Reviews
Map
Sleeping areas
{ $store.general.updateOpenTray('establishment-rates', 'Rates and availability for Elysia\u0020Cottage', 0, false, 90, false, true, {"establishment_location":"Clarens","tab_names":{"overview":{"en":"Overview","af":"Oorsig"},"rooms":{"en":"Rooms","af":"Kamers"},"map":{"en":"Map","af":"Kaart"},"rates":{"en":"Rates","af":"Tariewe"},"reviews":{"en":"Reviews","af":"Resensies"},"enquiry":{"en":"Book","af":"Bespreek"},"post-enquiry":{"en":"Successful Enquiry","af":"Suksesvolle Navraag"},"permanently-delisted":{"en":"","af":""},"temporary-delisted":{"en":"","af":""}},"tab_links":{"overview":"\/accommodation\/gnome-and-elysia-cottages\/","rooms":"\/accommodation\/gnome-and-elysia-cottages?tab=rooms","map":"\/accommodation\/gnome-and-elysia-cottages?tab=location","rates":"\/accommodation\/gnome-and-elysia-cottages?tab=rates","reviews":"\/accommodation\/gnome-and-elysia-cottages?tab=reviews","enquiry":"\/accommodation\/gnome-and-elysia-cottages\/book","post-enquiry":"\/accommodation\/gnome-and-elysia-cottages\/success","permanently-delisted":"\/accommodation\/gnome-and-elysia-cottages\/","temporary-delisted":"\/accommodation\/gnome-and-elysia-cottages\/"},"robots":"noindex","cancellation_policy":{"type":"friendly","details":[{"period":"1 week","percentage":"100","minimum":false},{"period":"48 hours","percentage":"50","minimum":false},{"period":"48 hours","percentage":"0","minimum":true}],"name":"Friendly"},"rates_grid_json":"{\"units\":\"[{\\\"id\\\":273980,\\\"room_name\\\":\\\"Elysia Cottage\\\",\\\"exact\\\":false}]\",\"room\":1,\"adult\":2,\"child\":0,\"child_ages\":[],\"start_day\":\"21\",\"start_month\":10,\"start_year\":\"2024\",\"element_hack\":\"grid\"}","has_reaction":false,"include_pensioner_specials":false,"bookings_at_establishment":false,"is_favourited_establishment":false,"address":"4 Naude Street, Clarens, 9707, Free State","selected_special":null,"static_map_url":"https:\/\/maps.locationiq.com\/v3\/staticmap?key=pk.fd2e632d800e3cb7cf76826d11411c41&size=730x470&zoom=14&format=png¢er=-28.515297180851,28.417558728836&marker=icon:small-black-cutout|-28.515297180851,28.417558728836","overall_review":{"average_value_score":"4.2","average_service_score":"4.3","average_cleanliness_score":"4.3","average_location_score":"4.5","average_safety_score":"4.2"}}); }, 800);">
Rates
Elysia Cottage
Elysia Cottage
Elysia Cottage
-
Elysia Cottage also accommodates 2 guests. There is a double bed and a bathroom fitted with a shower, a well-equipped kitchenette with a nice-sized fridge and a stove with an oven. There is a comfortable couch and eating area and on the patio, there’s a braai/barbeque and outdoor furniture. The garden is small with a little fishpond and the birdlife is abundant and for this reason, no pets are allowed. While there is a private entrance, the gate to this cottage is very narrow which is not ideal for wide vehicles like SUVs and bakkies although they will just fit through when exercising caution. Wi-Fi is also available.
Nearby activities, apart from shopping, dining, wine tasting, and viewing art galleries at the main square, include golf, horse riding, trout and bass fishing, guided walks, swimming, bird watching, cycling, game viewing, mountain and quad biking, white water rafting, ziplining, and tennis.
Elysia Cottage also accommodates 2 guests. There is a double bed and a bathroom fitted with a shower, a well-equipped kitchenette with a nice-sized fridge and a stove with an oven. There is a comfortable couch and eating area and on the patio, there’s a braai/barbeque and outdoor furniture. The garden is small with a little fishpond and the birdlife is abundant and for this reason, no pets are allowed. While there is a private entrance, the gate to this cottage is very narrow which is not ideal for wide vehicles like SUVs and bakkies although they will just fit through when exercising caution. Wi-Fi is also available.
Nearby activities, apart from shopping, dining, wine tasting, and viewing art galleries at the main square, include golf, horse riding, trout and bass fishing, guided walks, swimming, bird watching, cycling, game viewing, mountain and quad biking, white water rafting, ziplining, and tennis.
Features
Reviews (95)
95 guests' feedbackWe had a great stay!
