Heartwood Homestay

Farm 665/7 - Gonubie - 5259 East London - Amatole - South Africa

A unique, luxury, off-grid, farm-stay experience a stones throw from East London. Tucked away in an indigenous forest this secluded, eco-cottage overlooks the Gonubie River valley.

Our family of five is fortunate to live on a beautiful 20-hectare smallholding on the Gonubie River, a mere 15 min from East London.
The children lead a balanced life by helping on the farm and are homeschooling.
We are completely off-grid and try to be as self sufficient as possible
Only 5 hectares is under grazing, the rest of the farm is indigenous forest and steep cliffs.
Karen runs her "flerd" (flock + herd) according to the Savory, ultra high density, strip grazing, restorative veld management system.
Which improves the grazing and makes it more drought tolerant.

The off-grid luxury house is immersed in nature.
- Awesome dry compost toilets
- Solar electricity
- Gas stove
- Double bed upstairs, sleeper couch down

Please Note:
As we run entirely off solar, we don't accommodate appliances with heating elements, such as; hairdryers, coffee machines, toaster, etc
We are at the end of 2km of bumpy dirt road, but it is possible in all but the very worst downpour
We proudly use a compost toilet.
There are several sets of stairs, so just a heads up to guests
No pets please, as we are a working farm
No smoking on the property as it is a fire risk and it is just plain stupid
No visitors unless by prior arrangement

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What happens after I request a booking?

  • Your booking request is sent to the host for confirmation
  • The host confirm the booking and you will get an email with all details
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Subsequently, the accommodation could request a deposit.

    Ecosustainability

    • Supporting the local economy
    • Promoting "eco" activities
    • No single dose
    • Motion sensors lights
    • 100% renewable energy
    • Organic or Local Food
    • Car-free accessibility
    • Ecological cleaning products
    • More than 80% waste recycling
    • Energy saving lights
    • Green building
    • Solar thermal panels for hot water
    • Water flow reducers
    • Recovery & reuse of rainwater
    • Recycled paper
    • Towel change on request
    • Natural conditioning or class A air conditioning
    • Appliances in energy class A
    • Water-saving toilets
    • Regional Food
    • Environmental-friendly fornitures
    • Biodiversity of green areas
    • Digital Detox
    • Recycling or Second Hand Furniture

    Service

    • Kitchenette
    • Electric Vehicles Charging
    • Private bathroom
    • Internet
    • Breakfast included
    • Organic garden
    • Bicycles
    • Ecotourism itineraries
    • Wellness center
    • Accessibility
    • Small pets allowed
    • Child & Family Friendly
    • Garden
    • Barbecue
    • Parking
    • Educational farm
    • Artisanal products for sale
    • Smoke-Free
    • Covid-19 Safety measures

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    Starting from €36.42

    Make your travel greener by booking with Ecobnb.

    No prepayment needed

    What happens after I request a booking?

    • Your booking request is sent to the host for confirmation
    • The host confirm the booking and you will get an email with all details
    Starting from €36.42
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