Reviews
Map
Sleeping areas
{ $store.general.updateOpenTray('establishment-rates', 'Rates and availability for Joel\u0027s\u0020Off\u002Dthe\u002Dgrid\u0020Cottage', 0, false, 90, false, true, {"establishment_location":"De Rust","tab_names":{"overview":{"en":"Overview","af":"Oorsig"},"rooms":{"en":"Rooms","af":"Kamers"},"map":{"en":"Map","af":"Kaart"},"rates":{"en":"Rates","af":"Tariewe"},"reviews":{"en":"Reviews","af":"Resensies"},"enquiry":{"en":"Book","af":"Bespreek"},"post-enquiry":{"en":"Successful Enquiry","af":"Suksesvolle Navraag"},"permanently-delisted":{"en":"","af":""},"temporary-delisted":{"en":"","af":""}},"tab_links":{"overview":"\/accommodation\/joels-off-the-grid-cottage\/","rooms":"\/accommodation\/joels-off-the-grid-cottage?tab=rooms","map":"\/accommodation\/joels-off-the-grid-cottage?tab=location","rates":"\/accommodation\/joels-off-the-grid-cottage?tab=rates","reviews":"\/accommodation\/joels-off-the-grid-cottage?tab=reviews","enquiry":"\/accommodation\/joels-off-the-grid-cottage\/book","post-enquiry":"\/accommodation\/joels-off-the-grid-cottage\/success","permanently-delisted":"\/accommodation\/joels-off-the-grid-cottage\/","temporary-delisted":"\/accommodation\/joels-off-the-grid-cottage\/"},"robots":"noindex","cancellation_policy":{"type":"moderate","details":[{"period":"1 month","percentage":"100","minimum":false},{"period":"1 week","percentage":"50","minimum":false},{"period":"1 week","percentage":"0","minimum":true}],"name":"Moderate"},"rates_grid_json":"{\"units\":\"[{\\\"id\\\":281404,\\\"room_name\\\":\\\"Joel's Off-the-grid Cottage\\\",\\\"exact\\\":false}]\",\"room\":1,\"adult\":2,\"child\":0,\"child_ages\":[],\"start_day\":\"21\",\"start_month\":10,\"start_year\":\"2024\",\"element_hack\":\"grid\"}","has_reaction":false,"include_pensioner_specials":false,"bookings_at_establishment":false,"is_favourited_establishment":false,"address":"18 Buffelsvalley Farm, Oudtshoorn, 6650, Western Cape","selected_special":null,"static_map_url":"https:\/\/maps.locationiq.com\/v3\/staticmap?key=pk.fd2e632d800e3cb7cf76826d11411c41&size=730x470&zoom=14&format=png¢er=-33.472872742953,22.645376887789&marker=icon:small-black-cutout|-33.472872742953,22.645376887789","overall_review":{"average_value_score":"5.0","average_service_score":"5.0","average_cleanliness_score":"5.0","average_location_score":"4.9","average_safety_score":"5.0"}}); }, 800);">
Rates
Joel's Off-the-grid Cottage
Joel's Off-the-grid Cottage
Joel's Off-the-grid Cottage
-
This off-the-grid, pet-friendly permaculture cottage can accommodate 4 guests and consists of 2 bedrooms and 2 en-suite bathrooms. The main bedroom is furnished with a double bed, and the second bedroom has 2 single beds that can be converted into a king-size bed on request; each bedroom features an en-suite bathroom with a shower, toilet, and basin. There is a unique outside bathing area as well, which uses natural spring water. There is also an indoor donkey heating system for hot water that backs up as a fireplace for those cold winter nights.
The open-plan kitchen contains a fridge-freezer, a 2-plate gas stove, and a whistling kettle to use. The adjacent living area leads out to a partially covered verandah, which boasts a braai facility overlooking the stunning and peaceful valley and mountains. There is a hanging meditation chair on the other side of the farmhouse on a hill; an ideal place to relax and unwind in the tranquil setting. Guests are welcome to take a refreshing dip in the mountain-water pool.
Minimum vehicle requirement is a rear-wheel drive high ground clearance. If not the host will provide transport to the cottage and safe parking under shade netting on the farm.
Well-behaved, medium to small size pets are allowed by arrangement. Guests can come and experience this environmentally friendly and tranquil space, where the hosts try to keep carbon footprints as low as possible.
The quality of the mountain spring water, plus the pollution-free air are added bonuses to this self-catering retreat situated on the Groot Swartberg Mountains.
