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Restored milking shed in the Hermitage Valley outside Swellendam - 4km from Swellendam

Quick Facts

Where
4km from Swellendam
GPS
S 33°59'56''
E 20°25'29''
Sleeps
2
Equipped
Yes
Linen
Yes
Towels
Yes
Fireplace
Yes
Braai
Yes
Meals
No, but many restaurants nearby
Pet-Friendly
No
Activities
birdwatching, farm animals, golf, golf, hiking, kloofing, mountain biking, museums & galleries, restaurants, rock climbing, small game-viewing, stargazing, walking, wine routes

Budget Getaways Review

The sweeping views from Die Stal towards Eenuurkop, Twaalfuurkop and Tienuurkop in Swellendam’s Hermitage Valley were once only appreciated by a few mooing cattle and their early morning milkers.

Thankfully times have changed and you now have opportunity to share in the same views from your stoep. 

Four kays outside Swellendam in the pretty Hermitage valley, Die Stal has been creatively restored into a rural-chic abode that's suited to couples out for a spot of fresh country air and the all-round tranquillity offered by this working farm.

Far removed from its bovine origins, the cottage sports whitewashed floors and walls, thick timber beams, restored Oregon doors, a spread of antique and modern furniture, and Persian rugs thrown casually around the rooms.

There’s a double bed donned in fine cotton linen, and an ensuite bathroom (bath and shower) with views from your tub towards the mountains - watch out for those granny fingers (not very romantic...).

The lounge is light and spacious and open-plan to the kitchen, the latter with gas hob, convection oven, dishwasher and even an Espresso machine… Didn't we tell you Die Stal has come a long way since its milking days?

What's more, you’ve got an indoor fireplace for those chilly Langeberg winters, backed by a raised mezzanine platform equipped with Persian rug and two chairs - good spot to get stuck into a Barbara Cartland bodice-ripper (for it's the same platform where them cows had their udders massaged).

The lounge opens onto a grassed area with braai and plenty of good mountain vistas.

If you can drag yourself away from the cottage, there are walks and hikes in neighboring Marloth Nature Reserve, plenty of mountain biking options, a golf course a short putt away, and the historical and culinary delights of Swellendam.

A night or two at Die Stal could have you mooing for more. 

Additional Info

  • Berry picking on the farm during the season (mid Nov-Dec)
  • The farm borders on the Marloth Nature Reserve with fynbos and mountain hikes
  • Bontebok National Park with a variety of antelope and birds is a few kays away
  • The Drostdy museum is worth a visit if you're wanting an indoor activity
  • La Sosta restaurant is a great option for dinner
Guest Reviews

"Was an amazing experience as always!"

"Great all round peaceful experience. Recommend it!"

"Absolutely lovely! Top marks, wish we could have stayed longer."

"Outstanding accommodation with pleasant surroundings. Ideal for walks, plus a bonus of close proximity to the Marloth Nature Reserve."

"This was one of our most majestic getaways. Beside the large beautiful garden the house is very tastefully designed, inside and out, which is not the case with most places my wife and I visit. We will definitely be back and have suggested it to all of our friends."

"Fully modern & equipped cottage in a very tranquil setting - nobody in sight. Excellent for charging one's batteries. The host is very friendly, efficient and helpful."

"Die Stal is by far one of the best places to go and relax. I just can't get enough of the serenity and tranquility of the mountains, valley and river streams. Imagine waking up in the morning and you look at the majestic Langeberg Mountain range with lush green lawns and trees surrounding you and in the evening you can hear the water from the mountain stream flowing endlessly...and my best is looking up at the dark sky in the evening and seeing multitudes of silver sparkling stars...absolutely breathtakingly beautiful. To compliment this natural aura is the warm and friendly hosts - Manda and her husband. Anyone that has been to Die Stal will come back again - that's for sure."

"One of the best getaways in the Cape - nicely decorated, clean, private and set in the most beautiful area. Thank you for a great stay!"

"Such a stunning facility and a serene setting. We loved every moment."

"We had a great stay at this lovely cottage. It has everything you need to relax; beautiful surroundings, well appointed accommodation and even a Nespresso coffee machine!"

"What an amazing setting! An awesome little cottage with all you need. Totally worth a visit!"

"An amazing spot with beautiful views. It is well equipped and clean. We had a lovely stay and will be back soon."

"Die Stal has such a beautiful and tranquil setting where you can unwind and relax. We loved the accommodation facilities and felt very much at home. Manda is a lovely host and made sure that we were comfortable and had everything we needed. We loved our time in Swellendam and will definitely be returning in future!"

"We had the most amazing time at The Stal, It was very neat and tastefully furnished. It had all the facilities needed. Amanda was very hospitable and friendly. This is a place I would recommend with confidence. Our overall experience was nothing less then amazing."

"This treasure of a cottage, so lovingly restored, fitted and decorated leaves nothing to be desired. Set in majestic surroundings it was very hard to say goodbye to."

