrooms are beautiful, with twin beds and a double bed and a shared full bathroom between, but they are no match for the main bedrooms.
The entertainment area is perfect for a family holiday with 8-seater tables both indoors and outdoors so you don’t have to worry about the weather. On the outside wooden deck, there is a small splash pool (but as we came in winter, we unfortunately didn’t have the pleasure of using it) and a portable weber braai. There is also an indoor fireplace for chilly winter nights and a television with DStv so the men can catch up on their rugby!
Cabin 16 at Phantom River View provides all the comforts of home with a touch of unparalleled luxury!
King’s Gift at Phantom River View
Situated within the dense surrounding forest, Kings Gift at Phantom River View seems to be the epitome of a “cosy cabin in the woods”. Overshadowed by evergreen trees, the cabin is completely encircled by nature and there are no man-made sounds to be heard, or to distract you from a blissful stay. There is a log-built parking area to the left of the cabin, which is suitable for up to two cars to use.
The cabin offers an intimate setting under the shade of the trees with room for up to 6 people. It has a quaint log-lined interior with an open-plan setting consisting of a fully fitted kitchen, cosy lounge with an indoor fireplace, and a 6-seater indoor dining table, with gorgeous views out the windows. There is also a downstairs communal bathroom with a shower, toilet, and basin, just to the left of the front door.
Guests are accommodated in 2 stunning bedrooms with the main bedroom providing a double bed with a beautiful embroidered lavender pattern on the pillows and duvet, and an immaculate en-suite bathroom with a bath, toilet, and basin. The long window in the main bedroom will make you feel as though you’re sleeping in the forest, and you also have access to a side door which leads to the wrap-around balcony.
The second bedroom located on the opposite side of the cabin has twin beds and a great view. It is quite spacious and offers an additional cover on top of the cupboard, so guests can convert the beds into a king-sized one, should it be required. This room also has a door leading to the balcony, as well as ample cupboard space, an open vanity, and a private en-suite with a shower and toilet. There is also an upstairs loft bedroom which provides two single beds and is perfect (and fun) for children.
Just a step onto the wraparound balcony will reveal the rows and rows of indigenous trees and the deep green valley won’t fail to instil a sense of absolute calm in those who gaze out at it. The wooden deck is fitted with a circular table and a portable weber braai for dining outdoors. A walk around the left side of the balcony (outside the twin bedroom) reveals stairs which lead down to the private swimming pool.
If you’re after a truly intimate and luxurious self-catering stay that will leave you lost for words, King’s Gift and Cabin 16 at Phantom River View are tailored for you!
Click here to view some other fantastic accommodations and activities in Knysna.
