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From R800 per night, for 2 ppl
51
5
1
5
Boplaas
Van Wyksdorp
6690
Western Cape
021 344 2440
14:00-19:00
10:00
-33.730555555556
21.478611111111
Watermill Farm Cottages
Watermill Farm Cottages
Watermill Farm Cottages
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All the cottages are fully equipped, with Egyptian percale cotton bedding and towels provided. The hand-made mud brick walls are plastered with earth on the interior and then whitewashed. The dung floors are warm and soft to the tread, and each cottage is unique. We have tried to match the furnishings with the style of each cottage, gleaned mostly from local antique shops, thus creating each with its own character and individual ambiance. The single thread that draws them together is a gentle simplicity redolent of how we once lived - and perhaps could again.
At Watermill Farm we are immersed in unspoilt nature, surrounded by pristine veldt, clean air, and pure water that comes from a natural spring that bubbles out of the mountain from an ancient limestone aquifer. We are very aware of how privileged we are, and so we take our commitment to the environment and sustainability seriously, living with care and concern for the environment.
There are lovely walks around the farm, plus a mountain spring water fed dam to swim in. Clear skies offer magnificent sunsets and exceptional stargazing at night.
All our cottages are completely off grid powered by solar energy. Firewood and fresh organic farm eggs are available to purchase.
All the cottages are fully equipped, with Egyptian percale cotton bedding and towels provided. The hand-made mud brick walls are plastered with earth on the interior and then whitewashed. The dung floors are warm and soft to the tread, and each cottage is unique. We have tried to match the furnishings with the style of each cottage, gleaned mostly from local antique shops, thus creating each with its own character and individual ambiance. The single thread that draws them together is a gentle simplicity redolent of how we once lived - and perhaps could again.
At Watermill Farm we are immersed in unspoilt nature, surrounded by pristine veldt, clean air, and pure water that comes from a natural spring that bubbles out of the mountain from an ancient limestone aquifer. We are very aware of how privileged we are, and so we take our commitment to the environment and sustainability seriously, living with care and concern for the environment.
There are lovely walks around the farm, plus a mountain spring water fed dam to swim in. Clear skies offer magnificent sunsets and exceptional stargazing at night.
All our cottages are completely off grid powered by solar energy. Firewood and fresh organic farm eggs are available to purchase.
Features
Reviews (51)
51 guests' feedbackThis was our second stay. We had a wonderful 3 days. The peace and tranquility on the farm is food for the soul and the view over the dam to the mountains is just the best. The bed was super comfortable and the Manor House is fully equipped for easy self-catering. We were even "gifted" an egg each day from one of the free-ranging hens gently left on a chair on the patio! This is definitely a favourite place to stay in Vanwyksdorp to completely unwind and just soak up nature!
Very nice original cottage on the farm. Everything one needs. Hostess very friendly and helpful.
This is my second visit. The farm and our cottage are as delightful as ever. All round friendly service. Lovely Spring flowers in the area. Cold weather made for cosy evenings with a Dover stove in the kitchen. A great stay.
We loved every moment at Watermill Farm. We stayed in the Barn and were more than pleasantly surprised at the layout and the thoughtful way in which things were provided. Situated a long way from most things and surrounded by mountains and vegetation, the owners make the best of the location (there is even a little dam for a swim or boat ride if you don't mind the moody goose). Attention is paid to the eco-friendliness of cleaning materials and left us with the desire to try harder when it came to the amount of disposable items we use. The nights are dark and quiet, the air is fresh and we were definitely well rested. A good base to explore the area from, and we would love to stay longer in future.
We had a very nice stay. Despite the cold, the place was cozy and user-friendly. The fireplace and a hot shower are first class. The surroundings are beautiful and peaceful.
Lovely country accommodation, friendly reception on arrival. Would prefer to stay there in summer rather than winter though.
Had a wonderful stay. Beautiful location. Nice fireplaces. Friendly reception.
The accommodation was rustic 5 star, we will stay there again!
We sat on the porch from sunrise to sunset. The view and beautiful nature are 'priceless'.
Rest for the soul. Old fashioned charm.
We loved our recent stay at Watermill Farm. It was our third visit to the farm but the first time in the Barn Cottage, which was perfectly cosy with an indoor fireplace for the wintry weather. Our host was very pleasant and helpful, which ensured that once again we had a very enjoyable time at Watermill Farm.
Wonderful and restful, a great escape from the hustle and bustle of daily grind.
A gorgeous peaceful location with strong heritage roots. The swimming dam is a winner for hot Karoo summer days.
