Blue Gum Cottages

"Such a relaxing weekend away. Perfect riverfront setting with uninterrupted views. Stunning friendly hosts. A perfect get away for the family to recharge and spend time together. Thank you for a wonderful stay."

(visited Aug 2021)

"We had a great stay at the cottage. The view is fantastic. The cottage had everything we needed. With a indoor fire place and all the amenities we needed. It was really a magical place and the price was really reasonable. Will definitely be back."

(visited May 2021)

"Ons het baie lekker gekuier. Omgewing is pragtig en die kinders kon hulself besig hou. Lekker groot braaiplek maar stoep raak bietjie beknop as meer as 4 mense om die tafel kuier aangesien beweegruimte beperk raak. 'n Mens kan beslis gerief verwag aangesien die huis met baie toegerus is maar nie luuksheid nie. Sal aanraai om eie hout-tang en rooster saam te neem. Ongelukkig kon niemand enige vis gevang kry nie aangesien die rivier laag was met baie alge en rivierplante as gevolg van die stadige vloei. Dit het ook effense reukie veroorsaak wat tyd in die rivier ingeperk het. Dubbelbeddens het lekker matrasse maar die ander slaapplekke s'n was ongelukkig bietjie hard. Vliee was bietjie lastig in die dag as gevolg van skaap en beeskamp langsaan so vat maar vliegvang kontrepsies saam. Behalwe hierdie paar nietighede was ons kuiertjie 'n wonderlike een met baie gelag. Lisbe en haar man is wonderlike mense wat baie akkomoderend is. Plek was baie netjies voorberei met verwelkoming-sjokolades en muskietroom in die kamers. Sal beslis die plek aanbeveel veral omdat dit troeteldier-vriendelik is. "

(visited Apr 2021)

"Tranquil setting with amazing views of the river and farm animals grazing on your doorstep. We stayed for 4 days, teenagers had a great time canoeing and enjoying the animals. Even though there was no TV, I didn't hear I'm bored once, which in itself was a win. Nature lovers will really enjoy the setting."

(visited Feb 2021)

"What an awesome way to end off a rather strange year for all. We spent the last week of 2020 at Die Stal, and had a super time there. Totally relaxing, and rejuvenating. We spent many hours on and in the river, and what a treat to feel like you have a section of the Breede all to yourself. The rowing boat was well utilized daily, and even though we didn't catch any fish, we enjoyed trying. The lapa at Die Stal was our place to hang out during the day, and the weather was super for our stay. Lisbe kept in contact with us, even though they were away, and made us feel at home. Blessing and John were awesome, and looked after us, and of course the two gorgeous labs, and the best cat ever (Roxy, a boy with a girls name), who made himself at home with us during our stay. Our only drawback were the 'devil thorns' on our cycle, so be careful when cycling through the orchards. All in all a beautiful place. Thank you so much Lisbe and Neil for sharing your section of the river with us, you have such a special place."

(visited December 2020)

"Such a relaxing weekend away. Perfect riverfront setting with uninterrupted views. Hosts friendly, accommodating and professional."

(visited July 2020)

"We have visited 3 times already and will keep on going back. Amazing and so peaceful. Lisb� and Neil and of course the dogs are wonderful hosts."

(visited Mar 2020)

"Excellent, would recommend it to anyone."

(visited February 2020)

"Really lovely cottage in a beautiful setting. Very clean and neat. The owners were great with corresponding and updating any concerns about load-shedding. Would definitely go back!"

(visited February 2020)

Getaway Reply

Thank you Bridget!

(Lisbe RADEMEYER)

"Gorgeous and relaxing spot. Pity about firing shots going off frequently across the river at opposite wine farm. Also access into river for my 5 year old was not great. Too many water plants for her to swim through."

(visited Feb 2020)

Getaway Reply

Diane, thank you for the review. The farmer promise us that the shots of the wind gun are only temporarily. But it's still very disturbing! Kind regards .

(Lisbe Rademeyer)

"My fiance and I had a fantastic time at Blue Gum Cottages. It was peaceful and scenic. The owners was lovely and their dogs such a treat. We would visit again."

(visited January 2020)

"Friendly hosts and a wonderfully relaxing environment on the river. Lovely views, lots of bird life and farm animals and if you love dogs, two super-friendly Labradors to welcome you and keep you company. Wine farms close by if you want to do some wine tasting. The accommodation is cosy and everything that you need is provided. All in all a great weekend."

