Wild Fox Hill caters for people looking for affordable accommodation that is aligned with principles of earth care.
We offer an off the grid experience in a beautiful natural setting. Mountain views, forest walks, an old orchard, and a scenic river and waterfall are some of the natural treasures at Wild Fox Hill, a +5.5ha smallholding. Children are our treasured guests, and we have a 3m2 trampoline for them.
Wild Fox Hill is also a developing farm where we currently keep over 50 free range chickens and grow a variety of vegetables, berries and fruit and nut trees. In the summer enjoy bonfires and outside baths and showers under starry skies. Winters have frosty mornings, falling snow and roaring fires. Come and explore nature’s magic!
In 2012, eight
friends headed to the Hogsback mountains with the intention of building the
cabin in a weekend.
We had very little building experience, a dysfunctional
vehicle and very few of the right tools. It was a memorable weekend and needless to say, the cabin wasn’t
completed in that weekend. However, the tone was set for the cabin’s journey,
where almost every nail has a story.
Built with a student bursary, no
professional expertise but a whole lot of passion, commitment and faith, and
guided by nature’s ways, the eco-cabin has emerged as the heart of Wild Fox
Hill, with friends and guests enjoying countless memorable experiences in this
cosy, charming, off the grid rustic eco-cabin with spectacular mountain
views.
“This is a unique and special place. High up on Fox Hill at the top of Hogsback. Helen has
created (and largely built) a wonderful cosy hideaway, trying really hard to leave as light a
footprint on the environment as possible. It has beautifully designed spaces. Helen and her
cotterie of cats and dogs are very welcoming, there are great walks from nearby. If you want
a place embedded in nature then this is the place. Fabulous!” Dave, Nov 2022 (Eco Cabin)
“What a wonderful, relaxing, beautiful spot in the Hogsback forest! Our wooden cabin was
spacious yet very cosy, with everything we needed for a self catering stay. The beautiful
doggies and cats, the roosters, hens and chicks, the gorgeous scenery - all made for such a
peaceful stay. Helen is a gentle, friendly soul and made us and the kids feel truly welcome.
We will definitely be back, for a longer stay.” Oren, Oct 2022 (Eco Cabin)
“Wonderfully otherworldly experience. I had to keep reminding myself I am in South Africa.
Breathtaking views, cosy log cabin and super super comfortable . We did not want to leave .
Wonderful atmosphere and we will definitely go back.” Monica, April 2022 (Eco Cabin)
“We thoroughly enjoyed our stay in the Eco Lodge. The cabin was clean, well equipped and
of course the location just beautiful. Great place to disconnect from the city. Helen is a great
host; accommodating on our late check-in, very friendly and offered advice on the sites to
see in Hogsback.” Tahira, April 2022 (Eco Cabin)
“Fantastic hospitality, views are breath-taking. A place to relax and unwind. Totally off grid
but there is hot water, solar electricity, and a gas stove. Child-friendly environment, kids can
roam around the property and be safe.” Lyndon, Feb 2022 (Eco Cabin)
R800 per night for the first two
R200 per person per night thereafter
Children
under 12 stay at half price
Children
under 2 stay for free
Discounts
and payments
10%
discount for Pensioners, students and mid-week bookings (during off peak times)
A
50% deposit is required to secure your booking
Balance
to be paid electronically prior to arrival or cash on arrival
10%
surcharge on 1-night bookings and full amount payable in advance
Check
in time 2pm - Check out time 10am
Cancellation policy
A full refund more than
14 days before arrival
50% refund 14 – 8 days before arrival
No refund 7
days or less before arrival.
Experience the warm embrace of an earthen dwelling for a getaway in nature. Leaving the
worries of the modern world behind, you will enjoy an off the grid experience with
electricity, water and wifi at your fingertips. Relax on the intimate veranda and watch the
sunrise over the mountains. Enjoy a sundowner at the bonfire pit and listen to the rare Cape Parrots flying up the valley to roost for the night. Spend the afternoon lazing on the daybed
in the bay window and watch nature pass by.
The eco Fox Den is a 2-bedroom, self-catering earthern dwelling with extra sleeping space
provided on the large custom made daybed in the bay window of the lounge. It's
completion is one of my prouder moments where we have created an off the grid home
with nature that expresses light, creativity, warmth and beauty. It is made from many of our
local materials, including wood, stone, clay and repurposed glass bottles for creative effects
with light.
The main bedroom enjoys a queen sized bed and its own bath and separate toilet. The north
facing bedroom has cordwood built into a feature wall and consists of two very comfy single
beds. There is a separate bathroom with a shower and toilet. The central lounge and kitchen
are open plan. There is a veranda to enjoy the spectacular mountain views, while braaing on
the weber, or relaxing on the stone benches and a bonfire pit for evenings under the stars.
We are proudly completely off the grid, with electricity provided by the sun, hot water by
the solar geyser or donkey boiler (for large groups or cloudy days) and drinking water by the
rain.
“What a wonderful space. Comfortable and warm, and fully kitted out with panoramic
views, friendly people and plenty of charm.” Neil, Sep 2022 (Eco Fox Den)
"We
loved our 1 night stay at the fox den eco cabin - it felt magical!
Loved the creative details in the design of the eco cabin - the space
was beautiful, but also very comfortable. Helen was a gracious hostess,
and she helped us to discover the best things to do in Hogsback in the
short time we had. My only regret was that we couldn’t stay an extra
night" Ruth Smith Jan 2023
R800 per night for the first two
R200 per person per night thereafter
Children
under 12 stay at half price
Children
under 2 stay for free
Discounts
and payments
10%
discount for Pensioners, students and mid-week bookings (during off peak times)
A
50% deposit is required to secure your booking
Balance
to be paid electronically prior to arrival or cash on arrival
10%
surcharge on 1-night bookings and full amount payable in advance
Check
in time 2pm - Check out time 10am
Cancellation policy
A full refund more than
14 days before arrival
50% refund 14 – 8 days before arrival
No refund 7
days or less before arrival.
The campsites are designed for privacy and connection to the outside world, while having one’s basic comforts met. Each campsite has one or more raised grassy platforms (of various sizes) to camp on, with a connected herb garden, area to braai (a couple of sites have a large stone bonfire pit to enjoy fires and cooking under starry skies), a picnic site and easy access to drinking water. Indigenous trees have been planted to create a natural forest feel. There is an outside shower, heated with a donkey boiler, 2 compost loos, and one flushable one. We have a small communal bush kitchen with an area to braai as well as plug in a fridge or charge one’s appliances.
“Helen's campsite is fantastic: it's quiet, clean and the site are well grassed and level. Helen
is full of positive energy as a host and deeply passionate about the land. Our stay was too
short and we'll definitely be back for a longer one. Hogsback is a magical little town and the
forests are good for the soul. Be aware that you will have to navigate the last 50m of the
access road carefully if it's been raining and you're in a regular vehicle. Our Defender had no
problem whatsoever and you'll get through in most vehicles (so don't let it put you off a
visit).” Farid, Dec 2021 (Eco Campsites)
R100 per person per night
