Woodlands Retreat – Clarens

 

Woodlands Retreat is a dream come true for Roy and Sherrene! 

A chance stopover in Clarens, The Jewel of the Free State, in 2015, gave clarity to Roy and Sherrene’s dream, of wanting to restore life’s vigour to their daily lives, wishing to grow their own veggies and breathe fresh clean air.  Within a few short weeks of their first visit to Clarens, they had made an offer on a property which suddenly made their dream a potential reality.

493 Villiers Street is situated in the peaceful Swartland area of central Clarens, in the protective arms of the Rooiberge Mountain Range. Backed up to the southeast by the mighty purple/blue  Maluti Mountains.   Apparently 493 Villiers was part of a vlei covered in water, which the original farmer/owner drained and reclaimed.  Now a tranquil Retreat nestled in a lush garden, amongst woodland trees and surrounded by the inspiring layers of multi-coloured sandstone mountain landscape, for which Clarens is renowned.

Woodlands Retreat is a secluded, peaceful venue ideal for rest and relaxation and, is an easy 3-minute gentle drive (+-13-minute walk) to Central Clarens.  Here you can re-connect with the soothing rhythms of nature, watch a variety of birds frequenting the garden and wander around the meandering pathways, discovering what is hidden around the next corner.

We are a Loving work in progress as we endeavour to create an eco-friendly, organic environment. All the water used on the property is filtered, both indoors and out.  We only use bio-degradable cleaning agents and we are composting and mulching the garden every opportunity we get. Catching rain water for our vegetable garden ensures we eat chemical free produce and are building wetlands to re-cycle all our grey water.  

Woodlands Retreat is moving to be as self-sufficient as possible, planning to be off the grid in the future!

We have free, easy access, secure on-site parking for one vehicle per suite.

Woodland Retreat is a place to breathe deeply and feel free!!!

Our guests are just loving being able to calm down, connect with themselves and the wonderful peaceful sounds of nature.  Some have threatened to turn off their DSTV once they get home, because they want to maintain the new connections made with their partner/children!!

 

Other Interesting Points To Note:

Clarens being part of the scenic Highlands Route ensures that we are conveniently situated being a short hop for a weekend getaway (+- midway between Johannesburg & Durban & equidistant from Bloemfontein).

Clarens is endowed with more trees than most other Free State towns.  The different seasons present unforgettable sights as the leaves change colour from light green Willows in spring to the magnificent vibrant autumn shades of the Lombard Poplars, Chinese Maples and Elms to name a few.  The abundance of spring blossoms are breath-taking.  All these attract artists, photographers and nature lovers.

Clarens is also called the Adventure Capital of the Free State because of the wide range of sporting and outdoor activities within easy reach.

The Golden Gate National Park is about 20km away and makes for a lovely day trip.