Rate Guide
From R900 nightly for two guests. R250 - R300pp thereafter
Quick Facts
E 21°21'09''
Budget Getaways Review
The setting is a 75 hectare farm in the “backlands” of the Goukou River Valley, a fynbos smothered landscape with a remote and far-off feel, yet only six kays from Stilbaai village. The farm offers easy-going walks, plenty of reasons to be outdoors and a great platter of activities within a short drive of your cottage. (You’ll need a high clearance vehicle that can handle a sand road to get here).
Right, The Cottage! This one’s a real beauty. Built on the site of a 200 year old “vryburgers” abode, Stillhaven Retreat is a stylish, tastefully decorated dwelling, with oodles of space around it and rural views second to none. The cottage sports chunky stone walls, open loft trusses, a big ol’ fireplace and ample place to kick back and take it all in.
There’s a decent supply of solar power, and hot water is via gas geysers. No TV or WiFi (the 4G signal is great though), so you’re set for a near 100% disconnected stay, liberating!
Taking a look at the layout of the cottage, you’ve got two double rooms on ground level (each with twin beds or combined to make kings) and an additional two beds (twins) can be found in the loft area. Access to the loft is via a steep staircase from the living area - not ideal for toddlers or elderly folk. There are also two bathrooms downstairs, one with shower and the other with a bath.
The living area is packed with charm, the exposed stone walls, long dining table and open fireplace make for a stylish space. The kitchen is equipped with a fridge, gas hob and all you’ll need to self-cater. Outdoors, the covered patio has furniture and great views out over the farm. There is a fire pit and braai down on the lawn in front of the cottage, as well as a natural rock swimming pool for the summer months.
Keeping busy here is a doddle. Request a yoga session with your host (a qualified instructor) or take to the many farm walks and trails. There are some fantastic beach hikes along the nearby coast (Stilbaai, Jongensfontein and Blombos Caves) as well as a lazy afternoon’s gin tasting at nearby Inverroche distillery. There’s also many miles of farm roads to explore by bike.
Packed with character, a super setting and no shortage of style and charm, Stilhaven Retreat is right up there on our budget bucket list.
"The most beautiful and relaxing stay. Everything you need and more to be able to switch off from it all and recharge the batteries."
(visited April 2022)
"Such a special place! If you need a getaway for you and your family, this place is perfect! Kids are entertained and safe and the hosts are so accommodating!"
(visited Apr 2022)
"We couldn�t have wished for a more special getaway. 3 nights of peaceful rustic tranquility, left me feeling like I�d had a real holiday. The owners and their animals, with their unique touch of style and character, made us feel so at home and I look forward to returning."
(visited Mar 2022)
"The most Gorgeous Sunrises and Sunsets. You feel peace and serenity, even when raining. Perfect place to tap out and relax in nature."
(visited Feb 2022)
"What an awesome break from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. This rustic house invites you to relax and enjoy nature at its best. The vistas are beautiful; it is safe, secure and comfortable. The house is unique and decorated in a shabby chic style with a stoop that is a perfect to enjoy the sunrise or just a cup of coffee. The hosts are welcoming and everything is very well prepared and ready for you to experience a great visit. We are already planning to go back soon."
(visited December 2021)
"Thank you Paul and Charma for hosting us, we had such a fantastic time during our stay at the farm. The setting is absolutely perfect. If you�re looking for somewhere to relax and enjoy some well deserved downtime then this is the getaway for you."
(visited Oct 2021)
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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