This off-the-grid, pet-friendly permaculture cottage can accommodate 4 guests and consists of 2 bedrooms and 2 en-suite bathrooms. The main bedroom is furnished with a double bed, and the second bedroom has 2 single beds that can be converted into a king-size bed on request; each bedroom features an en-suite bathroom with a shower, toilet, and basin. There is a unique outside bathing area as well, which uses natural spring water. There is also an indoor donkey heating system for hot water that backs up as a fireplace for those cold winter nights.
The open-plan kitchen contains a fridge-freezer, a 2-plate gas stove, and a whistling kettle to use. The adjacent living area leads out to a partially covered verandah, which boasts a braai facility overlooking the stunning and peaceful valley and mountains. There is a hanging meditation chair on the other side of the farmhouse on a hill; an ideal place to relax and unwind in the tranquil setting. Guests are welcome to take a refreshing dip in the mountain-water pool.
Minimum vehicle requirement is a rear-wheel drive high ground clearance. If not the host will provide transport to the cottage and safe parking under shade netting on the farm.
Well-behaved, medium to small size pets are allowed by arrangement. Guests can come and experience this environmentally friendly and tranquil space, where the hosts try to keep carbon footprints as low as possible.
The quality of the mountain spring water, plus the pollution-free air are added bonuses to this self-catering retreat situated on the Groot Swartberg Mountains.
Features
Reviews (50)
50 guests' feedbackIncredible view, location, silence and friendly host. Super environmentally friendly.
Very nice stay, thank you.
Fantastic 'off the grid' weekend close to nature. Blissful and refreshingly close to nature. Beautiful view.
Joel's Cottage truly is a hidden gem on the most beautiful hillside. The views are beautiful and the attention to detail in the cottage is of very high quality. Everything you would need is in the well-equipped kitchen. The pool and outside bathroom are magnificent. We'll be back soon!
Very nice! The place is a gem of silence and natural beauty, ideal for a few nights' getaway. Clean mountain water, solar heating for hot water and even a donkey in case the sun doesn't shine. Plenty of free wood. Well equipped kitchen and braai equipment.
Was incredibly the most beautiful view.
As a family we thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. A simple, beautiful setting in the mountains, all that you could need.
Fantastic - perfect place to relax and unwind. The host is a wonderful host, always willing to assist.
Absolutely fantastic stay at Joel's. This is the perfect place to unwind and enjoy nature, scenic views, peace and quiet. Our 3 nights' stay was too short. We'll be back in the summer.
The location and view of the cottage is breathtakingly beautiful. Joel was an excellent host. Our children especially enjoyed the outdoor bath and shower facilities. Would definitely recommend Joel's Off-the-grid Cottage.
My husband and I stayed three nights and I can't wait to go back again.
Amazing place, we loved everything about it. We will be back.
Our stay was one of those memories that will stay forever. Joel, you are the perfect host, friendly, accommodating and extremely interesting. We learned so much from you. Thank you for the piece of paradise you have created and also for sharing it with us and many others. It is not easy to put into words the peace and wonderful energy one experiences on your farm. We will definitely return, hopefully in the near future.
One of the best places we have ever stayed! Beautiful scenery and hiking trail up to the cliff line. The last few meters you have to go down with a rope to the waterfall. Unbelievable.
Joel was a very gracious host, and the cottage and surrounds were beautiful. Loved the outdoor bath and shower, and the pool was enjoyed by all.
The place was a fantastic stay, the scenery is amazing and the host himself is a great host. Will definitely be back. Thanks.
The best getaway ever.
We love being in harmony with nature. It is a beautiful place to relax and to be one with nature. The pool is amazing. I hope to come back soon. Thanks for a lovely stay.
Joel's Off-the-grid Cottage is practical and well-equipped. Within easy reach, yet in another world - peaceful and soul-touching. A pristine and precious place. Thank you, Joel!
Joel's place is better than in the pictures. The birds and scenery are remarkable and we had a great time walking around. Our puppies stayed together and enjoyed it very much. The kitchen is very well equipped and the outdoor bathroom is the best I have ever experienced!
Joel is the perfect host and will support in every respect. Unique outside "bathroom" with hot natural water! Very nice trails with stunning views! Absolutely quiet!
Our family had the best time spending quality time in nature and with each other. We loved the hikes and the visit to the surrounding villages and towns! It was one of our best family getaways to date. Thank you, Joel, for the warm welcome, sharing your little piece of paradise with us, and being such an incredible host!
Owner went absolutely out of his way to facilitate our trip. Fantastic break, wish we could stay longer. Thank you for your kindness and hospitality, Joel!
We had the most wonderful time at Joel's. Very clean, and friendly host. Better than the photos and worth it. Beautiful secluded mountain cabin perfect for a romantic getaway.
