Andrew, Johannesburg

If ever there was a proverbial “home away from home”, Packwood Country Estate richly deserves this title. My family and I (6 of us in total, including 4 teenage children) spent a wonderful holiday at Packwood House from late December 2013 to just after New Year. From the moment we arrived we were made to feel welcome, with Ilse’s lovely home cooked meal most enjoyable after a long day on the road. Vicky and her team went out of their way to make us feel at home throughout our stay and even the family dogs, Fred and Cody, visited us on a regular basis.

One of the reasons we booked at Packwood to start with was its rural setting, away from the December holiday crowds in Plettenberg Bay and Knysna. This proved to be an excellent decision. From the sweeping views down over the valley and forests toward Robberg in the distance, to the sight of cows grazing in the meadows just below the house and the gentle summer breeze on most days due to its elevated position, Packwood is indeed a serene environment. Throw in the regular supply of fresh milk and cheese from Packwood’s own dairy herd, the superb Packwood wines, the many outdoor recreational activities in close proximity and the well appointed, spacious accommodation (the house very comfortably accommodated the 6 of us), and one has a holiday hard to beat.

I can unreservedly recommend Packwood Estate to anyone wanting a break from city life. Given the opportunity, we will certainly return one day.