Budget Getaways Review
Only 15km from Stanford, privately appointed and circled by magnificent Overberg views, Beloftebos offers homely traditional farm ambience and a useful springboard to the surrounding area.
The farm is direct neighbour to the Salmonsdam Nature Reserve and its waterfalls and hikes, which makes it particularly appealing to all ye outdoorsy types.
Easy access to gushing waterfalls, picnic spots, hikes in the veld, good mountain biking, the obligatory Stanford coffee shop trawl, stargazing to the sound of sizzling wors, are part and parcel of the Beloftebos experience.
There are four cottages, all decked out in a traditional flavour and exhibiting proud attention to simple detail.
Starting with Light Cottage (sleeps 8), it sits on a hill overlooking a dam and offers two bedrooms (one of them with double bed, the other two singles for the unmarried), plus a loft with four single beds - as such this is a great spot for two couples and their offspring.
With no Eskom, Light Cottage is a cosy spot powered along by gas, solar energy (lights), and a starter-pack of firewood.
With similar comfy-rustic charm package, Melk en Heuning lies about 1km from the main house and comprises a renovated shepherd's cottage - where Old George once lived. The cottage sleeps six, with one ensuite double room, a second bedroom with two single beds, plus a loft with two singles. Fronting the cottage is a big farm stoep, outside braai and a huge old oak tree, as well as a random collection of fruit trees.
Granaat Cottage is also an old worker's abode - the name stemming from an old pomegranate grove growing nearby. Perched on a hill overlooking surrounding farms and a copse of poplars it features enough space for eight happy weekenders. With fireplace and traditional Dover stove the kitchen is likely to be your hub in winter. Stairs lead up to a loft with four single beds and skylights to gaze at the stars while you drift off.
Finally, we have Groenvy. What you have here is less a cottage than a full-blown farmhouse, built just a couple of years ago closer to the main homestead. It accommodates eight with ease, with extra space in the living room if you need it. The main bedroom has a Queen bed with walk-in dressing room and bathroom. The second bedroom has a double bed, the third two singles.
At all the above linen and towels are provided, as is a cache of wood to get you going. Apart from being fully equipped, you will also find plenty in the way of generous extras, such as filter coffee, farm milk, sugar, tea, etc. Melk en Heuning, Granaat and Groenvy cottages all have Eskom power.
Looking at the feedback, previous guests only have good things to say about Beloftebos - you're likely to be among them.
And to end… If you are a couple with marriage plans, the farm doubles up as a full turnkey wedding venue.