Gilbert’s Gift - Four Star Self Catering Accommodation (House) :
Information Brochure :
1.
Purpose of brochure
2.
Reservations :
3.
The House :
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Description of house and location
Directions
Facilities
What to take with
What to do
Rate Card :
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5.
Price list
Terms and conditions
Payment
General
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Braai facilities
Irrigation system
TV
Heaters
Safety & Security
Garden services
Accidental breakages
Telephone
Armed Response
Water restrictions
Power Failures
Definite No, no’s
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Dogs or other pets
Use of wood in house
Maximum guests / day visitors
Excessive noise
Smoking
Fishing boats
Miscellaneous detail
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Main bedroom en suite
Second bedroom
Household and electrical appliances
Patio chairs and umbrellas
Awnings
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Feedback and recommendations
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Local attractions and information
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Useful telephone numbers
1. PURPOSE OF THIS BROCHURE
The purpose of this brochure is to ensure that all visitors are fully aware and informed of
what to expect, and what is expected of them, when they reserve a week-end or a longer
period at Gilbert’s Gift. All aspects of your stay are comprehensively covered in this
brochure. Gilbert’s Gift is very special house, situated in a unique location, arguable the
best in Yzerfontein, and there are unfortunately a few rules which are not negotiable and
that have to be complied with should you decide to make use of the house.
2. RESERVATIONS
Reservations are made through me, Boy Basson on [email protected] .Once all the
formalities have been sorted out and confirmed, my mother Juliana (Doeks) Basson will
take over the arrangements and personally meet you at the house when you move in as
well as check you out when you depart. She lives in Yzerfontein a short distance from
Gilbert’s Gift. Her contact numbers are 02245 12 229 or 084 721 2307 to arrange arrival
and departure times if I am unable to be there. Payment of the deposit, which is 50% of
the total amount for your stay, must be made to secure your reservation. Proof of deposit
can either be emailed to [email protected] or sms’ed to me on 0825693377.
3. THE HOUSE
Description and location: Gilbert’s Gift is situated in a quiet cul de sac with unobstructed
views over the Atlantic Ocean. There are no houses or streets in front of the house and
the area between the house and the sea is a declared Nature Garden. The house faces
west and the sun sets right in front of the house over the ocean. The house also offers
excellent whale viewing in season.
The house has three bedrooms, (two (2) one en-suites with a queen beds, and one
bedroom with two single beds), and sleeps six people. All the bedrooms have a sea
view. Gilbert’s Gift has been awarded a four star grading for a self catering unit by
the Tourism Grading Council of South Africa.
Directions : Take the R 27 (West Coast Road) out of Cape Town for about 75 kilometers
until you reach the Yzerfontein turn off to your left (R 315). Yzerfontein is a further 8
kilometers away. On entering Yzerfontein, you will encounter a 4 way stop with the
Paxton building (Meeurots Restaurant) just beyond it. Proceed over the 4 way stop and
continue straight. You will eventually pass the turn off to the right which is the road
leading to the harbour. Do not take the turn off to the harbour but continue straight until
you get to a T junction where the Villa Fontana flats / shopping centre is situated. Turn
right at the T junction and proceed straight, leaving Villa Fontana on your left. The
second cul de sac to your right is Arum Close. Gilbert’s Gift is situated at number 1 Arum
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Close, the first house on the left. From Cape Town CBD, the traveling time to
Yzerfontein is approximately 55 minutes and 90 kilometeres.
Facilities : Gilbert’s Gift has all the facilities of a fully furnished house. These include a
television (DSTV), microwave, dishwasher, washing machine, gas / electric SMEG
stove, fridge, deep freezer, braai equipment, a Nespresso coffee machine and crockery
for at least 6 people. Bedding and towels are provided and so are the basic condiments
and cleaning materials. The house has 2 built in braais and a fireplace in the lounge. Six
wall mounted heaters are installed throughout the house to ensure that the house is
comfortable in the cooler months of the year. Operating procedures have been brought
onto all the appliances for your convenience.
What to take with : Depending on the period that you would be staying, the only
requirements to take with would be clothing, drinks, food, your favourite coffee pods and
personal toiletries.
What to do : Some of the general activities for you to engage in is swimming, fishing,
walks on the beaches, hiking, Cray fishing, whale watching, diving, surfing and veld
flower viewing in season. But the most special activity is just to sit and relax on the patio
and enjoy the beauty of the sea and surrounding nature.
