SERENDIPITY COASTAL LODGE
Self-Catering Lodge Accommodation
in a Private Nature Reserve, Ballots Bay,
between George and Wilderness,
Garden Route, Western Cape, South Africa

General
Serendipity Lodge is a luxury log home with spectacular sea and mountain views. It is situated on a steep fynbos covered site on the edge of a forested gorge in a private nature reserve.

Serendipity is world class, an executive eco-tourist's dream. The cottage rests in a private, silent, healthy and scenic paradise. Ballots Bay is in a world of its own, a secret beauty spot, known only to a few privileged residents and their guests.

On-site
The wooden cottage on stilts is a perfect place for anyone with a love of nature to get away and relax in perfect tranquility. You are surrounded by the nature / game reserve, with Bushbuck, Bontebok, Blue Wildebeest, Eland, Zebra, Ostrich, the rarely seen Caracal (Lynx cat or Rooikat), and hundreds of birds.

From the deck, living and bedrooms of Serendipity, the Indian Ocean can be seen from river mouth to horizon. The whale and dolphin paradise stretches below your feet, edged by 40 km of coastline from Wilderness to Buffels Bay. Watch the moods of the sea, and hear the waves breaking on the rocks around the delightful private beach.

To the north, the often misty Outeniqua Mountains stretch from Knysna.

Over 130 species of bird inhabit the Cape Wildflower Floral Kingdom. The Afromontane forest of the George Nature Reserve, home to Knysna Louries, is on the left of the Bay and the fynbos covered cliffs are on the right. The two plant species meet in the natural garden at your feet. The Erica and Proteas attract sunbirds and give all year colour.

Recreation and Golf
Go walking, go paddling in the sea or fishing on the rocks. If our private beach is too small and lonely for you, the whole range of famous Garden Route beaches are within easy reach.

Walk to the Victoria Bay swimming and surfing beach along the Outeniqua Choo Choo rail line, or for the more adventurous, the same trip over the cliffs and hilltops will take an hour. Of course, you could just take the 10-minute drive. More leisurely strolls include the Whale Trail, the Fynbos Walk or an amble to the Forest Boma near Sunset Point. Allow 20 to 30 minutes each way, and at least that long again to soak in the views. Even closer is the Meull River Gorge viewpoint, about 5 minutes from your front door.

If you can pull yourself away, the Garden Route is a paradise for golfers. The George, Fancourt, Bramble Hill, Links and Oubaai golf courses are all within a 30-minute drive. Another 30 minutes will get you to Knysna, Pezula (Sparrebosch), Oudtshoorn. The Bells Academy Driving Range and the Glenwood Mashie Course are 15 minutes from home.

Food, Drink and Entertainment
The nearest shops are the Sasol and Engen One-Stop on the N2, while the huge Garden Route Shopping Mall with chain stores, restaurants and pubs is less than 15 minutes away. The City of George has garages, cinemas, doctors, a hospital and all sports facilities. The George Airport is a 20-minute drive away.

Self-Catering Accommodation
The lodge is beautifully furnished and appointed to meet the most discerning of tastes. Owned by a doctor and his wife, the lodge has been built by T&B log homes and decorated by Ingrid Davies Interiors. While appearing small and cozy, it comfortably sleeps six in three bedrooms, and up to two extra in a spare room below. It has three full bathrooms plus a Jacuzzi overlooking the sea. There is a king size bed, a queen sized bed, three single beds and large couches. The open plan kitchen, dining room and lounge have all got views, and there is a sunny library. The cottage caters for every need, and has a plasma TV, DVD, hi-fi, radios, two fridge / freezers, hob, oven, microwave, washing machine, tumble drier, dishwasher and kettle braai. DStv is available so don't forget to bring your own card.

The lodge will be clean and washed when you get there but is not serviced. The fee includes cleaning it again when you leave. Should you want additional servicing, please enquire when making the booking.

Getting There
Take the Victoria Bay turnoff from the N2, 5km east of George on the way to the Wilderness. A few hundred metres after leaving the N2, turn right through the walled entrance into Carmel / Ballots Bay. Your adventure starts here. Go past the horses and Caravan Park, keep right just before the Carmel Centre and go down a narrow dirt road. About 0.5km down the hill, you get to the Outeniqua Choo Choo gate. The next 1.5km are narrow, steep and winding. You may feel you need a 4x4, but with good brakes and good nerves, any car will easily make it. Go slowly (15km/h max). You will go down into the gorge, cross over two rivers and then, in 1st gear, go back up the other side. When you get to the T-junction just after the guard hut at the top you have reached Beach Road. Turn left towards the Chapel. 100m down keep left where the road turns off to Lands End / Chapel. Serendipity, 21 Beach Road, Ballots Bay, is 200m down on the right. Park behind the white Lada, which is in the driveway under the house.

Suitable Guests
Serendipity is for the stressed executive wanting to get away from it all, or for the nature lover wanting the best the country has to offer. Take the family with, there is plenty for them to do. Rest, read, lie back in the Spa, walk if you like and sleep, you won't want to leave. If however you like noise, bright lights and parties, George and the Wilderness are only 15 minutes away.

The house is raised (see picture) so you must at least be able to climb 15 gentle steps. Strictly no pets (it is a nature reserve). You may see snakes in Summer, but they generally hide.

Contact Us
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