Great stay with excellent location. Would recommend to anyone.
The place is very good value for money. It is clean and well looked after. The host was very friendly and gave a nice warm welcome. The location is perfect (close to the village - within walking distance). There is a small view of the mountain, which is also nice. It's perfect for a weekend getaway. I would definitely recommend it.
Known Michelle and Juliet for years so it was like coming home.
Cosy, neat, clean flatlet. Everything functional.
Excellent value for money. Well located, clean and tidy.
We enjoyed our stay, cute cottage and owner helped when we needed it.
It was adequate, there were water issues, and the gate entrance to the property was difficult. There were no lights on the walkway to the cottage at night. The garden was a real mess. The WiFi did not work at all.
The place is very cute, everything you need for the day or 2. Didn't notice that there was no TV and also our toilet's flushing mechanism didn't work. There were a bunch of bottles of water near the entrance in case the water was off to flush the toilet - but then the water worked, but not the flush. Feels safe, well located, looks clean, bed also very uncomfortable (hard).
Elysia - small place, but you don't need anything more. Lush garden with abundance of birds and various insects. View of mountains a bit limited, but with all the hiking trails available, this is not a problem either. Had a great time with Michelle - loveliness in itself.
Michelle makes you feel welcome and at home from the moment you arrive. Elysia Cottage is private, and for bird lovers like myself it feels like time stands still when you sit in the front garden, watching the birds. The cottage itself is very comfortable, homely furnished, everything is there to make one's stay enjoyable. It is also only a few minutes walk from the center of town. I would recommend Elysia Cottage without hesitation to anyone who wants to enjoy the peace and quiet of Clarens' nature.
All was great except for the shower. The floor in the shower is extremely slippery.
We were 2 couples who stayed for 1 night in Gnome & Elysia Cottages. Michele and Juliet made sure our stay was comfortable and convenient. It was very neat, clean and damn cute! There is everything one needs. Very close to the village. Will definitely stay there again next time!
We were very kindly welcomed by Michelle. The unit meets all the basic needs and is close enough to walk to the shops, but far enough that you don't hear all the noise. We enjoyed our stay.
Definitely affordable. Good service and friendliness. Everything needed for peace in nature. Definitely recommend.
Lovely and peaceful, although I personally don't think a TV or WiFi will spoil the tranquility.
Michelle and Juliet were amazing hosts, friendly and down to earth. Enjoy every minute of the stay.
For a getaway weekend, it is ideal.
Ideal accommodation, lovely and cosy space.
We had a great stay at Elysia Cottage. Spacious enough for 2 people, the bedding is nice with a cozy duvet for the approaching winter. Kitchen has most of what is needed. Fridge was beautifully clean, you don't get that everyday. Michelle received us kindly and made us feel welcome. We were able to relax and enjoy candlelit dinners on the veranda. Very conveniently located to be able to walk to all the shops and restaurants. So glad there is no TV. Will stay at Elysia again.
Value for money is excellent. Plekkie is very beautiful and extremely tidy. Thank you so much Michelle for your hospitality.
See stars.
Very clean and tidy - comfortable.
Walking distance from all the places.
The two cottages should not be marketed together as they are distinctly different. Elysia is not an A-framed cottage as in the photographs. It does not have accessible parking unless the car mirrors are tucked in which makes reversing out of the property a nightmare. The inside of this outbuilding was surprisingly clean and comfortable. The microwave oven as per the photographs were once again absent and the fishpond a black plastic container in the ground. There was no braai facilities but we were provided with a new braai on request on heritage day. Thank you Juliet!
A very neat, clean place. We thoroughly enjoyed our stay at Gnome Cottage and in Clarens and will definitely go back there again. Michele was very friendly and made us feel right at home.
Value for money if you're just looking for basic accommodation. No braai facilities, swimming or outside entertainment area. But cute and clean.
Was calm and quiet. As always.
Gnome Cottage is all one needs for a comfortable place to stay if your main focus is to explore and live Clarens. Al you need is available even for self-catering. Sleeping was comfortable on a double bed and the bathroom was excellent. Will recommend the Gnome Cottage for anybody as accommodation. Maybe a lock for the inside safety gate at the door will make a safety enhancement.
We had an incredibly nice rest. Thank you very much.
We had a lovely time! Cottage was clean and cosy. There was plenty of clean towels and the location was perfect as it was very quiet and private. It did get a bit hot at night, so a small fan would have been great. But other than that - no complaints. There was load shedding and Michelle was kind enough to borrow us one of her lights for the weekend. We stayed very comfortably in Gnome Cottage. We will come back for sure!