(visited Oct 2019)

"Absolutely loved our stay, our dogs also had such an amazing time, we will certainly be back for a longer stay."

(visited Oct 2019)

"Broke away for a quick weekend. Really peaceful setting. Friendly hosts and within driving distance of great wine farms. I had an amazing time. Eager to visit again."

(visited Sep 2019)

"This was like heaven on earth, just what we as a family needed to spend some quality time together, the kids enjoyed the river and animals on the farm while we could sit back and enjoy the fresh air. Can`t wait for the next time we going."

(visited Jul 2019)

"Wonderful stay at The Shed at Blue Gum Cottages. Beautiful and peaceful farming environment."

(visited March 2019)

"The hosts, Lisbe and Neil, were very friendly and accommodating. The kids could roam around safely on the premises and enjoy interacting with the animals. The setting is gorgeous and the cottage very quaint. The separate firepit under the trees makes for a great nighttime storytelling space."

(visited Mar 2019)

"What a gem. The cottage is set on the bank of the Breede River. Spectacular place for star gazing, swimming and really just complete relaxation. The cottage has all the amenities required to make the stay very comfortable. Totally recommended."

(visited Jan 2019)

"Beautiful location and cottage (we stayed in Die Stal). A very peaceful venue on the riverbank, close to Bonnievale for shopping, and a good location for exploring. The owners were lovely and friendly. A great venue for birdwatchers / photographers with a big variety of bird life. The river was perfect to cool off in. Definitely recommend it for a relaxing getaway!"

(visited Nov 2018)

"We had a lovely stay. Every thing were very clean and the beds are very comfortable. I will definitely recommend this place to anybody."

(visited Nov 2018)

"This is an incredible cottage to stay. We went for a weekend and it was fantastic. Once you walk into the cosy cottage one of the first things that strike you is the view from the (optionally) enclosed balcony! You can see the river close up. You could literally through a stone from the balcony into the river. From the house there is a short shady path down to the river, which my 5 year old son and I took quite a few times during the course of the weekend. On the other side of the house one can find grazing sheep and cattle, and with a little walking you can even come across some pigs. We were fortunate enough to see some baby piglets. I will most certainly be going soon again!"

(visited Nov 2018)

"Wonderful, well appointed little cottage right on the banks of the Breede. Will certainly be back."

(visited Nov 2018)

"We had a wonderful farm experience at Blue Gum cottages. We stayed at The Stal. The kids loved playing in the river and running up and down the field. The view from our cottage was absolutely amazing. I personally enjoyed the escape from the city. Thank you Lisa and to the two Labradors, Jess and Max who looked after us on the farm, we miss them so much ?"

(visited Oct 2018)

"Beds were very uncomfortable. Huge old spider webs behind blinds and in the bedside lamps. Bathroom basin still had old hard soap stuck to it."

(visited Oct 2018)

"We had such an amazing time here. A great view, setting and such a relaxed atmosphere. The facilities are great and the hospitality as well."

(visited Sep 2018)

"Great place to stay. Owner very friendly beautiful soul. Cottage amazing layout I will be back"

(visited Aug 2018)

"As we have our grand kids with us we needed to get them away from the house and take them out. This was the best decision ever. The farmer was brilliant and helped them feed the calves with bottles, and help to go to lambs and pigs and saw newly born lambs. This was the best thing that has happened in their short little life so far. The afternoon we got on the bikes and we pedeled through some farm lands shown to us by the farmer, and it was just great. The outdoors was so good for the little boys, and then we went fishing on the river bank. DIE STAL i would recommend to all who need to spend quality time with children or even a couple who love the outdoors, will have a fantastic time. I will come back for sure. "

(visited Jul 2018)

"We had a wonderful time. The fishing was tough because of the rain and rising water but still had a couple of good catches. This is an awesome place to break away from the rat race, but if your goal is fishing only be prepared to experience many frustrations. Take extra sinkers and hooks. Having said all that, I will definitely visit again. It's been awesome and the company of the to doggies made the stay even better."

(visited Jul 2018)

"We chose Die Stal to celebrate my birthday weekend. There wasn't much pictures on the website so we didn't have much to go on, but upon arrival, we could see why. Pictures wouldn't be able to do the place justice. The house is very small but it is enough for 2 people. It is the outside grounds that hold the appeal. There is an excellent covered deck with a fireplace attached to the lounge, overlooking the dam. When you go outside, a pathway leads you down to the very edge of the water where there is a fire pit and benches for your outdoor braais. There is also a fantastic hike down the mountain with lots of animals along the way."