There is also an excellent game farm called Buffelsfontein, approximately 15 kilometers
from Yzerfontein travelling northwards on the R 27 which offers game drives, cheetah
feeding, meals and 4 x 4 routes. In addition to the wild antelope (buck), lion, cheetah and
jackal are kept in small enclosures for breeding purposes. The West Coast National Park
with its lagoon is also a mere 20 minutes away. At the farm stall / nursery at the
Yzerfontein turn off is a beautiful “world of birds” as well as a white lion breeding project.
This is a must for any child to see and to experience
4. RATE CARD
Rates : Rates are supplied on request as they change on a regular basis as
improvements and upgrades are made to the house.
GILBERT’S GIFT : RATE CARD – on request
Number of
Guests
Weekend
Rate per
night
Min 2 nights
2 Guests
3 Guests
4 Guests
5 Guests
6 Guests
Winter midweek
special (Mon – Thu)
Summer midweek
special (Mon – Thu)
(May, Jun, Jul, Aug)
Min 4 nights if not part
of a weekend
(Sep, Oct, Nov, Feb, Mar
and Apr)
Min 3 nights if not part
of weekend
40% discount
Peak season
(10 Dec – 15 Jan,
Easter holidays and all
long weekends with
Public Holidays)
25% discount
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Rate card Terms and Conditions :
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The house, nor any part thereof, is rented out for a single night – a minimum of 2 nights.
The house does not sleep more than 6 adult guests. Only bedroom # 2 which is furnished
with two single beds, is rented out for a single person rate if required. For the two ensuites you will pay for two persons if you are single.
Children younger than 18 months stay free. Domestics / chars / carers are charged the
normal rate.
The rate indicated on the rate card is the rate of the house per night for the total persons
stated. Regret no day visitors.
Sunday nights, when part of the weekend rate, will be charged at half price. Peak season
excluded.
Special rates are given for stays longer than one week. Peak season excluded.
Payment : Final payment is to be reflected in the ABSA bank Trust account before
arrival, failing that cash on arrival. Account details are : Basson Familie Trust, ABSA
Bank, Parow Cheque account, Acc no 40-4730-8746, Branch code 502110. Proof of
deposit can either be emailed or sms’ed to me on 082 569 3377.No credit card facilities
are available. The house will not be opened to guests if full payment has not been
received by the time of arrival.
5. GENERAL
Braai facilities :
In addition to the conventional braai’s, there is also a built in Chad-o-Chef gas braai, a
portable braai on the lawn as well as a Weber stored in the garage for exterior use
should the weather be pleasant. Please read the operating instructions of the gas braai
carefully should you not be familiar with this type of braai. Due to the nature of the deck
material (plastic wood imported from China), no braai-ing is allowed on the deck, please
rather use the portable braai on the grass area. Pse clean interior braais of ash after
use.
Irrigation system : The irrigation system is programmed to operate during the early
morning hours (05h00 – 07h00) on three days of the week during the summer months,
but will cause no inconvenience to you.
TV : A DSTV dish is fitted and a decoder is connected to a full Multi Choice bouquet.
The TV has been pre programmed and you are requested not to change any settings.
An operating procedure has been attached to the top of the TV for your convenience.
Heaters : There are approximately 6 wall mounted heaters throughout the house. During
the cooler months of the year, it is recommended that you make use of them in order to
wake up in a comfortable house in the mornings. There is also a gas infra red heater in
the second bathroom. Use it to warm up the bathroom for about 10 minutes before an
evening or morning shower, especially in winter. Due to constraints (safety) of the
equipment, you are requested not to leave it switched on for longer than 15 minutes.
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Remember, if you are cold, you have only yourself to blame. There are also a few gas
operated portable heaters throughout the house.
Safety and Security : The house is fitted with an alarm system which will be disarmed
during your stay. A built in small safe is available in the wardrobe cupboard in the third
bedroom, a laptop safe in the braai room and also one hidden in the main en suite. Ask
for the code should you wish to make use of it. The tall standing lampshade in the braai
room is programmed to switch on daily just before sunset and to switch off again at
about 23h00. Please do not alter the settings during your stay. Should you want to
bypass the settings during your visit, you are to ensure that they are reset before you
depart. All windows have “clear bars” burglar bars fitted.
There is a window built into the front door. Keep the door locked with the window open in
the tilt position as much as possible during the warmer months. This will ensure that no
one can enter the house unexpectedly when you are sitting on the front patio whilst at
the same time ensuring that a cool breeze flows through the house at all times,
especially in the summer.