Appears small but is very nice for 2 and the dogs had a big yard to enjoy. It's close to the places to visit. Nice place.
Would be nice if there was a radio or TV in the room.
Cute little cottage tucked away in the beautiful Clarens. Small cottage that provides all the needed essentials.
Very cute, cozy house in its own private garden, neat, well-equipped place, had a great time.
Thanks so much, Michelle and Juliet. You are very pleasant people. Everything was very neat and clean. A lovely house for a weekend getaway with everything you'd need. Would definitely recommend it.
Unique place to stay. Very well equipped and had a very friendly and warm welcome. Would recommend anytime for a weekend.
Had the privilege to stay in Gnome Cottage for an extended getaway of five nights. What a cosy little place for a couple! All the amenities that you could possibly require for a visit to Clarens is provided. The cottage was immaculate on arrival, and fresh flowers from the garden was a lovely touch and made it quite homely. Despite it being rainy for a large deal of the time, and with the temperature plunging at night, we were never cold. That it is conveniently located is an understatement - the whole town with its many restaurants and eateries, as well as numerous local walking trails, is effectively within a 5 - 10 min walking distance. Perfect as a ‘base camp’ for a couple to explore Clarens and its surroundings, we’ll certainly be back in future.
Had a nice honeymoon and had friendly service!
Value for money! Clean, neat and stylish.
The stay was nice. Very cold though. Sorry there is no fireplace. The management tries to be accommodating, can be a bit overwhelming, but they are loving country people. Overall very nice.
Friendly reception. Peaceful. Quiet.
Cottage is very well located, walking distance from business center and lovely forest paths. I would love to go there again but unfortunately the Cottage and the garden need serious maintenance work. I feel it was a bit substandard.
Beautiful place and friendly service. The view of the mountains was beautiful.
Gnome Cottage is located just far enough from the main town that it feels like you are in the middle of nowhere. There are child-friendly walking paths just 30 seconds from turning out of Gnome Cottage's gate. Gnome Cottage has a delightful little wild garden where we had many picnics. Private and perfect. Small, but you don't need anything else.
Had a lovely stay. The place was clean and tidy. The service was also excellent and the extra mile was walked to ensure a peaceful overnight experience.
I almost don't want to tell everyone because I'm afraid we might not get our place when we want to go back. Michelle was friendly. There's a pretty garden with a view of the mountain. Please note that there's only a bath.
The Gnome Cottage is a cute little cottage, ideal for a couple for a quick getaway. We enjoyed it very much. There is no fault that we could find. The fact that there is no TV is great. One is forced to listen to the birds and enjoy the tranquility of nature.
The place is perfectly located if you want to go for a walk in the koppie every day. People are cute. Walking distance from everything. Just need a fireplace then the 100% will be perfect for the winter.
Juliet contacted us as soon as the booking went through to give us important information on the accommodation. It's also easy to get hold of her. It's a very cosy place. The house had a beautiful view of the mountain and the garden is nice.
The house is neat. The fence can be renovated a bit, corrugated iron sheets don't look very good, it's nice and cozy. Will consider visiting again in the future.
Nice quiet and peaceful place that is located close to the shops and businesses. All problem I encountered is that there was no fan available. It was very stuffy and had trouble sleeping.
We enjoyed our stay in the very cosy Gnome cottage. We were out exploring the neighbouring towns so was mostly in the accommodation in the evenings. Really missed having a television, the owners should definitely look at investing in a TV and DStv as it gets way too boring.
A proposal for a new mattress has already been made to the lady. Otherwise we enjoyed every moment.
Lovely atmosphere and Michelle was very welcoming and made us feel at home.
Cute little place. Has everything one might need. Tidy. The decor is old fashioned modern. Fantastic value for money. Conveniently located. I will not even look for other accommodation if I ever go to Clarens again.
Peaceful environment and the quiet was wonderful. Within walking distance from shops, the stunning Dutch Reformed church and a walking trail. Juliet and Michelle are wonderful hostesses.
Thank you, felt really welcome and enjoyed it.
This cottage was quaint, small, but so comfortable. Everything was clean and has a well-equipped kitchen. I will surely go back there again.
It was nice because you have your own yard and barbecue. Everything you need is there and it was very convenient for us.
Quite nice experience. Interestingly build house. The weather was nice and we walked everywhere.
Reception by Michelle was very friendly. Accommodation was neat and clean. Will definitely go back.
Very peaceful and quiet. A few things need attention, like the braai wasn't very effective.
Very tiny and spartan cottage.
Gardens and buildings are not in good condition. A little TLC might make it a cute little place.
Magical place, beautiful town and just the right place to make you forget about the rat race and just become yourself again. Very affordable and comfortable.
