I would like to preface this article by stating that 2021 was hard. Most of the year was spent cleaning up the trail of icky sludge left in the wake of a disastrous year, doing my best to grin and bear it as I repeated my mantra in the mirror – “2021 can’t hurt me anymore,” writes Cape {town} Etc‘s Lynn Cupido.
When festive season rolled around, I was ready to pack my bags and head to the mountains for some peace and quiet. Away from the bustle and free to fill my lungs with some fresh air and my heart with some much-needed nature. I intended to do this solo.
I opted for an accommodation that was devoid of technology. I was on a mission to detox and found myself researching accommodation options that were off-the-grid, but that wouldn’t cost me an arm and a leg. I’ve always had a soft spot for the beautiful town of McGregor, and my extensive research led me to a charming cottage that ticked a few things off my list.
The Bygone Cottage in McGregor felt like a love letter to myself and encompassed everything I loved about this charming town. If my dreams of becoming a writer who left South Africa to stroll the lavender fields of France doesn’t work out, McGregor is where I would settle. Meandering through the quiet streets in search of inspiration.
But back to the property. It’s located on a quiet street, and because McGregor is a tiny mountainous paradise (just outside of Robertson), it’s situated in a spot that’s close to everything. Convenience is ideal in this case, especially when you don’t have the convenience of modern technology.
No WiFi and no electricity; simply silence… with a few moos from the resident cows. Once I got settled in, ready to whip up something at the gas stove, I found my inner millennial taking a moment to rebuke me: “what did you do!”
After a momentary back and forth with myself, I took a minute to admire the space that I was in. The Bygone Cottage can accommodate four people thanks to a spacious and comfy sofa bed. The bathroom is also cute and clean, providing a gas-heated geyser that will help you avoid any cold showers. The accommodation has no fridge per se, but does have an antique cooler box that looks as though it could have been used by the legendary Jan Van Riebeeck himself. If you’re staying for a few nights, it’s perfect.
While the interior had a certain charm about it, it was the outside that really had my technology/nature-loving self singing with joy. A few adorable cows just chilling in the backyard, a hammock that was perfect for reading a book, and a firepit that made a great addition for time spent talking with friends.
I couldn’t help but think this is what life would be like without technology – slightly uncomfortable, but worth it if you’re willing to get over that itch to check social media every few minutes.
The Bygone Cottage remains true to the atmosphere it tries to create as it was built in 1864 with the thick clay walls and a traditional reed roof left as evidence. You’ll definitely get a good night’s sleep here, provided you’ve brought along your mosquito repellent.
Head to Airbnb to book your stay at the Bygone Cottage, you won’t be disappointed.
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Picture: Airbnb