Garden services : Garden services are contracted out to “Tony’s Garden Services”. He
may arrive at any time during the week mow the lawn.
Accidental damaged or breakages : Accidents do happen from time to time. Please
report breakages or damages in order that it may either be repaired or replaced.
Telephone : A telephone is in the main bedroom in order to monitor the alarm system. It
may also be used for incoming telephone calls on the number 02245 12 537.
Armed response : Yzerfontein armed response (see their number on page 9) is
responsible for your safety and they are literally a minute away. There is a panic button
on the alarm panel as well as in the main bedroom just behind the bedside pedestal.
Please feel free to make use of this should you feel threatened at any time. Yzerfontein,
because it only has one entrance / exit (like Llandudno) is regarded as an extremely safe
area and there have never been any problems in the past.
Water restrictions : Please be reminded that the Western Cape has an acute shortage of
potable water during the summer months. Use water sparingly and wisely during your
stay and keep a careful watch on children playing with hoses.
Power failures : Power failures are unfortunately a common occurrence in the Western
Cape these days. During a power failure, there is enough equipment available in the
house to still enjoy yourself. There is a portable gas light and candles to provide ample
light at night. There is also a gas SMEG stove. The built in braai closest to the front
patio, also has a built in gas “Chad O Chef” braai. Further to the aforementioned, there
are also gas heaters which could be used inside the house under supervision, as well as
a portable braai outside. There should also be enough candles throughout the house.
Remember to reset the oven’s time after a power failure otherwise it will not operate. A
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power failure during your stay at Gilbert’s Gift could therefore turn out to be a more
romantic time than an inconvenience. Make the most of it and enjoy it!
6. DEFINITE NO NO’S (These are not rules, simply good manners and taking others into consideration)
Dogs or other pets : It is with regret that we do not allow any pets. Many guests whom
are not animal lovers also use the house regularly and the presence of dogs during
previous visits are noticed immediately by them. Living on the green belt bordering the
house are Grey Mongoose, Cape Franklin (pheasants), rock rabbits (Dassies) and many
other animals who regularly visit the house and have become very tame and which I
don’t want to be scared away. The house is also not enclosed to keep pets in the
property.
Use of the braai wood in house : The wooden logs stacked against the wall in the braai
room is part of the décor, and should under no circumstances be used. It has been
treated / sprayed with Timber Quest, a domestic remedy used to disinfect the wood and
to protect it and the other wooden furniture in the house against borer worm damage.
Used in a fire, poisonous gasses may be emitted which can be harmful to you. The
braai wood (rooikrans) as well as the fire wood (wattle) in the house is either for
decorative purposes or belongs to the owner and may not be used. Wood for use by
guests can be ordered per bag and paid for on arrival. There should always be wood in
bags available on site to purchase. Please enquire about that when confirming your
booking, or on arrival.
Maximum guests / day visitors : No more than 6 guests are allowed to sleep over.
Please note that no day visitors are allowed. Non compliance with the above will result in
you being asked to vacate the premises at immediate notice.
Excessive noise : Gilberts Gift is situated in a quiet cul de sac and surrounded by some
permanently retired elderly residents. Please respect the other residents in the
immediate vicinity and try to minimize excessive noise, especially loud music and crude
language.
Fishing boats : The house does not have parking, washing or other facilities for fishing
boats. In addition, the smell, attraction of flies and general mess associated with fish or
cray fishing activities is unfortunately not welcomed at Gilberts Gift. So sorry, no
fishermen.
Smoking : Please do not smoke in the house or bedrooms.
7. MISCELLANEOUS DETAIL
Main bedroom en suite : For the brave and adventurous, there is an outside shower in
the small courtyard adjoining the en suite bathroom. A shower can be enjoyed in the
open air in complete privacy (well, almost!) whilst standing under the evening stars.
The white uPVC windows on the sea facing side of the house is double glazed and
cannot be smashed. They are sound, heat and burglar proof. The windows can also be
left open on the “tilt” setting during the nights without fear of anyone being able to beak
in or open them from the outside.
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The fall arm awning fitted in front of the main bedroom is to prevent the sun heating up
the bedroom excessively in summer months. Please ensure that the awning is folded
back to its storage position when not in use or on your departure and that the handle is
stored in the house.