Very nice. Great hiking trails close to the house.
Very friendly reception and hospitality by Michelle. Thanks for that. The house was clean and tidy and perfect for 2 people. Upgrading is essential and suggestions are as follows: Replacement of wooden cupboards for hanging and storage space for clothing. Built-in shower or hand shower will be very comfortable. A small TV/decoder with limited DStv channels is highly recommended. Mobile braai such as a Weber or outdoor braai can be set up. Current facilities and rate are perfect for one day and overnight stay.
Although the place needs maintenance, I had a nice stay. The supervisor was not aware of my booking, which resulted in a delay upon my arrival.
A gate lock = R120. A tube of silicon = R30. A handy man who does it = R200. Unhappy guests = free. I would rather pay R350 more for my safety or for a place with a lock.
Good, neat, beautiful, fine garden and many birds.
Reception was warm and friendly. Cute gnome cottage in a great location, no walk to town. The place is comfortable for 2 people, clean and tidy. Everything you need is there and will definitely stay in the gnome house again.
Friendly, warm welcome by Michelle. Everything you need there. Quiet and safe environment.
See the stars.
See the stars.
The accommodation was nice, maybe a little small, but comfortable. A TV would have been nice.
Upon our arrival we were warmly welcomed. Place very well furnished for a self-catering unit. We really needed a warm blanket!
Very unique experience and stay.
The bathroom is not comfortable, a shower would be better. Older people don't get in and out so easily.
Small, warm cottage that met all our needs.
Unfortunately terribly small, even just for two people. Find there were many excuses why things were not right and there are not actually braai facilities, just a tiny braai that hardly fits any meat. Sorry, but Clarens is a very nice town!
Very pleasant. Lived up to what we wanted to use it for.
Extremely neat, great reception ... Michelle is so friendly and recommended places to eat and visit. The cottage is small and cosy, perfect for us! I would definitely stay there again and again!
It had been a special weekend with my husband. We can really only recommend the place. There are absolutely no bad comments or criticisms. Juliette Cooke is a stunning lady and puts in so much effort. We are already planning our next weekend there!
I'll definitely book Ngobe - one of Gnome Cottage's units - again. I felt at home and very relaxed
We had a very nice stay. The kitchen is excellently equipped! Two nice camping or garden chairs would have been nice. The garden set there is beautiful but not very comfortable. Even 2 folding chairs would work. And maybe the braai could be a little bigger?
Loved the place! Would suggest investing in a little more heating during winter time; it was rather cold. A nice location though! In Summer it ought to be a right gem.
We stayed in Clarence for one night and the Gnome Cottage had everything we needed. A very nice experience!
The only thing that bothers is that there is no barbecue.
A tiny place (really not suitable for kids as it only has a double bed) we chose to stay at the Gnome cottage because it is so cute and the kids loved the look of it. The owners made an exception and brought in a mattress to squeeze in for the kids and only charged us a marginal fee for the kids. The place is tiny, but we didn't mind, there was plenty of hot water and it is located right in the town. It was absolutely freezing the night we stayed and the manager brought us a little fan heater, to use in conjunction with the aircon. For those not prepared it might still have been a little cold, but they had down duvets and we had a very warm sleeping bag for the kids, etc. so it was fine. Would definitely recommend it.
Very nice place, really quiet and enclosed garden for our dogs and children! The only thing that would make me think twice about going back is the bath is small and there is no shower!
It is advertised with braai facilities that do not exist. I was obliged to go out to eat or grill on a two-plate stove in the house. This is unacceptable.
I had a great stay!
Went to another place to stay. The place was not at all what it looks like, very small and the garden was not clean.
Map
Room arrangements
More photos
before check-in
before check-in
before check-in
Calendar
Tap any rate to see more detailed pricing.
Check-in/check-out details
House rules
Pets are not allowed at this property.Elysia Cottage also accommodates 2 guests. There is a double bed and a bathroom fitted with a shower, a well-equipped kitchenette with a nice-sized fridge and a stove with an oven. There is a comfortable couch and eating area and on the patio, there’s a braai/barbeque and outdoor furniture. The garden is small with a little fishpond and the birdlife is abundant and for this reason, no pets are allowed. While there is a private entrance, the gate to this cottage is very narrow which is not ideal for wide vehicles like SUVs and bakkies although they will just fit through when exercising caution. Wi-Fi is also available.
Nearby activities, apart from shopping, dining, wine tasting, and viewing art galleries at the main square, include golf, horse riding, trout and bass fishing, guided walks, swimming, bird watching, cycling, game viewing, mountain and quad biking, white water rafting, ziplining, and tennis.