(visited Jun 2018)

"I wish I could stay here forever!"

(visited May 2018)

"Beautiful small cottage, best cosy deck with fireplace, unpretentious and back to basics...great match up for a weekend out of the city!"

(visited Mar 2018)

"We had a lovely relaxing stay at 'Die Stal' after a hectic festive season. The cottage is quaint and well equipped with an unobstructed view and easy access to the river. Lisbe was away on holiday, but was very warm and welcoming and always available on WhatsApp for all our inquiries and requests. We just parked off and enjoyed the view!"

(visited Jan 2018)

"We had a wonderful time with the kids. There's a beautiful big grass area to play and sheep greeting you everyday around the cottage. Not too far out of town to fill up the daily necessities."

(visited Dec 2016)

"If you are looking for a peace and quiet then this getaway is not for you... Lapping water, honking geese, bellowing cows, bleating sheep and the occasional visit from the resident watchdogs, Bobby and Pippa may be too much for you. We, however loved it! A true getaway from the bustle of suburbia."

(visited Oct 2016)

"We stayed in Die Stal, a small but well equipped cottage in a perfect setting. The fishing was good as was the birdlife. We would definitely go there again."

(visited Sep 2016)

"This was our Route 62 trip and it was amazing - the hospitality was awesome, the facilities and accommodation were excellent. We could not ask for better."

(visited Apr 2016)

"We will be going again in March and this will be our 4th time we going in a span of 8 months. The owners are very welcoming and friendly. Definitely the place to be when you want to get away from the city life."

(visited Jan 2016)

"Absolutely idyllic. This is the perfect breakaway. A beautiful cottage with very cosy fireplace on stoep overlooking heaven. Awesome bonfire style fireplace down the stairs almost next to the river. Will definitely be back in summer. P.s. I got cookies waiting for me on arrival!"

(visited July 2015)

"Blue Gum Cottages is the best! It is quiet and so relaxing and everything you need is there. You just have to take your own food. We will definitely go back there again and again and again... The best value for money."

(visited July 2015)

"We were surrounded by horses, green hills and a stunning view of the Breede River, right on our doorstep. Die Stal was neat and tidy, with a lovely enclosed stoep, which was the perfect setting for having a braai in the evenings or a breakfast with a view for the the mornings. Bonnievale as a town is quaint and has the necessary shopping outlets to get any groceries etc. Swellendam is only a 20-minute drive if more shops are needed."

(visited July 2015)

"Best location for a weekend getaway. Wine tasting and sight seeing was awesome."

(visited July 2015)

"A very relaxing week away. Although the house is on the small side it is neat and clean and there is not a lack of anything. It was lovely to be able to sit on the porch and watch the sun set on the Breede River. This is a place worth it weight in gold as a getaway that is not too far from home."

(visited April 2015)

"Ongelooflik fantasmagories awesome! Die drie woorde beskryf dit 100%. Soos n sprokiesverhaal huisie. Die stille rustigheid van die natuur en soveel mooi om jou kan nie anders as om meegevoer te word nie. Daar is absoluut niks wat ons gekort het nie, as jy n klein dingetjie uit die kombuis benodig het, wees verseker dat jy dit in een van die laaie of kaste sal vind. Soveel moeite is gedoen om dit so gerieflik moontlik te maak, dit was voorwaar n plek waarheen ons weer en weer sal terugkeer. Waarde vir geld, baie beslis. Baie dankie vir n onvergeetlike naweek en as gevolg hiervan is ons troudatum vasgemaak op die 4de April 2015!"

(visited March 2015)

"Was a fantastic weekend away from the hustle and bustle. The cottage was well equipped and the kids had a ball on the river. Definitely will go back"

(visited February 2015)

"I took my two young sons and my parents who are in their 70's for a weekend at Blue Gum. Every single one of us enjoyed it thoroughly from the youngest to the oldest. There is something for everybody to do, whether you want to fish on the river or sit on the stoep and listen to the birds. The cottage also really has everything you can imagine you might need, if you didn't think of it, they did! Lisbe has done an amazing job and we cannot thank her enough for sharing her secret amazing piece of nature. We will definitely be back next year, and are planning to stay for longer this time."

(visited January 2015)

"What a wonderful place to get away from it all, quiet, peaceful, cosy, just the outdoors, sounds of birds in the trees and the farm animals! We thoroughly enjoyed it and felt fresh and revived at the end of it and sad to say goodbye. Thank you so much, we will definitely go again."