Really enjoyed the few days in the Karoo. Vanwyksdorp itself does not offer much, but the peace and quiet on the farm was the big plus point for us.
A wonderful weekend away, exactly what was needed. Beautiful surroundings and views. Cottages are well equipped, showers are amazing, and beds very comfortable. We especially loved the black dog, sorry we don't know his name. We miss him already. Thank you.
We had a lovely stay in a beautifully furnished cottage. The hospitality was excellent. Thank you very much!
What a memorable night! The cottage is situated in a little piece of paradise with mountain views, tranquility, and a beautiful garden. It has all the comforts of home and a very luxurious bed to dream under the abundance of stars. Combine all this with a delightful host and two friendly dogs, and I will stay in this cottage again and again. Highly recommended as a place to unwind and reconnect with your loved one and nature.
The house is perfectly restored, it is also so quiet and peaceful.
We chose "The Barn" because it had a fireplace. However, there was something wrong with the fireplace's chimney as a lot of smoke ended up in the room which was very unfortunate, as the place is so pleasant and special in all other respects. I reported this to management who undertook to investigate. The braai place is, in my opinion, not up to standard. I used my own braaier instead because braai places are so often actually inadequate. This one is one of the worst I've come across. A barbecue must offer sensible height adjustments, have a proper grate and be sheltered from the wind. Apart from that we had a great stay! The place was clean, spacious, well and truly equipped for self-catering, the bed of good quality and condition (not hollow). There was a proper fridge freezer, although the description didn't say so. We would love to stay here again, hoping the fireplace will work well then. Wifi is not available in The Barn, only at reception. It didn't bother us though.
Perfect location if you like peace and quiet, the farm has lovely views of the mountain range, nice walking trails, great weekend getaway.
Tanja immediately made us feel welcome with her hospitality and warm personality. The stuff that really stood out to me. 1. No loadshedding! The houses have solar so you don't know about power issues. 2. The stars on Vanwyksdorp are out of this world! Sit outside and enjoy the spectacle! 3. Go for a "foot spa" at the pond - it's free. 4. There is so much to do in and around Vanwyksdorp - talk to the locals. 5. The house was furnished with everything one needs! Clean and a blend of farm simplicity and convenience! I love the place!
Our host and his wife were very friendly and helpful even though we arrived late in the evening. Our 2 couples had a great time at Watermill Farm!
More than a farm stay. The Barn at Watermill Farm Cottages is set slightly back from the others and thus a little more secluded. Lovely fresh mountain water runs out of the taps, there's a little terrace to soak up the sun, you look at a view with no sign of habitation. It's very quiet, there's the option to only use candles at night, and when it's your choice, not Eskom's, it's different.
Peaceful and quiet. Perfect for rest.
Before our visit to Watermill Farms, we were informed by a friend who knows the farm well, with the following description: "Watermill is the point of my heart, lovely atmosphere, most beautiful surroundings, you always want to stay longer, nice to go for a walk, dawn you must be on the dam." We experienced all these aspects first hand and more. From the moment our knowledgeable and friendly host, Russell, invited us into our cottage and showed us around, you could sense the atmosphere. The restoration was done with care and respect for the 200-year history. The interior is cozy and cosy: a real (working) Dover stove (in addition to the three-plate gas stove), thick beams and reed ceiling, whitewashed walls, small wall lights. The delightful patio has an unforgettable view of the dam where the finches chirped in the reeds at night and the geese gathered on the dam embankment in the morning. The scene is bordered by the Rooiberge, which have changed color dramatically as the sun moves. The house is excellently equipped with an eye for good taste and detail, among other things an excellently equipped kitchen, braai facilities and enough storage areas and heels. The farm is truly interesting with an 1880 mill (+mechanism that was still in operation until 1960) and a beautiful mill house. The grounds are briskly patrolled by a flock of geese, 2 big dear dogs, 6 cats and a coop full of chickens with a rooster that lets his voice be heard. We were privileged to spend two blissful days at Watermill Farm and will definitely return.
Very friendly host who went out of his way to accommodate all our needs. Beautiful little place (we stayed in the Barn) with great views and all the necessary facilities. Opportunity to walk/hike in the surrounding area(s).
Just what we were looking for.
All you want, peace.
The cottage was particularly beautifully made and there were pretty flowers all over the place. A nice place to hang out with a nice view and tranquility which then happens automatically. Value for money.
We stayed in the Barn with its superb fireplace. Watermill Farm is located at the end of the Rooiberg Pass. Everything you need in the place to stay in the most beautiful nature!
