Cabin Collective: Luxury Eco-cabins in the Heart of the Cradle of Humankind

Nestled in South Africa’s historic Cradle of Humankind, Cabin Collective combines luxury, nature, and heritage in a way few destinations can.

Located on the Bristle Cone Nursery estate, the Cabin Collective is more than a secluded luxury retreat — it’s a homage to a land cherished by the Scholtz family for over three decades.

Leon Scholtz, a horticultural expert, started Bristle Cone Nursery in 1977, and his legacy of cultivating plants is mirrored in every corner of the property. Leon’s son, Dewald, and his wife, Michelle, have expanded this family tradition, creating a place where guests experience nature’s beauty at every turn. 

The idea for Cabin Collective took root through the vision of Dewald and Pieter Venter, who saw the potential for a remote, eco-conscious retreat on their favourite part of the farm. A group of friends came together, contributing monthly funds to support this unique project, while design partnerships with Anthrop Architects and PM Architects brought the vision to life. Construction group JC Van Der Linde & Venter Projects carefully supervised the construction, ensuring the cabins seamlessly blended into the landscape and minimized ecological impact.

The site for the luxury two-sleeper cabins was carefully chosen by Dewald, who, along with Michelle, envisioned every detail. Building on the remote farm came with several logistical challenges, however. “We had to make some challenging decisions on how to get the physical containers on site where they are today established. Some nail-biting hours were spent watching trucks loading the containers off-site and placing them meticulously onto the foundations,” says Pieter Venter.

Local slate banks inspired the team to clad the cabins with slate from the area, grounding the structures in the land’s natural palette. Michelle, who oversaw the interior design, aimed to create spaces that were both simple and luxurious, reflecting the natural surroundings. “The focus from the start was, less is more. But without compromising on luxury and convenience,” she says. Michelle handpicked every interior detail to ensure guests felt pampered.

While the Cradle of Humankind and Hartbeespoort Dam offer activities, the quiet solace of Cabin Collective encourages guests to unwind and connect with nature. For the Scholtz family, Cabin Collective is a true labour of love, crafted with the hope that each guest will leave with a piece of the peace and beauty they find in this secluded local. | cabincollective.co.za

Special Offer for VISI Readers

All VISI readers get a 10% discount for stays at Cabin Collective between 1 December 2024 until the end of March 2025. To unlock the discount, book your stay via this link.