(visited January 2015)

"Extremely nice getaway. Venue was excellent and reception was warm and welcome. Definitely recommended."

(visited January 2015)

"Perfect getaway to escape the busy city life! We had a great time swimming in the river, taking a boat ride (free boat & paddles provided) and just relaxing taking in the beautiful scenery. The owner even provided us with firewood for both nights which was very nice of them. Will definitely will be back."

(visited January 2015)

"Awesome relaxing breakaway in a piece of Heaven. Absolutely stunning view of the river and located well within driving distance of Robertson about 30 minutes away. We fished swam and just chilled in nature with rich bird life and also visited Van Loveren and returned for their 7,5 km trail which offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscape that is absolutely inspiring. Many thanks to the owners who went to great lengths in keeping us informed and confirming the arrangements and for our stay. We will recommend your lovely chalets and this peaceful retreat."

(visited January 2015)

"From the moment we arrived at Blue Gum we could feel our city stress start to unravel and the hustle and bustle of city life was all forgotten. We were greeted by beautiful horses on a tiny gravel road winding down to lush green lawns, quaint little cottage and stunning river views. Inside the cottage we were pleasantly surprised by how light touches in decor and functionality was combined to make your stay as homely as possible. We were woken the next morning to a delight of birdsong. Hearing Burchell's coucal, Brownhooded kingfisher, Diedericks cuckoo, Masked weaver, Guinea fowl and Yellow billed duck all at once is an impressive overture of sound. The tiny rowing boat doubled for a romantic break from the kids and fishing platform. To round off our busy day we had a braai on the patio, glass of local champagne in hand whilst appreciating the river views. Blue Gum will see us again."

(visited October 2014)

"Our stay was very very nice, the river is fabulous, we definitely want to go again. Thanks to the owner for her hospitality."

(visited October 2014)

"Little peace of heaven, loved it. We didn't want to leave and will be back."

(visited September 2014)

"Little piece or paradise, cant wait to go back."

(visited September 2014)

"I enjoyed my stay."

(visited July 2014)

"We absolutely loved this! The accommodation is more spacious than expected and has a luxurious feel. It's right next to the river. We loved the farm animals (baby lambs and calves) and I even saw a Brown-hooded kingfisher which was a treat. It was easy to find and close to everything without being in Bonnievale town itself."

(visited July 2014)

"Ons het 'n heerlike naweek gehad. Die uitsig oor die rivier is fantasties. Daar is groooot karpe in die rivier en het self 'n paar gevang. Sal beslis weer gaan."

(visited October 2013)

"We stayed at the Blue Gum cottages last year for the Easter weekend. What a spectacular view of the river from the Blue Gum cottage balcony. Very spacious and the tranquility just surrounds you. Neil met us on arrival and really made us feel at home from the minute we arrived until the day we left. If you need peace and quiet this is your recommended destination. I will recommend this fine establishment to anybody wanting to have a getaway."

(visited April 2013)

"Well lets start with the extreme welcome, and concern showed by the Rademeyer family to make sure we had arrived safely and were accommodated comfortably. Then we venture to the cottage ... relaxing, comfortable, romantic, and general all round enjoyable. The weekend gave us exactly what we were looking for, a recharge of the system from all the hustle and bustle that the city life creates for us city slickers. The quiet and peaceful braai we enjoyed was rounded off with our ever so friendly resident guard dog "Shiraz" sleeping on our stoep to ensure we rested well. An amazing place to unwind, recharge and relax."

(visited April 2013)

"Blue Gum Cottage is very rustic, but well-equipped and the setting is really beautiful. There is a large grassy area at the back where kids can play safely."

(visited March 2012)

"Undoubtedly the best braai spot on the river! What a great view. We had a wonderfully relaxing time in Die Stal which is perfect for two. The lack of a roomy inside living area is made up for by the deck and that braai place. Canoe availability is important along the river and this one is pretty much unsinkable and easy to launch. The river too was pretty perfect and the river grasses tickling your tummy just added to the place. We liked the host and the hospitality - friendly and informative."

(visited January 2012)

"We had a wonderful stay and will return.... you cannot get closer to nature.Cottage was clean and well equipped. Did not meet the owners but good old fashioned trust.... just leave payment on the table!"

(visited October 2009)

"GREAT!!!"

(visited December 2006)

"The best place to go for a relaxing break! Very beautiful, didn't want to leave."

(visited April 2006)