"Quiet breathing opportunity."

Very nice stay. Spacious house with space for everyone. Thank you very much for your hospitality!

"Fabulous accommodation offering home comforts and interesting walks."

Stunning stay - I was looking for a place off the beaten track where I could work through the day and take walks in the morning and evening with my dogs. Handvol Gruis Gastehuis did not disappoint and I'd definitely go back there again if I am in the area.

"Real place and feels like our own home."

Space and space was plentiful! After a long day's travel, the freshly baked farm bread and lamb chops were a great treat! House is lovely furnished and comfortable enough to host a large family. Next time we will visit with the whole family!

"Nice and quiet."

Was a very nice farmhouse between the mountains. Very beautiful and big!

"Rural tranquility."

The guest house is immaculate. Every room is so stylish and neat, even more beautiful than the photos. The stoep is lovely for late afternoon visits and overlooks the beautiful farm and mountains. It is absolutely idyllic. The lamb chops were for sure the best we have eaten in a long time. It was truly a wonderful break, we will definitely come again.

"Something else."

Handful of gravel is a large farmhouse that stands on its own. There are 4 bedrooms, 2 of which are master bedrooms with good queen mattresses and bedding. You can choose which one you want to use. There are 2 lounges and a very large kitchen. There were only two of us, so the single bathroom was sufficient. There is a separate 2nd toilet though. There is no Eskom power, but solar power with a 2kW inverter, and consequently no microwave oven, toaster or electric kettle. The gas stove works well, and the gas geyser works as efficiently as an electric geyser. The small TV has Kyknet. The house is old, so one just accepts the cracks and water vapor in the walls. The rate for two was appropriate for what we got. The farm house's turn off is 16 km from Calvinia, but one must realize that it is then a further 26 km of reasonable dirt road from the turn off. So come with everything you're going to need, because rushing to the shops is not an option. The advantage is of course that one is isolated and can switch off. There is no cell phone reception so all communication works via WiFi which was very spotty at times. We stayed 2 nights, and arranged the open day so that we could drive the mountain route. It can be driven in a sedan car, and is absolutely worth it. Ask Ronelle how to walk the short hiking trail on top of the mountain to see Calvinia from above.

"Delicious, comfortable and neat."

The house is very well equipped and comfortable. The gas geyser was a big plus. The location is very nice. Hostess is very helpful and friendly. The pot bread was delicious.

"Comfortable and neat old house with very unique location."

Lovely, comfortable, neat old farmhouse, which is very well equipped. Location very beautiful and special. Hostess very helpful and friendly.

"Peaceful relaxation."

Friendliest host, beautiful old farmhouse, stunning location, solar dependant on enough sunshine.

"Very peaceful visit at the foot of the Hantam mountains."

Lovely old farmhouse with cozy kitchen and indoor barbecue, very clean and tidy. Beautiful surroundings, highly recommended for a peaceful break away from hectic life to become human again in nature.

"Amazing experience!"

Picturesque nature. Beautiful amenities. We'll be back!

"Peaceful, spacious farm accommodation."

This is not the first time we visit this house. Very spacious, lovely fireplace by the kitchen for hanging out. Definitely recommended.

"Beautiful farmhouse with a nice patio."

This was our 2nd time there and we will go back again and again. It's a beautiful farmhouse with a lovely stoep between the Hantamberge. There is everything you need.

"Peaceful farm stay in isolation."

My wife and I thoroughly enjoyed this getaway. The farm is quite a bit outside of Calvinia on a farm road, away from everyone and everything. The hostess's house is also on the farm and is willing to help with anything you may have forgotten. It is a very spacious house with a fence all around so the dogs can frolic freely on the large lawn with no one disturbing you. The house is serviced with solar panels but we had no power problem or shortage, even though it rained in the afternoons. There is more than enough walking space around the house, in the field and we will definitely visit here again.

"This is a fantastic guest house for a holiday with children or with friends."

It is the ideal place to escape from the hectic city life. The road up the mountain was the highlight of our visit.

"Outstanding."

Lovely peaceful farm atmosphere. Lovely, comfortable farmhouse. No cell phone reception, but house is equipped with Wi-Fi. Ordered nice lamb chops and pot bread, which Ronelle came to deliver. Will definitely visit again. Heaven on earth.

"Fantastic!"

Great! We really enjoyed it! Beautiful place! Would go again anytime. It is pet friendly, and our dog enjoyed it so much.

"This place is amazing! So quiet, deep into the mountains - I will go back and stay longer."

I would love to stay at this wonderful place again - I will extend my visit next time to a week or so - it's peaceful, tranquil and safe! I loved every moment!

"Highly recommended. Lovely farmhouse. Calm atmosphere."

Very nice place. Real farmhouse. Nice stay.

"Comfortable and spacious."

Hostess very hospitable and helpful.

"Stay was great, wonderful big house."

The only criticism that I have is with the directions. It might be a good idea to have the directions from Calvinia and not from CT international airport. As there is no cellphone reception leaving Calvinia it would be great if you could add the standard GPS coordinates as well.

"Fantastic stay."

Large group of friends - we had an amazing time and will be back!

"Heaven in the countryside."

We will definitely be back soon! Thank you Ronelle for your terrible hospitality! Handful of Gravel is a gem. Neat, lovely porch for hanging out, quiet and as a bonus also child-friendly!

