FAR FROM THE MADDING CROWD

From remote hermitages (primitive lean-to with tethered donkey in Greece)to wonderfully lonely eyries (Cape lighthouse with a view) to outrageous dens (invigoratingly-cold Cedarberg cave surrounded by bushman paintings) we feature the silent places where writers can settle into themselves and find the spine-tingling words that elude them in the crowded passages of everyday life.

If you've stayed in an inspirational writer's den even better; send us a picture and tell us of your experience and you'll be passing on a gift of precious writing time to a kindred spirit.

HANS SE HUT, Montagu farm, South Africa

Hans se Hut is a self-catering cottage far off the beaten track on Kruis farm, one of the oldest farms in the Montagu area and the first commercial citrus orchard in the Breede River valley.

A short drive along a farm road will get you to Die Stal, a popular casual open-air venue where a hungry writer can have breakfast or a light lunch made with local, natural ingredients. The olde-worlde country atmosphere laden with the fragrances of oranges and lemons holds the promise of stories waiting to be written.

Contact Marthie Venter on Tel: +27 (0)82 9232 074 or click on Hans se Hut.

Montagu farm cottage - Hans se Hut

DIE LANG HUIS, Barrydale, South Africa

Built in about 1870, Die Lang Huis is a traditional Cape Cottage, which has, after years of neglect, been restored to its former glory. It has been elegantly furnished with antique pieces and a fine collection of South African paintings.

Goethe might have been dreaming of Barrydale, at the top of the Tradouws Pass, when he wrote "on every mountain height is rest" for the village is a place of peace, close to the clouds and far removed from the pressures of city life.

What more does one need than invigorating mountain air and a still haven to find the writer's voice?

Contact Andrew & Sandra Thom on Tel: +27 (0)28 572 1954 or click on Die Lang Huis

Barrydale B&B - Die Lang Huis: www.langhuis.co.za

LAURENS VAN DER POST MEMORIAL ARTIST'S RETREAT, Philippolis, South Africa

The memorial centre commemorates Laurens van der Post, famous son of Philippolis, born in the Van der Post house, one of the town’s many national monuments. The memorial gardens have been designed on the theme “A Journey Through Life” and a recent addition has been a stylised labyrinth and amphitheatre. Visitors can view the writer’s study, which was moved from London to South Africa with its 1600 books, the writer’s desk and other furniture and photographs.

The centre includes a double-storey Artist’s Retreat, a self-catering guesthouse.

The immortality of great writers and artists rests not only in their words but in their capacity to inspire future generations. The intellectually tranquil Laurens van der Post memorial may be the perfect place to go to turn words into a work of art.

Contact Tel: +27 (0)51 773 0050 or click on Labyrinth memorial / Laurens van der Post study

Laurens van der Post Memorial - Artist's Retreat: www.philippolisinfo.co.za/historical.htm

6-IN-THE-CIRCLE, Hout Bay, South Africa

Nestled at the foot of the Baviaanskloof Mountains, 20 minutes drive from central Cape Town, you will find this comfortable haven in the harbour village of Hout Bay. Write in a tastefully-decorated self-catering studio set in a tranquil garden surrounded by spectacular mountain and sea scenery. The white sandy beach and the welcoming village are a five minute walk away.

The hosts go out of their way to ensure a peaceful and stress-free stay.

Contact Tel: +27 (0)82 824 2218 or click on
6-in-the-circle Guest House

6-in-the-circle Guest House: www.6inthecircle.co.za