The accommodation is quiet, neat and clean. The environment and hosts are great. It was wonderful to be able to relax here for 2 nights.
If you are looking for a real getaway, Watermill Farm is the place to be. Value for money, beautiful scenery and hospitality you can only dream of. We will definitely be back.
We stayed in the Lavender house. It is a beautiful restored mud wall house with traditional cow dung floors. There are only solar lights, but we pretty much only use candles which created a romantic atmosphere. The spacious kitchen is equipped with everything you need. We will definitely come again and again. The highlight was that you can walk from the cottage into a beautiful gorge with a waterfall and narrow cliffs.
For outdoor people who love the Karoo, it was a good break from silence!
We loved our stay at Watermill Farm! Warm hospitality, comfortable accommodation steeped in history, friendly farm animals and plenty of interesting birdlife around the farm dam. A perfect spot to get away from it all and unwind - we already looking forward to our next visit!
From the moment we pulled up at the farm gate to the time we whizzed off over the hump, we were showered with kindness and hospitality. The surroundings are beautiful, the cottages are full of character, cozy and the farm animals are just as friendly as the owners. It is highly recommended!
If you are looking for peace of mind, appreciation of buildings from the last century, rich bird, animal and plant life and a farm atmosphere - turn left at Vanwyksdorp and you are at this little piece of Rooiberg paradise. Watermill is definitely worth more than one visit, we can definitely recommend it. Thanks Russell and Penny, you are sincere Karoo people.
Watermill Farm is a piece of paradise. We had such a nice stay. Russell and Penny, thank you for sharing your place with us. Vanwyksdorp crawled into our hearts.
Wonderfully quiet and food for our soul that we needed. The owners' friendliness and sincerity touched our hearts. Didn't think that such people still existed. It took us back to our roots and away from the noise of the city. Karoo landscape is beautiful! There is everything you will need for accommodation. You only have to take food for the braai but the Spekboom restaurant at Vanwyksdorp is delicious! Will go back again.
Will go back again and again, Russel and his wife are the kindness itself, nice swimming in the farm pond.
We had a lovely time at Watermill Farm. It's safe, beautiful and off the grid completely, so no issues with load shedding.
Was very warmly welcomed by Penny and Russel. Incredibly friendly people who go out of their way to make you feel at home. Each cottage is private and located in a beautiful environment. It was absolutely nice to be able to load shed and make use of solar panels and gas. Old roof beams and reed ceilings with fog floors are something that cannot be experienced everywhere. Still, you can enjoy a hot shower/bath and cook without any problems - 3 burner gas stove or a coal stove is available. Do yourself a favor and visit Van Wyksdorp and stay at least 2 nights at Watermill Farm. 10 out of 10 for the owners who make it possible for others to experience nature in such a way. Highly recommendable. Make sure you take an extra rechargeable battery light with you for reading in the evening.
Pictures don't always show what you get, but I enjoyed reading up on the history and exploring the old buildings. Bedding and kitchen were spotless.
Dis nie die plek vir jou as jy jou TV en selfoon gaan mis nie. Daar is net sonkrag en min ontvangs, maar dit is hemel op aarde! Ons het so lekker gebraai en ontspan. Russell en Penny is baie gasvry en die omgewing is pragtig. Gaan stap gerus die entjie in die berg. Dit was waarlik rus vir die siel!
Tracing our roots back 3 generations, we then got the opportunity to stay in this neatly restored, clean and very well appointed house full of character with history all around you. Russel and Penny stand ready to help, but create opportunity for privacy and self-discovery. That's why we're going back again!
Fantastic and very relaxing, sorry our stay was so short.
Such a gem in a secret place. Peaceful and serene.
Warm welcome, neat accommodation. The manor house is nice since there is a patio where you can braai. Will book again.
Nice accommodation in a beautiful area; good value for money. The house wat beautifully restored.
Really enjoyed our stay. Very clean units. Russell and Penny were very friendly and helpful. Will definitely return and recommend to friends.
Beautiful, historical self-catering house away from the city lights! Star gazing was amazing and the water tastes better than any other place in the world! An escape from the city doesn't get any better than this.
Map
Rooms
Lavender Cottage
The Barn
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House rules
Regrettably, no children under the age of 9 are allowed.No pets allowed.
Firewood is available to purchase.
