Nothing short of delightful.
On our journey to Hartenbos, the host maintained contact with us via WhatsApp, providing us with the pin for directions and kindly reminding us to bring our own towels. She even graciously offered the option for an early check-in and late check-out, which was incredibly accommodating. Upon arrival, we were initially daunted by the steep driveway, but the host quickly reassured us with clear instructions on parking, making it a breeze. The host warmly welcomed us, gave us a thorough tour of the apartment, and then respectfully afforded us our privacy. Despite being adjacent to the main house, the apartment felt wonderfully secluded, offering a sense of solitude. True to the photos, the apartment exceeded our expectations, and the separate braai room, located upstairs, was a delightful bonus with its additional sleeping space, extra toilet, and Smart TV. Having read previous reviews, we were prepared for the proximity of the N2, but found that the vehicle sounds were not bothersome and the stunning view more than made up for any noise. While time constraints prevented us from utilizing the braai facilities, we could easily imagine enjoying them with more leisure. Nestled in a residential area, the apartment encourages a sense of neighborly courtesy and is certainly not a venue for rowdy gatherings. Instead, it offers an ideal retreat for families, comfortably accommodating a couple with two children in its spacious, open-plan layout. Notably, the apartment's convenient proximity to the shops and attractions of Hartenbos added to its appeal, allowing for easy access to the vibrant happenings of the area. Moreover, the apartment boasted an array of excellent amenities and appliances that further enhanced our stay. From the well-equipped kitchen with all the necessary utensils and cleaning detergents to the added convenience of a washing machine, WiFi, and Smart TV, every aspect was thoughtfully provided for. However, it's worth noting that while the braai room's toilet featured a handwash unit, the bathroom in the downstairs apartment did not. This minor detail served as a gentle reminder for us to bring along hand soap and a hand towel for future visits. Nonetheless, these small considerations did little to detract from the overall comfort and enjoyment of our stay. Overall, our experience at this lovely home was nothing short of delightful.