Second bedroom : Once again the second bedroom has been fitted with a uPVC sliding
door and window for safety and comfort as well as an awning to prevent the sun and
excessive heat during the afternoons. In summer please make use of it for your own
comfort.
Household and electrical appliances : All electrical appliances should have operating
instructions for your convenience.
Gas / Electric stove in kitchen : Please note that the stove in the kitchen is an electric /
gas combination. If you are not familiar with gas, then please do not use the gas plates,
but only the electric plates (the two centre ones) and oven with which you should be
familiar with. If you are familiar with gas, then turn the gas supply on (in the cupboard to
the immediate right of the stove) on arrival and then turn the gas supply off again just
before departure. The stove has 4 x gas plates / burners, 2 x electric plates and an
electric oven. Make sure the time is set after power failures otherwise the oven will not
operate.
Deep freeze in garage : There is a small deep freeze in the garage for use to store all
your seafood (fish / crayfish/ mussels). Please switch it on at the plug if you are going to
use it and then please switch it off again and leave the door open on departure. Please
do not store any seafood that might smell in fridge in the kitchen.
Bar fridge : There is a bar fridge behind the bar for all your ice and drinks.
Patio chairs, heaters and umbrellas : Stored inside the house behind the couches in the
breakfast nook are fold up chairs, cushions and umbrellas for use outside on good
weather days. Please make use of them. On wind still days / evenings you are also
encouraged to use the patio gas heater.
Awnings : A large patio awning has been fitted on the western (sea) side of the house
that can cover the entire deck. Please make use of this during the summer months as
the sun shines directly into the house, resulting in unpleasantly warm conditions. You
are however requested to ensure that it is in the safe storage position when not in use, in
extreme windy conditions, at night and on departure.
8. FEEDBACK AND RECOMMENDATIONS
It is very important to me that you feel at home at Gilbert’s Gift and that you enjoyed your
stay. You are therefore requested to make any recommendations as to how we could
make your visit more enjoyable. As a paying guest you are entitled to good facilities, as
well as value for your hard earned money. Please phone me on 0825693377 or mail me
on [email protected] should you not be satisfied about anything. Also tell me what
additional information should be included in the information brochure to make your stay
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more convenient. Also don’t hesitate to tell us if any piece of equipment is defective of
sub standard
9 . USEFUL TELEPHONE NUMBERS
Restaurants :
Beaches (a la carte)
Meeurots Restaurant
Strandkombuis (open air)
Yzerfontein Take Aways
Rooi Granaat
022 451 2200
022 451 2608
022 451 2206
022 451 2818
022 451 2143
Emergency :
Police
Power Failures
Doctor
Chemist
Star Alarms
Yzerfontein Armed Response
022 492 2314 / 0723898356
022 451 2729
022 492 2339
022 492 2782
021 5571455
022 451 2747 / 082961036
10. Lastly!
When booking the house for a weekend and no guests are scheduled to move in on the
Sunday, you are most welcome to stay until 16h00 in winter (May – Sep) and 17h00 in
summer Oct – Apr). Please find out beforehand so that you can make maximum use of
your weekend. No guests will be allowed to stay after these times.
It is my opinion that Gilbert’s Gift is more suited to middle aged and older people wanting
to spend a quiet and relaxing weekend enjoying the natural beauty of uninterrupted sea
views and the tranquility of no passing traffic in front of the house. Be it either a family
wanting to spend quality time together or six good friends wanting to renew or confirm
old friendships. It is not ideal for small children as the safe swimming beaches are on
the other side of the town and space for ball games and general running around are
limited on the small lawn areas outside.
Please note, that when reserving the house for two (one bedroom), the southern wing of
the house consisting of the second en suite, third bedroom as well as the visitors
bathroom will be closed off.
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Regret, no day visitors. Failure to comply with my house rules wrt pets and day
visitors will result in you being requested to vacate the house immediately with no refund.
If you want to entertain non paying guests, then Gilberts Gift is not the house for you.
Better rates may be negotiated for stays of longer than 7 days depending on demand
and season.
Remember also that if you have reserved Gilberts Gift for a weekend and want to stay
over on the Sunday night, you will be able to do so at half price. This applies to normal
weekend bookings only and out of peak season (Fri, Sat, Sun – 3 days).
Responsible person : For each visit there must be a responsible person who takes
responsibility for all guests as well as the house for the duration of the stay. The
responsible person will be the person making the reservation and payment. The house
will only be opened on arrival of the responsible person and will again be closed again
on departure of the responsible person.
Enjoy your stay.
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