Quick Facts
E 20°46'01''
Budget Getaways Review
The alluringly-named Appelhuis once served time as a storage shed for harvested apples. While the rest of the sprawling (1000ha) Doornriver farm continues apace as an active fruit-producing enterprise, Appelhuis has since switched careers - today it's a lovingly restored self-catering stone cottage.
Located just 6km from Barrydale and perched among the orchards, the cottage offers a nicely rounded package of farmy atmosphere, good views, comfort, and more than enough to do both on the farm itself and the nearby dorp.
Stepping inside, there are two double bedrooms, both ensuite, plus another two single beds in the open-plan living room (with fireplace) - a maximum seven can be accommodated should the need arise, though four might be a more comfortable call for a group of adults.
The kitchen is fully equipped with fridge/freezer, micro and oven. All linen and towels are provided, as is DSTV (bring own card) and DVD player. Heck, not only is there a fireplace, but underfloor heating to boot! Now who said you had to suffer on a Budget Getaway weekend?
Moving outside again, you've got a choice between the long front stoep with long views, or the very pleasant braai patio at the back.
Aside from the aforementioned, you can also take your pick betwen the newly added Damhuis or Withuis. Damhuis is a cosy little spot with no electricity, though there is a gas stove, gas geyser and solar lighting. This little number has two single beds in thee main room and a separate shower-only bathroom.
Moving along to the Withuis, you will find two rooms, a queen (with ensuite bathroom) and a twin - both kitted out with crisp white linen. Should the unfathomable urge for exercise arise, the farm has plenty in the way of long walks, mountain biking (including a 6km option that takes you straight into Barrydale), fishing in the dams for bass, 4x4 potential (details on request), and fruit picking in season.
"We stayed in the Appelhuis, very comfortable, everything we needed. Kids and dogs all had great fun with lots of walks around farm, up koppies and through orchards. Very peaceful and tranquil, A great place to chill and relax. Breakfast on the big veranda watching the sunrise. A great place to unwind but also to walk, mountain bike and run. We will be back."
(visited Apr 2019)
"All amazing. We had a wonderful time and lovely walks on the farm amongst the apple blossomed trees. Peace, quiet and serenity for a much needed catch up with special friends. Exceptionally clean, with tea, coffee etc and all appliances that we needed, including fire wood and blitz! Another bonus was the underfloor heating as it was a chilly weekend, and heaters in the rooms and bathroom. All in all a highly recommended stay."
(visited Aug 2018)
"I had made inquiries with various web sites for accomm. in Barrydale, for my birthday weekend. I received a call from Yvonne who I thought was a local agent! She expressed a love of all things Woolies and an accord was established. I got the dates I wanted and she lopped a good few R100's off as a birthday special! Yvonne is the owner of the farm! Eish! So we ventured forth to the charming ville known as Barrydale with a lick and a promise to visit both "Diesel and Cream" and to say hoezit to Ronnie of non sex shop fame. He is something of a Barrydale legend altho he hails from Pinelands but that is a story for another night, without running out of "Diesel" which we did sadly whilst playing 30 seccies till after 1.00 Sunday a.m. So the directions were perfect, the dirt roads more than manageable in a heavily loaded little Clio and we followed twisting pathways thru the orchards of nectarines? I presumes as well as peaches. No pictures can do justice to the lovely Appelhuis - with the mountain view from the verandah (no stoeps here), orchards to the left and right and at the back a braai overlooked by a grassy knoll. This was apparently the old storage plek for the fruit and the transformation is full: stone cottage, thatched with loads of gleaming wood inside and red tiled floors with stable doors abounding. Very well equipped little kitchen, indoor coal fire and lovely roses in glass vases well placed in both bathrooms and the main bedroom. We put ourselves on the old very comfortable iron beds in the main room, which we christened Jailhouse Rock! Mattresses and duvets were so comfortable we found ourselves sinking down at quite inappropriate times! We were visited by a knowing old toad outside during a smoke break, plethora of bird calls (some too early actually) and lovely young chap who came from home to see if everything was OK with us Capetonians. So again I become a tannie! The only malevolent factor was the darn wind. The mornings were coolish (back in that duvet again) and calm. We noticed each afternoon at about 3.00 pm the wind picked up and became so ferocious that nightly barbies had to become something else. We left feeling light of heart and refreshed to face the waterless part of the Cape"
(visited Mar 2018)
"We stayed for a weekend in "Die Withuis". The house is very well equipped, neat and has lots of attention to detail. We had a lovely time. It is a beautiful place in a peaceful setting."
(visited Jan 2018)
"An amazingly mellow and chilled place to visit. Perfect for relaxing and unwinding from the stress of city living. We did manage to walk to the top one of the hills and got brilliant views of the farm, as well as boulder hopping trips up the rivers a few times. There was even enough water for the dog (and other members of our group) to have a wallow to cool down. The house is spacious and has everything we needed."
(visited Apr 2017)
"What a gorgeous setting for a beautiful stone farm cottage! Situated just outside town, nice & close for those Saturday afternoon 'must have milkshakes', which are so well known in Barrydale. The owners are so friendly and helpful... their farm is full of a variety of fruit trees and the bowl full of peaches that was awaiting us upon our arrival were juicy, delicious and a super welcoming treat, as were the fresh roses in all the rooms. We loved Appelhuis and had a splendid weekend there."