The location is breathtaking and the cottage, while totally off-grid, is exceptionally comfortable. We hiked and swam. Great host was on hand to assist but we had complete privacy.
The cottage is beautifully situated and built with excellent functionality, including great kitchenware, nary a blunt knife in sight. Joel is a lovely person and a generous host. It was like living in a mountainous crystal of wonder all week.
The location of the cottage is perfect with breathtaking views. The fauna and flora are a photographer's dream. The cottage is tidy with everything you need. Uncle Joèl is very helpful and goes the extra mile to turn the visit into good memories. Will definitely visit again, only this time for much longer.
Everything was exactly what we were looking for! Joel is the perfect host because he tells you everything you should know, and then disappears. The accommodation is so unique, and all the special touches, like the outside bath, meditation chair, donkey and solar for loads of hot water, the vegetable garden makes it a definite for a revisit. And then the views.
The outside bath and toilet were a real attraction for the children.
This accommodation is a dream destination if you love nature. Sunrises are spectacular. Attention to the last detail is visible in every corner. Joel himself is a great person to chat with with lots of enthusiasm for his farm and surroundings. And if you are up for a great hike, you must ask him for directions to that magic pool tucked away in the mountain.
Joel was an excellent host. Loved his enthusiasm and pride in everything he does! The cottage was perfect, the views spectacular and the hot bath under the Milky Way was an unforgettable experience. If you're looking to restore your soul, look no further as this is it!
An absolute must for any one!
Absolutely beautiful scenery, eco pool, outdoor bath, waterfall, best drinking water, walking trails, safe for furbabies. Best pet-friendly stay found to date. Joel is an excellent host.
Joel's cottage offered every possible convenience to make our weekend totally stress-free. Load shedding did not exist and, oh the views. The pool was heaven in the heat, and the outside bathtub was surreal. Joel has a mountain of knowledge when it comes to living off the grid and he has created an oasis in the beautiful, yet harsh Karoo landscape. Thank you so much, Joel. hope to see you again soon.
Joel is a dear person with so much knowledge and love for his environment. The cottage is spotless and all the extra amenities it offers are amazing and a must do to get the full experience! We will definitely visit there again.
It was absolutely beautiful and we as a family could enjoy each other. The outdoor pool was a lot of fun. The walk to the waterfall was amazing and an experience I will not forget. The owner Joel was very friendly and helpful. The place was small but neat and the stoep by the braai facilities was our best place to visit. The fact that it was just us and the owner on the farm gave us a lot of privacy. The silence was just what we needed. The view was breathtaking.
Thank you very much Joel, we had a great time and learned so much about nature and an organic way of life. Joel is a very accommodating host. I would recommend the getaway to anyone looking for quality time with family and friends. It was an experience for us that we will not forget. See you soon Joel.
What a beautiful place. The cottage has the rustic charm expected of a Karoo cottage, with incredible features like a private outdoor bathroom and a magnificent, large natural pool. We shared our space with a family of swallows nesting in the eaves of the patio who were a joy to watch particularly in the early morning and at sundown. Joel provides guests with a route map with some easy hikes around the area. If you are lucky, you can spot some game in the adjacent game farm. . Joel shared that he has been there for 11 years but the guest cottage is a new addition about 1-year-old. He built it all himself - quite a feat when you consider the road in and out of Joel's cottage! The road is a fun challenge for someone with moderate 4x4 skills, particularly the steep incline out when it has been raining! I was driving an old Isuzu DB Double Cab which managed it fine but definitely not a road for low clearance vehicles so Joel offers a service to guests whereby they can leave their vehicles under a secure carport located near the gate to the farm if their vehicle isn't suited for travelling the farm road. Joel has established an incredible permaculture garden, with, I think he said about 130 fruit trees, growing in harmony with the natural vegetation. At the bottom of the garden is the most beautiful pond, teaming with life and the crystal clear waters make it easy to see the fish and frogs that call it their home. Being completely off the grid means the water is sourced from a spring in the mountains. Quite honestly the most delicious water I have tasted! It also feels very soft on your skin and you feel like you have had an expensive beauty treatment after just one shower! The cottage is solar-powered with a gas stove. You have the option of using water from three taps:: cold, solar or donkey! The donkey system is a fail-safe back up for when there has not been enough sunlight to power the solar hot water system - rather ingenious! What was unexpected at an off-grid cottage was the excellent wifi which my teenage daughter was impressed with! We stayed two nights in January and, rather unusual for this time of year, it rain almost the whole time we were there so weren't able to take full advantage of all that the property offered but were able to really relax and unwind, taking in the beauty of the surroundings. We will definitely be back again sometime!