"Serene, romantic, peaceful, beautiful... too few words in the dictionary to describe this beautiful setting. The cottage is perfectly equipped with all you need to warm up in the cold winter months. Definitely worth it, we wouldn't hesitate to visit again. Thank you for this little hidden gem."

"The cottage is beautifully converted with designer features. The dishwasher is a nice bonus. It has stunning views and quiet location, but is close to town. Highly recommended."

"I'm definitely going back, such an amazing place - loved the privacy."

"Pure magic. Everything in the wonderful cottage is just perfection. Tastefully decorated with the most amazing architectural details (timber lintels, gleaming white concrete floors, superior bathroom fittings). Every window paints a picture, and this little cottage, set among the sprawling hills and green fields, provides the perfect getaway from the city. We took our bikes along for a ride, if you can this is highly recommended! Beautiful farm road for an afternoon excursion. Manda's attention to detail is unmatched. Never before has a self catering cottage made such an impact. Beautiful linen & towels, a well appointed kitchen (with a dishwasher to make the weekend even more care-free), and all the little things that make you feel truly welcome here."

"I am always skeptical of photographs, but in the case of Die Stal, they did not do the cottage justice! What a lovely position at the foot of the Swellendam mountains. We enjoyed the peace and tranquility, simply watching how the mountains changed in colour and mood with the passing of the day. The cottage is beautifully and tastefully furnished and the hosts thought of many little things to make our stay pleasant, plenty of candles and some well-selected old books on the bookshelf. Highly recommended."

"My boyfriend had planned on asking me to marry him at a spot in town, but Die Stal was so beautiful that he decided to ask me there, on the front lawn! If you're looking for a break from the rush of the city, this is the perfect place for you. Lots of privacy, gorgeous mountains (also visible from the tub), trees, cows grazing and friendly owners. Will definitely be back."

"The perfect romantic getaway. The cottage has a great little kitchen, adequate indoor fireplace for those chilly evenings and a beautiful bathroom (no need to fear the colour of the water!). Located just outside of town at the base of the impressive Langeberg mountains. The quietness was only punctuated by the sounds of nature (birds by day and frogs by night). Best of all there was no TV and very limited cellphone reception. We will definitely be back next year."

"Die Stal is our favourite self-catering cottage of all time. It really is a gem. Everything inside the cottage has a premium feel to it. I loved the kitchen, it comes fully equipped with everything you would need. The bathroom and the walk in shower are really nice. I want to tell everyone about this place because it's so nice, but I also don't want anyone to know about it so that we can have it all to ourselves! 5 stars, as good as it gets."

"Simply heavenly."

"You just can't get better than this awesome getaway! Modern, unique, private, clean and in an incredible setting. Baie dankie Manda!"

"Absolutely breathtaking!! Surrounded by mountains in a valley with a stream bubbling past, behind the house, you feel as though you are in a different country altogether. No one close by so you have absolute privacy, and yet Swellendam proper is three minutes away, for that extra convenience. I will definitely be returning, for a full weekend this time."

"Wonderful setting set at the foot of the mountains and at the edge of Marloth Nature Reserve. For a city slicker no better place to feel countrified than this. Wonderful bird life and waking up to the sound of cows is just awesome. You will never find a better equipped country cottage anywhere with the attention to detail very obvious!! Can highly recommend."

"This is a really wonderful getaway. The house is beautifully decorated and exceptionally comfortable. The view of the mountains is stunning and the field next door has some very cute cows. There are very nice walks in the Marloth nature reserve which is just down the road. I would definitely recommend this little getaway, it's a real gem."

"After searching for weeks on where to spend our 20th wedding anniversary, we found this gem of a place. We enjoyed the most wonderful weekend. Waking up the first morning we felt relaxed and refreshed. We did not want to go home after the weekend and wished we could stay another week. We will most definitely be going back and stay a little longer. Thank you Die Stal for making this the most wonderful 20th Anniversary we could ever have had."

"This cottage is absolutely outstanding! The host Manda really goes the extra mile and provides everything you could possibly need. Compared to some of the self-catering cottages I've stayed in this is by far the best. It really is the perfect place to spend a chilly winter weekend or summer hiking and enjoying the neighboring Marloth Nature Reserve. Great braai outside and cosy fireplace inside. This will remain the top of my recommendation list to anyone that asks."

"We love Die Stal! We can't say enough good things about it. Manda and De Wet are excellent hosts who make sure that you want for nothing. We had a wonderful three-day break, enjoying the indoor fireplace, enormous bath with views onto the mountain and beautiful outdoors. We will be back!"

"A complete gem!"

"We really enjoyed our stay, and hope to be back in the near future!"

"I absolutely loved the place. The setting, peace, tranquillity is marvellous. It's the perfect breakaway to relaxation. I will definitely make another booking for Die Stal. Wonderful hospitality (Manda Van As)- lovely person. Just talking about the place makes me want to be there. Keep it up!"

"Lovely - enjoy the tranquillity and beautiful scenery."

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Getaway Map
GPS: S -33.9989   E 20.4247
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