(visited Feb 2017)
"This wonderful characterful stone cottage did not disappoint. Set in a wonderful private area on the farm it offers one the feeling of tranquility and relaxation while still only being a short drive to the restaurants in Barrydale. This cottage can be either an ideal meditation retreat or a perfect base from which to explore the area. I cant wait to come back here!"
(visited Jan 2017)
"We had an absolutely lovely week with my husband and our little baby in Appelhuis. We loved the house which is very spacious, cosy and very well equipped. We felt very relaxed and comfortable. The outside area is fantastic too, there is beautiful lawn all around under lots of trees. So perfect for chilling with a picnic on hot days like we had. We cycled every morning around the area, which was great. The nights are dark and clear and we could see thel milky way so I could even do my night photography. We will definitively be back."
(visited Jan 2017)
"Well equipped, comfortable and peaceful. There's no traffic. We enjoyed some nice walks in the orchards."
(visited Nov 2016)
"What a beautiful location. The cottage is well stocked and very clean."
(visited Oct 2016)
"Lovely setting with beautiful views. Our hostess was extremely informative and helpful with information regarding the area and the best places to eat. Even though the weather was bitterly cold, we did not feel it when inside as the roaring fire, the underfloor heating and the wall heaters were wonderful. A lovely stay, and one definitely worth repeating for the peace and quiet."
(visited Jul 2016)
"A very spacious, beautifully decorated, comfortable farmhouse. Easily accommodated two families of 4, and with 3 bathrooms there was no queuing. The surrounding garden, fruit trees and tomato plants, river and safe walks are lovely. The 'fireroom' (plenty dry firewood available) was cosy for sitting around, meals and chatting. The kids preferred DVDs at night in the lounge (no fire), wrapped up in blankets with hot water bottles (all provided). There's no TV, but a DVD player (bring own DVDs). We had a big, friendly dog (who belongs to the winemaker) who came to visit, which the kids loved! And a gentle, tolerant cat too. We didn't manage to get a wine tour in unfortunately, so book early. BONUS: Complimentary bottle of Arensig Wine (yum), a friendly host, dishwasher and washing machine too."
(visited Jul 2016)
"Very nice, isolated but within a few km of the town, beautiful setting. The house was clean, comfortable and it had everything we needed. Very happy with the experience."
(visited April 2015)
"Had a fantastic stay. Clean and well maintained, house was surprisingly cool and comfortable in the 40�c heat. The farm is beautiful and the dam was perfect for a cool down. Will definitely recommend to friends and family."
(visited January 2015)
"A beautiful setting and a comfortable, spacious and well-equipped house with natural stone walls and thatched roof amidst the orchards. We stayed there for two nights, hiked up the river valley and did a bit of bundu-bashing and scrambling. Thanks, Anna, for your hospitality - we enjoyed every minute of our stay and are sure to come again."
(visited June 2014)
"Awesome spot! Loved every minute. The accommodation was great, kitchen fully equipped, surroundings were divine, just perfect. Will be back soon."
(visited March 2014)
"What an absolute gem! Would love to visit again."
(visited January 2014)
"We had the most fantastic stay here even though it rained most of the time. We were 6 adults and we had plenty of space to chill out and relax. The fire place works like a dream and we had a lovely walk into Barrydale for breakfast. The photos do not do this house justice it is much more spacious inside than what it looks like and the views are fabulous. The bedding is also all very high quality percale cotton with down duvets! Very luxurious..."
(visited April 2013)
"Absolutely lovely! So peaceful and quiet. Unfortunately no TV, even if you did bring a DSTV card. But still a fantastic place!"
(visited May 2012)
"We really enjoyed our stay at Appelhuis and the host was very friendly and helpful."
(visited April 2010)
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Where You'll Also Find Us
Arniston (Waenhuiskrans) • Barrydale • Beaufort West • Betty's Bay • Bonnievale • Bot River • Bredasdorp • Caledon • Calitzdorp • Cape Agulhas and Struisbaai • Cape Town area • Ceres • Citrusdal • Clanwilliam & Cederberg • Darling • De Rust • Franschhoek • Gansbaai • George • Grabouw & Elgin Valley • Greyton • Heidelberg • Hermanus • Knysna • Ladismith • Laingsburg • Lamberts Bay • Langebaan • Malgas • Matjiesfontein • McGregor • Montagu • Mossel Bay • Napier • Oudtshoorn • Paarl • Paternoster • Plettenberg Bay • Porterville • Prince Albert • Pringle Bay • Pringle Bay, Betty's Bay and Kleinmond • Riebeek West and Riebeek-Kasteel • Riversdale • Riviersonderend • Robertson • St Helena Bay • Stanford • Stilbaai • Strand, Gordon's Bay and Somerset West • Swellendam • Tulbagh • Uniondale • Velddrif • Vermaaklikheid • Wellington • Wilderness • Witsand • Worcester & Hex Valley • Yzerfontein • Baviaanskloof • Cape St Francis • Cape St Francis & St Francis Bay • East London • Graaff-Reinet • Hogsback • Jeffreys Bay • Makhanda (Grahamstown) • Middelburg • Nieu-Bethesda • Rhodes • Sutherland