How we came to be

Our Story

We chose the Hemel en Aarde Valley because of its proximity to Cape Town. We loved the fact that we could leave the city and be walking in solitude beneath the mountains along the Onrus River less than 90 minutes later.

We got married at Moggs Country Cookhouse in 2004 and started building a holiday house and a bigger family shortly thereafter. We spent many memorable weekends and holidays here with family and friends over the years and were finally able to move here permanently in 2015. We acquired Hemel en Aarde cottages in 2017 to keep busy after saying goodbye to the thrill of living and working in Cape Town for many years. We saw it as an opportunity to be able to share The Valley with others, also wishing to take a break from the intensity of the city. We are hopeful that you will benefit as much as we have from spending time in this peaceful place.

We couldn’t run this place without Elliot, Malinga and Claudia, who are also an integral part of making it all happen.

We look forward to meeting you!

Chris & Sharon

The Story of Our Pets

The animals living at Hemel en Aarde Cottages are very much part of the experience.

Jack and Daisy are our two Hungarian Vizslas (Pointers) and Maddie is a Miniature Schnauzer. Jack and Daisy are full of happy energy and will try to get to know you if you let them. Maddie is much more laid back and we are convinced she has discovered her own supply of magic mushrooms.
All three dogs are used to visitors and although sometimes boisterous, are always harmless.

Our three cats have all been rescued and all have completely different personalities. Bagheera and Tiger are the two ladies of the pack, and Leo is their big brother. All three are inquisitive and will also want to meet you if they are allowed to.

Please don’t feed our animals. They have free access to the main house at all times and come and go as they please. They are always in the dams, are often covered in mud and accordingly are not permitted on any of the furniture.

Daisy

Jack

Maddie

Bagheera

Tiger

Leo

Unique offer

Wellness Retreats

Wellness retreats are the latest addition to our offering. The purpose here is to offer assistance to those requiring help with de-stressing and maximizing the time spent here. Healthy mind and body underpin our retreats, with focus on the holistic aspects of well being. Feel free to tailor your own retreat or discuss our options directly with Sharon.

About us

Located in the middle of Hemel en Aarde Valley, our 3 cottages offer the perfect opportunity to unwind and relax in the picturesque surrounds.

Gatehouse

This is a 3 roomed cottage (rooms not inter-leading), which has a large semi-covered deck with loungers, outdoor dining table, sofas, a braai facility, and a nice, deep, outdoor wood-fired hot tub. It sleeps, 4 adults and 2 children.

From R3,200 per night

Olive

This is a spacious 1 bedroom cottage with 2 small bathrooms, kitchenette, and open plan sitting room that opens onto an outside deck. There is an outside dining table with a braai and a Weber. The deck overlooks one of the dams and the outdoor hot tub with the mountains in the background.

From R1,600 per night

Barn Owl - private

Strelitzia

There is a large wrap-around balcony where many lazy hours have been spent chilling on the outdoor sofas. There are also loungers and a lovely 6-seater dining table in front of a built in braai looking onto an outdoor wood-fired hot tub. There are 2 spacious bedrooms downstairs both with king beds, one is en-suite and the other has a full bathroom next to it. There is a third loft bedroom room upstairs with  2 single beds and an extra toilet and basin.

From R3,200 per night