Joel was so accommodating about meeting us and incredibly friendly. It was wonderful to see the life he has set up off-the-grid, with wonderful attention to detail in the accommodation, making it both incredibly comfortable along with the wonderful view. There are some lovely trails on the site and you can also see over into the adjacent game farm where we saw giraffe, Elan and Ostrich. Our car struggled with the off-road so Joel kindly took us up to the house with our stuff and brought us back down when we checked out. It was fascinating to see the garden he is growing with such a range of fruits and vegetables. The outdoor bath was a superb way to enjoy the view of the stars!
The house is really particularly beautiful, it definitely reflects the owner's personality. The view is stunning. We as a family really enjoyed the break!
Joel's is magical and remote. We went on a fantastic hike, had a lekker braai, swam in the natural pool, ate fruit off Joel's tree, saw some frogs and had a bath in the rain. It is a special place made all the better by Joel himself.
Power and Wifi all the time in the middle of nowhere, if that's important to you. Solar panels and donkey provide ample hot water. Everything you need is here plus plenty of luxury bedding and lovely sleeper beds. Joel is creating an off the grid heaven for himself here.
Joel's Off-the-Grid Cottage was so much more than expected! Joel is a fantastic host; so accommodating and welcoming. The cottage has everything you'd need from a coffee plunger to books, extra blankets and pots and pans. The outdoor bath, shower and toilet are nothing short of perfect and were definitely the highlight of our stay. The main bedroom has the most magnificient views of the mountain to wake up to as well. You can do everything from hike, trail run, stargaze etc. We will definitely be back!
Just absolutely fabulous and so much potential. See you in the very near future.
Thank you Joel, we had such a great stay! The best place to recharge batteries and break away from our busy life! The meditation chair was wonderful.
Beautiful scenery where you can relax close to nature.
We loved staying at Joel's Off the grid! This is for those who really love to be close to nature. Well situated between the mountains. Amazing place to go for a sort or longer stay!
Staying at Joel's cottage was absolutely amazing. The house was neat, very well equipped and had nice character. The natural beauty of the area was breathtaking. The atmosphere was relaxed and tranquil, so much so that we extended our stay. We will definitely be back! Thank you, Joel!
If you are looking for breathtaking views, waterfalls and fresh air, Joel's cottage is perfect. The outdoor bathroom is better than Dear Witch's star kitchen. In the evening you sink comfortably into a steam bath with the firmament as your roof. The pool also has a breathtaking view. And if you feel like thinking deeply and looking wide, feel free to look for the 360° meditation chair. Joel is a friendly host whose hands are not amiss for anything. He designed and built everything in his piece of self-sustaining paradise himself.
This is one of the best self-catering places I have ever been to! It has everything and more you need and off the grid as well. Amazing views, fantastic super friendly host, very organised place. Lovely braai facilities, fabulous pool and a beautiful outside shower and bath. We loved it so much. My dogs enjoyed the openness and fresh air. Will definitely be back for a second visit. Thank you Joel! You have a star-studded place.
Map
Room arrangements
More photos
before check-in
before check-in
before check-in
Calendar
Tap any rate to see more detailed pricing.
Price Includes
Check-in/check-out details
House rules
Well-behaved, medium (Labrador size) to small size pets are allowed by arrangement.This off-the-grid, pet-friendly permaculture cottage can accommodate 4 guests and consists of 2 bedrooms and 2 en-suite bathrooms. The main bedroom is furnished with a double bed, and the second bedroom has 2 single beds that can be converted into a king-size bed on request; each bedroom features an en-suite bathroom with a shower, toilet, and basin. There is a unique outside bathing area as well, which uses natural spring water. There is also an indoor donkey heating system for hot water that backs up as a fireplace for those cold winter nights.
The open-plan kitchen contains a fridge-freezer, a 2-plate gas stove, and a whistling kettle to use. The adjacent living area leads out to a partially covered verandah, which boasts a braai facility overlooking the stunning and peaceful valley and mountains. There is a hanging meditation chair on the other side of the farmhouse on a hill; an ideal place to relax and unwind in the tranquil setting. Guests are welcome to take a refreshing dip in the mountain-water pool.
Minimum vehicle requirement is a rear-wheel drive high ground clearance. If not the host will provide transport to the cottage and safe parking under shade netting on the farm.
Well-behaved, medium to small size pets are allowed by arrangement. Guests can come and experience this environmentally friendly and tranquil space, where the hosts try to keep carbon footprints as low as possible.
The quality of the mountain spring water, plus the pollution-free air are added bonuses to this self-catering retreat situated on the Groot Swartberg Mountains.