Review: Jonkmanshof

Jonkmanshof doesn’t start with a formal reception. Instead, you’re welcomed as though you’re arriving at the home of an old friend. At the agreed-upon time, we knocked on the door of 20 Bath Street, where a member of Erasmus’s small, dedicated team greeted us warmly.

The entrance hall, lined with Delft plates and objets d’art, set the tone – intimate, elegant and unhurried. After a brief tour of the house, it felt less like arriving at a guesthouse and more like being welcomed into the home of someone who truly wants you to enjoy it.

The beating heart of 20 Bath

The kitchen took us aback – it was absolutely stunning. Warm terracotta tiles, a polished marble island and copper pots hung with precision created a space that felt both practical and deeply inviting. The communal dining table, set off to one side in the oblong room, is where guests often gather for dinners or shared moments.

We really wished we had been able to eat here and tried our best to make it happen, but there was no dinner service during our stay. Instead, we were booked into a nearby local restaurant. Even so, the kitchen’s charm lingered, and we could easily imagine the warmth of a meal prepared here, with ingredients sourced directly from the property’s gardens and citrus trees.

A living gallery of succulents

Adjoining the kitchen is the enchanting succulent conservatory. A mix of antique and modern touches frames an incredible collection of indigenous plants – an ode to the Karoo’s arid beauty. Potted succulents, from towering euphorbias to delicate aloes, are lovingly arranged, and sunlight streams through the glass panels, creating an inviting space to pause, read or simply marvel at the textures and colours.

Scents of citrus and sunshine

Step outside, and you’ll find a citrus garden that’s more than ornamental. Rows of terracotta pots brim with lemons, oranges and naartjies, their bright leaves adding life to the space. We can only imagine the incredible scent when the trees are in full bloom, but even out of season, their presence was captivating. The fruit finds its way into house-made marmalades, citrus salts and freshly pressed juices.

We enjoyed cocktails on the chaise lounges, surrounded by the quiet hum of the garden – a moment that felt as special as the garden itself.

Pools framed by the Karoo

Both houses have their own farm-style swimming pools, blending effortlessly into their surroundings. After arriving dusty from the road, we couldn’t resist a dip in the pool at 20 Bath Street to wash it all away. The high walls create an intimate, plunge-pool feel – a far cry from the bright blue glitz of a Palm Springs pool. Framed by towering cypress trees and lush greenery, it’s a secluded haven that feels like your own private retreat.

Quiet evenings by the fire

The lounge at 20 Bath Street is painted in deep, moody tones that contrast with the lighter rooms. Low-slung furniture, curated antiques and a roaring fireplace make this a space that encourages quiet evenings with a book or a glass of wine.

Above the fireplace hangs a striking artwork by Erasmus himself, created using an ancient technique that involves grinding carbonised bread into pigment – a fitting touch of ingenuity and history.

A room of stories

Tucked away off the hall, the library is a fascinating space that reflects Jacques Erasmus’s eye for detail and his talent as a collector. Shelves are filled with carefully chosen titles on architecture, folklore and design, while the walls and surfaces are lined with eclectic curios – Vietnamese ceramics, antique turtle shells and other treasures that feel like the gathered memories of a life well-travelled. We could have spent hours here, poring over the bits and bobs, each piece with its own story to tell.

A breakfast to remember

Breakfast at Jonkmanshof feels like a gathering of kindred spirits. Guests come together around the communal table in the dining room at 20 Bath Street, sharing a meal that’s as thoughtfully prepared as the house itself. Seasonal fruit, freshly pressed citrus juice from the garden and eggs from the resident Orpington hens set the tone. Warm, freshly baked bread is served with homemade preserves, while the team prepares and serves the dishes as we talk.

The conversations flowed easily – guests from across the globe sharing experiences, life stories and an appreciation for aesthetics that brought them to Jonkmanshof. It was a meal that could have stretched on for hours, a morning filled with good food and even better company.

Take a piece of Montagu home

A lovely extension of the hotel is De Nagmaal, the shop created by Erasmus. Located at 32 Bath Street, it showcases handcrafted goods, seasonal preserves and curated items inspired by the property and its surroundings. From citrus marmalades made with fruit from the garden to artisanal Klein Blue ceramics and beautifully designed dish towels, everything feels carefully chosen and rooted in Jonkmanshof’s spirit.