The Secret Garden Hideaway in Knysna!

The rooms were nicely furnished and the beds were comfortable. Elmo was very communicative and checked in with us to make sure that everything was ok. The instructions he gave were very clear and also gave many nice tips around the area

There were mosquitoes in the bedroom at night, maybe we shouldn't have opened the windows in the evenings.

There was a washing machine and tumble dryer.

This property is not what it was advertised as don't be fooled by the good reviews. To start off, property is untidy and not maintained on the inside and outside, the grass mats stink up the entire place, the backyard has not been cleaned in ages, the bathroom is the most disgusting bathroom I have ever seen with a large dirty mat and mouldy shower curtains. The description says the house has two bathrooms, however, there is only one very dirty bathtub and a secondary toilet next to the washing machine in a separate room, when queried the host just apologized with really no concern to note that their description is false. Wiring of the light in one room was terrible, there was a noise and the light kept flickering and going off. There is parking space for two small vehicles (I had to remove my vehicles aerial to fit inside without hitting the top) not too sure how one with a SUV or 4x4 is expected to fit into the very low and tiny garage or little space in front since the area seems to be town and parking on the road could be dangerous.

The open spaces, felt like home. Had everything we needed on a daily basis.

Would like 2bathrooms atleast.

It was very comfortable in terms of size. It is also beautifully furnished and has all required relevant appliances.

The property did seem dusty and had some spiders in the cupboards showing that it hadn't been deep cleaned in a while. The security instruction were a lot and were very complicated which induced anxiety every time we had a leave the house. The UPS also kept on beeping and we didn't really know what was causing it.

I did not like it -it was a shock to my system !

There were no host- we got a pin to enter then the alarm went off then we had to run up stairs to find the key under the doormat. I would say that way in doing were a total disrespect-full way towards all the neighbours as the alarm noises are disturbing and causing more stress as they all might think its another burglary or even murder in South Africa!! It was a forgotten place to stay with running water , electricity with back up, wifi and an alarm system-but the full picture from a guest’s point of view,were not completely met. The purpose were that it must be pet & family friendly. The entrance were a shock as it looked terrible( no maintenance done for years) Inside it was all tidy with a twist. Bedrooms had clean linnen but the beds were really old and cheap ways were used to fill the gaps of a bedside table, light, decor but really old! The decor above the beds had a thick layer of dust- can’t sleep like that. There were old clothing in the 1 cupboard The 1door had tin foil on the glass/wood did not touch it The stoep /sunroom area had unfinished laundry/mats hanging &coat hangers were hanging on a line that were spun from the 1corner to the other. Dust bins /stove/fan were all full of rust Could not find a shower as we like to save water( particularly as Knysna had areas that were without water for 4 weeks as we were booked there!) Found it behind the bathroom door in the bathroom in bath tub.Shower curtain were filthy and stained and also never replaced in years! Security were a concern There were sirens the whole time in background .Windows had low grade burglar bars and were not sure if owner had armed response and how long it would take to get to us as the police will take too long or there phones or transport might not be in a working condition. Outside were a make shift step over the fench to escape or to enter from outside? Not sure.

Old house, creatively fixed up with a beautiful energy and atmosphere. Easy for a family with a lot of room for the kids to play.

It was such a beautiful decorated house, very spacious and comfortable. During loadshedding still able to cook, some of the lights and WiFi still working. Very friendly host. Just perfect! Wish we could have stayed longer!

Perfect home away from home

This home is so lovely and furnished beautifully, not lacking any details a traveler may be looking for. The rooms are sunny and inviting. The wrap around porch is a perfect hangout place. Elmo is a super responsive host!!!

Everything was lovely!