"Beautiful house, farm and location. Hospitable!"

Pot bread was so fresh and delicious, ate right away, couldn't wait to grill meat! Wish we could stay longer to explore uncle farm further!

"Restful."

We had a lovely, quiet time at Handful of Gruis Guest House. The house is very neat and has spacious rooms. Our two dogs could enjoy themselves in the large garden and we went for nice long walks with them.

"Very peaceful and quiet ideal for switching off."

Very cute farmhouse, Ronel is lovely and beautiful. The road is just a bit deep but not a problem. Had a great stay.

"Lovely remote setting, horses in the field, no humans in sight. "

Full of character, rustic, but comfortable farm house. Aga stove in large farmhouse kitchen. Lovely welcoming attention to detail, thank you for the delicious prickly pears left for us in the fridge.

"Probably one of the most beautiful places we have ever stayed."

What a big surprise for us to come across "Hand Vol Gruis". Very nice farm, accommodation and rest for your soul.

"Was great to stay at this beautiful Hantam farm."

Unspoiled nature, special birds and very friendly, pleasant hosts. Furthermore, we felt very safe staying there. It has always been our desire to visit a farm in those regions and we chose the best place!

"Very calm."

Blissful and quiet. Restful.

"Karoo silence and peace."

A little off the beaten track, but worth it. Can also order the most delicious hantam Karoo lamb. The homestead offers WiFi and TV for those who want.

"The tranquility of the farm was just what we needed."

We will definitely visit again.

"What can I say!"

Awesome hostess, Ronelle. Those lamb tjoppies were delicious. Only stayed one night, but what a night. It felt like home with better views and fabulous bird life.

"Rest and peace."

We really enjoyed the time at Handvol Gruis. Hospitality that makes you feel like you're part of the family. See again soon.

"Wonderful farm stay."

The road to Handvol Gruis is definitely not the easiest (dirt road a bit trodden here and there) but definitely worth it! The house is beautifully furnished, with so much attention to the finer details. The beds are comfortable with good linen. The kitchen is wonderfully appointed, with everything you could need! The front porch has a lovely built-in braai, with the most beautiful views of the farm and mountains. Ronelle is a wonderful hostess, and nothing is too much trouble. One immediately feels at home! The way up to the top of the mountain is an experience. We saw red cat, as well as various goats and other animals. And the most beautiful views.

"A nice getaway to switch off from the world."

If you want to turn away from the tar road and look for the silence of a farm you can come here. The large farmhouse and secluded area offer the opportunity to relax and socialize again.

"Quiet and peaceful."

Right place for a stay of a week or more with family to experience farm life. Everything you find in guest houses in town is also available on the farm. Roosterkoek and meat provided for us upon our arrival.

"Fantastic."

Great stay! Peaceful accommodation in a beautiful farmhouse. Definitely staying longer next time.

"Rest and food for a tired city soul!"

Our stay was simply perfect. Of the arrangements made beforehand with Ronelle. On our arrival we received delicious sherry and hot toasted cakes, until we left again very reluctantly after 5 days. Ronelle and Johan were wonderful hosts - 1km away in their own house, so you are completely private. The house is well equipped with several indoor braai and/or fireplaces, spacious rooms, lovely warm beds, soft pillows, and a large entertaining kitchen with an Aga stove (perfect for a May morning in Calvinia!) . The meat we bought directly from them was also delicious. The stoep was perfect for late night visits, and it was just simply nice to sit in the silence and walk around the farm. We come again!

"It was delicious and we were surprised with the Aga stove already burning and delicious freshly grilled cakes."

We had a wonderful stay and the hospitality is top notch.

"Had a wonderful overnight stay on our long way home!"

A bit out of Calvinia, but neat dirt road and worth the drive for peace and quiet and scenery. The farmhouse is modern and very spacious and comfortable for a large family. Really liked the 'honesty closet' idea. Everything we could need was in it. Next time we will try your meat and grilled cakes. Thanks for the good value for money!

"Total break from the hustle and bustle. "

My goal for the holiday was to break away from the hustle and bustle of city life. We had a wonderful time and the stars and silence is everything that I could ask for. The gravel road to the guesthouse is in a great condition. Will recommend the chops anytime.

"A special experience."

We had a wonderful few days at Handful of Gravel. It was very cold, but we enjoyed the snow, and the Aga stove kept us warm.

"Silence."

Great visit. Owners such nice people with genuine hospitality! Space, silence and lovely surroundings. We really enjoyed ourselves!

"Nice on the farm."

Lovely farm life homestead. Would recommend for more than one night.

"Quiet and peaceful."

Very neat house in the middle of the breathtakingly beautiful Hantamberge. The quiet atmosphere calms everything down and you can relax and clear your head.

"One word: unforgettable."

It is incredibly beautiful and neat accommodation. It is out of the hustle and bustle of busy life, beautiful scenery, silence that swallows you up. Thank you so much it really was like a home away from home. The meat was wow and the grilled cakes mouth-watering. Our 3 children enjoyed the space and we all slept well.

"Great, didn't need anything."

So neat, large and spacious house.

"Have fun on the farm!"

Very nice stay. Beds are clean and very tidy. Nice house to share with friends and family.