Lavender Cottage
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Description
Lavender Cottage, affectionately dubbed "Lav", was the most dilapidated of all the cottages, and has been lovingly restored, preserving its original character as much as possible, with traditional cow dung floor and thatch roof, keeping the windows & doors the original size. This quaint little cottage served as the home for three different miller families that operated the watermill during its eighty-years of milling activity. The furnishings of the cottage reflect its old-world charm, and it sleeps two with a double brass ‘Hemel bed’ in the bedroom, complete with brushed cotton bedding. The second bedroom has been converted into a bathroom with a shower. There is a two-plate gas burner for cooking, gas hot water, and soul-soothing candlelight for evening illumination. Solar powered lighting, a fridge, power points, along with an electric fan have been added for comfort. A cast iron fireplace in the original hearth provides warmth in winter. This cottage is comfortable and cozy while retaining is authentic minimalist style.
Room Arrangements
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About This Room
Services
Bathroom
Room Facilities
Appliances
Extras
Entertainment
Price Includes
Rates displayed are on a self-catering basis.
House Rules
Regrettably, no children under the age of 9 are allowed.
No pets allowed.
Firewood is available to purchase.
Cancellation policy
before check-in
before check-in
before check-in
Description
Lavender Cottage, affectionately dubbed "Lav", was the most dilapidated of all the cottages, and has been lovingly restored, preserving its original character as much as possible, with traditional cow dung floor and thatch roof, keeping the windows & doors the original size. This quaint little cottage served as the home for three different miller families that operated the watermill during its eighty-years of milling activity. The furnishings of the cottage reflect its old-world charm, and it sleeps two with a double brass ‘Hemel bed’ in the bedroom, complete with brushed cotton bedding. The second bedroom has been converted into a bathroom with a shower. There is a two-plate gas burner for cooking, gas hot water, and soul-soothing candlelight for evening illumination. Solar powered lighting, a fridge, power points, along with an electric fan have been added for comfort. A cast iron fireplace in the original hearth provides warmth in winter. This cottage is comfortable and cozy while retaining is authentic minimalist style.
The Barn
More room/unit pictures
Description
The Barn started its life as a typical Karoo cottage. At some stage it was altered and became a milkery, with the historic stone walled kraal at the rear of the cottage, complete with feeding mangers, bearing testimony to this time. It was later simply used as a barn, before being reworked back into the cottage it had once clearly been, keeping the large arch doors, and adding a Victorian fireplace that was discovered in one of the farm lofts during restoration. The Barn is more spacious than the Lavender cottage with a double bedroom plus a sleeper couch in the living area if needed, fitted with brushed cotton bedding. The barn has a two-plate gas burner for cooking, gas hot water and soft candlelight for the evenings. Solar powered lighting, power points, a fridge along with an electric fan have been added for comfort. The elevated front stoep overlooks the picturesque Rooiberg mountain range. The Barn is a romantic cottage, embracing a delightful ambiance of old and new, favored by artists and other creative souls.
Room Arrangements
Rates
About This Room
Services
Bathroom
Room Facilities
Appliances
Extras
Entertainment
Price Includes
Rates displayed are on a self-catering basis.
House Rules
Regrettably, no children under the age of 9 are allowed.
No pets allowed.
Firewood is available to purchase.
Cancellation policy
before check-in
before check-in
before check-in
Description
The Barn started its life as a typical Karoo cottage. At some stage it was altered and became a milkery, with the historic stone walled kraal at the rear of the cottage, complete with feeding mangers, bearing testimony to this time. It was later simply used as a barn, before being reworked back into the cottage it had once clearly been, keeping the large arch doors, and adding a Victorian fireplace that was discovered in one of the farm lofts during restoration. The Barn is more spacious than the Lavender cottage with a double bedroom plus a sleeper couch in the living area if needed, fitted with brushed cotton bedding. The barn has a two-plate gas burner for cooking, gas hot water and soft candlelight for the evenings. Solar powered lighting, power points, a fridge along with an electric fan have been added for comfort. The elevated front stoep overlooks the picturesque Rooiberg mountain range. The Barn is a romantic cottage, embracing a delightful ambiance of old and new, favored by artists and other creative souls.
Manor House
More room/unit pictures
Description
Manor House is a spacious two Bedroom cottage with spectacular views from every room over the farm dam and the majestic Langeberg Mountains in the distance. In years gone by, this cottage was the long-time residence of Louw Rabie, renowned geologist and philosopher, and brother of writer Jan Rabie. Manor House can sleep four in two separate queen-size double bedrooms, fitted with brushed cotton bedding. There is a shared bathroom with bath and overhead shower, a farm style kitchen with separate scullery, and a spacious dining room / lounge area, with original handmade clay tiled floors throughout. The kitchen has a fireplace with a Dover stove and is equipped with a two-plate gas burner, a fridge, and gas hot water. This cottage has solar electricity for lights, power points and two electric fans added for comfort. An elevated front stoep overlooks the farm dam, with the stunning uninterrupted vista onto the Langeberg mountains in the distance. There is also a private, peaceful shaded patio area at the rear of the cottage that is ideal for impromptu get togethers.
