Ben se Huis

What a magical and humbling experience we had at "Ben se Huis". Completely immersed in the sights and sounds of nature, it's a perfect getaway if you want to escape the city and experience an authentic remote and off-grid experience. Definitely recommend travelling with high-clearance vehicles and to note that being solar-powered, the freezer section of the fridge is not fully frozen during Winter days with little sun. Otherwise the huge indoor braai and parafin lamps offers comfort during night-time chats and drinks and, a break from technology, makes you remember what matters most when life is simplified:-)

Recommendation to travel with a high clearance vehicle as you are off-road with the river sometimes higher during Winter.

Really beautiful location, fireplace pulls smoke nicely. Well equipped kitchen. Bed was comfortable.

The listing does not make it clear that there is no electricity, and we would have prepared better had we known. The only indication we got was in the instruction message when we were already on our way. No fuel in the paraffin lamps, and batteries dead on the provided lamps and torch. The motion sensor light outside the front door started malfunctioning and kept turning on and off in the night, and since there are no curtains over the front door it was quite jarring. The middle string of lights did not work either, and the fridge and other set of LED light cut out completely on our second night. One candle provided, and the lighter they left had no fuel to light it with. The shower stayed hot for about a minute before turning freezing cold again. Only one roll of toilet paper. Was difficult to work out where to buy firewood as there are no clear signs, ended up having to double back. Water pressure of the taps came out in bursts that sprayed everywhere. Does not feel like the host adequately prepares the house for winter guests, and it was freezing under the few thin blankets provided as the wind howled through gaps in the roof and wall. Bed sheets weren’t very clean, and there was even some bird poo on the fitted sheet under the duvet. I know it’s meant to be an off the grid experience, and it would have been lovely had we not experienced a series of small disappointments. We don’t mind rustic living, but this experience felt like the host barely cared to provide even the smallest comforts.

It is beautiful, comfortable and a true off the grid holiday. The host was helpful and assisted us where necessary. The location is remote and about 50 minutes away from the nearest pad stal but lovely and enjoyable. The furniture is lovely and comfortable and was clean when we arrived. It’s nice to have been provided towels and gas for heated water. The fire place is great and does not allow smoke into the room. The road was very good for a small city car, well kept and maintained but would be slower the lower the clearance. There are very nice candles, it was nice to have scented candles and regular candles at our disposal as well. It was offered to us to use power and wifi if we needed to at the host house. We had a great time overall and would stay here again.

We were a but sad to find that there was not a ready pool like the pictures suggest. It would be nice to have ready firewood in winter or just a notice that it is not provided in preparation. The batteries for the provided torches and lights were dead when we arrived but we had our own headlights. The fridge does not work, the freezer worked but was either just cold enough to keep meat cold or froze over, this was challenging since we planned to cook all of our own food and could not keep dairy or vegetables. The kitchen taps close but drip continuously which can be heard from the bed. The helper was sent but did not do anything other than make the bed, we did expect a bit more for a week’s stay. There is a small leak in the roof when it rains but it’s minimal and in the kitchen so not too bothersome.

The silence and bird sounds

Nothing

As advertised, it's remote and private. Very scenic and peaceful

Everything

Fridge didn't work but i aware of this and brought a proper cooler box full of ice. The freezer did work. The loo needed some attention too.

Location