An exceptionally creative couple have fashioned a homely nest for visitors in their barn.  The Barn Swallow’s Nest is located about 3 km outside the town of Calitzdorp along the art route, nestled against the mountains.  Because of its location, it is exceptionally peaceful and calm, without any road noise and surrounded by a swathe of birds feasting at the feeder (when the pin-tailed wydah isn’t chasing them away that is.)

The room has lovely personal touches – tiles inlaid into the cement floor, filtered water, a little fridge and coffee station with homemade lavender biscuits in a mini glass cloche.  A little table on the stoep in front to enjoy your morning coffee and a star gazing porch at the back (unfortunately it was cloudy when we were there).  But we did enjoy the most magnificent view of the sun going down in the early evening.  The room isn’t self-catering but with the fridge you’d be well able to sort yourself out for a few days.

The bedroom leads down into a bathroom with enormous shower, loads of fresh towels and a coloured glass window that acts as the door to the back stoep.  Which means that you can enjoy the views from all areas of the bathroom (and we mean ALL! ……LOL).

Dennis and Kelly work as jewellery designers and fabric printers and their studio shares the barn space – check them out at Karoo Zen.  We welcomed Timothy the ginger cat for a lovely visit or two and we had a little chat with Oscar the Labrador Daschund cross.    Dennis is very hospitable, showing us around and helping us with recommendations.  We had a delicious meal at Die Bakhuis (pulled lamb pizza and salad) and enjoyed a slice of their excellent milktart for breakfast the next morning with our coffee.

Calitzdorp is port country and there are loads of places to choose from.  Peter Bayly Wines is further down the road with a few art galleries in between.  There’s De Krans, Boplaas, Calitzdorp Cellar; and I promise you will feel so much better after an early morning port tasting.  Life is good.  And filled to the brim with port, memories of the Red Hills of Route 62, coffee shops and antique hidey holes, we head home, back to work and reality (and unfortunately, diet!).