Room Arrangements
Rates
About This Room
Services
Bathroom
Room Facilities
Appliances
Extras
Entertainment
Price Includes
Rates displayed are on a self-catering basis.
House Rules
Regrettably, no children under the age of 9 are allowed.
No pets allowed.
Firewood is available to purchase.
Cancellation policy
before check-in
before check-in
before check-in
Description
Manor House is a spacious two Bedroom cottage with spectacular views from every room over the farm dam and the majestic Langeberg Mountains in the distance. In years gone by, this cottage was the long-time residence of Louw Rabie, renowned geologist and philosopher, and brother of writer Jan Rabie. Manor House can sleep four in two separate queen-size double bedrooms, fitted with brushed cotton bedding. There is a shared bathroom with bath and overhead shower, a farm style kitchen with separate scullery, and a spacious dining room / lounge area, with original handmade clay tiled floors throughout. The kitchen has a fireplace with a Dover stove and is equipped with a two-plate gas burner, a fridge, and gas hot water. This cottage has solar electricity for lights, power points and two electric fans added for comfort. An elevated front stoep overlooks the farm dam, with the stunning uninterrupted vista onto the Langeberg mountains in the distance. There is also a private, peaceful shaded patio area at the rear of the cottage that is ideal for impromptu get togethers.
Mill House
More room/unit pictures
Description
The original farmhouse, Mill House is a typical Karoo cottage that has been altered and enlarged over the years, as families grew and needs changed, into its present Victorian style. Mill House can sleep three in a queen extra-long bedroom plus a separate three-quarter bedroom, complete with brushed cotton bedding. There is a bathroom with bath and overhead shower, a separate kitchen, and a lounge/dining room. The kitchen has a fireplace with a Dover stove and is equipped with a two-plate gas cooker, electric fridge, and gas hot water. This comfortable cottage also has solar power for lights, power points, plus an electric fan for comfort. This peaceful and soothing old-world farmhouse, furnished in simple country cottage style, is private, and is set on a hillside, looking onto the old Watermill and a large poplar tree forest.
Room Arrangements
Rates
About This Room
Bathroom
Room Facilities
Appliances
Price Includes
Rates displayed are on a self-catering basis.
House Rules
Regrettably, no children under the age of 9 are allowed.
No pets allowed.
Firewood is available to purchase.
Cancellation policy
before check-in
before check-in
before check-in
Description
The original farmhouse, Mill House is a typical Karoo cottage that has been altered and enlarged over the years, as families grew and needs changed, into its present Victorian style. Mill House can sleep three in a queen extra-long bedroom plus a separate three-quarter bedroom, complete with brushed cotton bedding. There is a bathroom with bath and overhead shower, a separate kitchen, and a lounge/dining room. The kitchen has a fireplace with a Dover stove and is equipped with a two-plate gas cooker, electric fridge, and gas hot water. This comfortable cottage also has solar power for lights, power points, plus an electric fan for comfort. This peaceful and soothing old-world farmhouse, furnished in simple country cottage style, is private, and is set on a hillside, looking onto the old Watermill and a large poplar tree forest.
All the cottages are fully equipped, with Egyptian percale cotton bedding and towels provided. The hand-made mud brick walls are plastered with earth on the interior and then whitewashed. The dung floors are warm and soft to the tread, and each cottage is unique. We have tried to match the furnishings with the style of each cottage, gleaned mostly from local antique shops, thus creating each with its own character and individual ambiance. The single thread that draws them together is a gentle simplicity redolent of how we once lived - and perhaps could again.
At Watermill Farm we are immersed in unspoilt nature, surrounded by pristine veldt, clean air, and pure water that comes from a natural spring that bubbles out of the mountain from an ancient limestone aquifer. We are very aware of how privileged we are, and so we take our commitment to the environment and sustainability seriously, living with care and concern for the environment.
There are lovely walks around the farm, plus a mountain spring water fed dam to swim in. Clear skies offer magnificent sunsets and exceptional stargazing at night.
All our cottages are completely off grid powered by solar energy. Firewood and fresh organic farm eggs are available to purchase.