Luxury
waterside Cottages
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Frequently Asked Questions What is your Smoking Policy. We thank you for not smoking in the cottages Where and what is Windy Tarn? Windy
Tarn is situated exactly 15 km from Dullstroom on the Lydenburg road. It is a
private farm of 83ha at an altitude of 2000m at the top of Santa Pass in the
Steenkampsberg range, foothills of the Drakensburg. How far is Windy Tarn from Johannesburg? From
Rosebank the distance is about 280km. The drive, at a moderate cruising speed,
should not take longer than three hours. How far is it from Dullstroom? Exactly
15km on the Lydenburg road. How far is Lydenburg from Windy Tarn? 38
Kilometres. How do I get to Windy Tarn? It
is on the R540, which is the road between Belfast and Lydenburg, through
Dullstroom. The farm is 15 kilometres from Dullstroom at
the top of Santa Pass on the main road towards Lydenburg. The gate is at the 37/8 kilometre
stone. Do I need a 4X4 to gain access? No.
The farm is located on the main Dullstroom/Lydenburg road and, although the
access road to the cottages is gravel, it is only a few hundred meters long and
is suitable for all types of vehicles, even in rainy weather. What is a tarn? It is a small mountain
lake; Etymology:
14th century from the Norse tjörn. The 1984 Survey Map shows that the
farm falls in the area Tarndale. The tarn is at an altitude of 2000m. Do
you have trout fishing facilities? We stock the dam with trout for the
enjoyment of our guests. Because we have accommodation for only limited numbers
of guests, the dam is never crowded. What
are the costs of trout fishing? Experienced anglers are permitted catch-and-release,
while landed or injured fish are charged at the current rate per kilogram. There
are no rod fees charged Must
I bring my own tackle? We have limited fishing tackle and, if it is available, we charge at
cost only for flies used. What
is the climate like? We are in the mist belt on the escarpment of the Eastern Highlands and
the tarn is located at 2000m above sea level. Its height and locality ensure a
crisp, cool or even cold, fresh air climate. Nearby is the highest point on the
RSA railway system and the highest macadamised road. Describe
the accommodation. The luxury waterside cottages, each with its own modern en-suite
bathroom, sleep two. The cottages are open plan, with the sleeping area, the
kitchenette and the lounge area all facing the Jetmaster fireplace. A radio is
provided. Each kitchenette has a dining table, a refrigerator which doubles as a mini-bar, facilities for warming meals and a selection of
cutlery, crockery and glassware. The verandas overlook the trout dam. One of the
cottages can comfortably accommodate a third guest. Are
there fireplaces? Each cottage has a fireplace and a reasonable supply of firewood is
provided each day. A nominal charge is made for any additional firewood
required. Are
bed linen and towels provided? Beds are made up with fresh linen including sheets,
pillowcases and duvet covers before the arrival of new guests. Beds will have
either duvets or blankets and electric blankets are provided in the winter.
Fresh towels are placed in the cottages and, if required, wet towels are
exchanged on the second and subsequent days of a guest’s stay. Are
the cottages serviced? The cottages are very carefully prepared for the arrival of new guests.
On the second and succeeding day of one’s stay the cottages are swept, beds
are made, dustbins emptied, the bath and basin are washed and wet towels are
exchanged if required. What
additional facilities are there? The guest area in the main has the dining area, a bar
with DSTV, a pool table and dartboard, and a reading nook nestled around a large
fireplace. The magnificent view from the dining area is of the escarpment and
the Steenkampsberge. A limited supply of board games and playing cards is
available. What
is there to do at Windy Tarn? Weather
permitting, there are flyfishing, walking and birdwatching. Otherwise one can
spend time in the guest area – see facilities. What
about nearby? Only some 5km away there is the Owl and Oak Trading Post with
interesting shops and a fine restaurant. There is an exotic pird park and one
can arrange horse or quad-bike trails over the beautiful surrounding
grassland. Dullstroom town
has numerous shops and galleries through which to browse, and a large selection
of restaurants and pubs. Near the town is the Bird of Prey and Rehabilitation
Centre with two flying displays daily. Horse riding and skeet shooting (by
appointment), and day fishing on other waters are possibilities further afield.
There are lovely drives around Dullstroom (most on less-than-perfect roads!). How
good is the birdwatching? Roberts Birds of South Africa credits the area with more than 320 bird
species and we have personally identified over 80 on the farm including
Redwing Francolin, Secretary Birds, Blue Cranes, Spoonbills, Bald Ibis and
Jackal Buzzards. Do
you welcome children? No. Our guest profile and the tranquil nature of the environment mean
that Windy Tarn is not suitable for children, and we do not permit guests under
eighteen. May
we bring pets? We do not allow pets. What
meals are provided? Tariff includes a full farm breakfast with cereals, yoghurt, fruit,
fruit juice, fried eggs, bacon, sausages, cheese, toast or baked breads, tea or
coffee. By arrangement meals-of-the day, for which a reasonable charge will be
made, may be enjoyed in the dining room. What
about wheelchair access? While the terrain on the farm is rugged, one of the
cottages has been built with particular thought for wheelchair-bound guests. The
shower is extra large and the carport is wide enough for use by disabled
drivers. Is
there secure parking? Each cottage has a carport attached to it. A tall game fence encloses
the cottages and the access gate is kept locked at all practical times. |
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