Quick Facts
E 21°32'53''
Budget Getaways Review
Don’t even bother packing that 200 Terabyte hardrive or those Excel spreadsheets your boss is breathing down your neck for - Ratelpost simply isn’t the place for reminders of the nasty outside world.
In fact, you’re not going to need anything here but a sarong covering your vitals, a pair of sturdy tekkies to get to the beach, a good book and a strong sense of adventure.
Tucked away in fynbos covered dunes, 18km from Stilbaai, the 400ha farm is graced with Stone Bush Cottage, a remote and charactar packed little number offering ocean and sand dune views - this isn’t the place you’re likely to be braaing cheek-by-jowl with the neighbours.
This charming little abode is tucked away in thick coastal scrub, about 1km from the crashing waves. An ideal couples escape, it sleeps two on a king-sized bed, with outside shower (heated by a gas geyser) and toilet.
A timber deck, a braai area with views across the Indian Ocean, access to the beach via the farm’s 4x4 track... it's all yours to enjoy in solitary splendour.
There's an indoor fireplace to stave off those chilly winter evenings - add a bear rug and the picture's complete.
Basic electric lighting is available, but we would personally leave this in the 'off' position.
With rustic accommodation, desolate beaches, natural sea pools, and distant views over dune and sea, Ratelpost is one of those rare getaways that pulls one back towards basics, to a way of life that once was.
Experience it!
"A beautiful setting and perfect little cottage was what we were looking for to enjoy a week of relaxing, running & hiking and enjoying the silence that a remote destination such as Ratelpost offers. Unfortunately we were both caught by a winter flu and were mostly refined to the cottage and all our outdoor activities will have to wait for the next visit. Nonetheless we had wonderful time, making fire to stay warm and cook and just look over the unforgettable view from the porch. Treated by hosts with cake and rusks we will happily suggest this for anyone who wants to be enjoy the quiet beauty of this farm. Thanks for making your land available to visit."
(visited Aug 2019)
"Beautifully decorated inside. Needs a bit of TLC on the outside stoep, but it is a Work in Progress. Hospitality was outstanding. A bit far from the beach, but it makes for some adventure."
(visited Oct 2018)
"What an amazing escape it was to go to Ratelpost! The cottage is beautifully furnished with everything you may need. It's perfectly situated in fynbos covered hills just a short walk from the beach. There are spectacular views of the ocean at day and copious amounts of starts to gaze at at night. The hosts are incredibly welcoming too, Sara welcomed us with fresh coffee and koeksisters and chocolate cake 2 days into our stay. We are very excited to have discovered such a place."
(visited Aug 2018)
"A wonderful setting to get away from the busyness of life!"
(visited Apr 2018)
"Hello Ida. This review is a few months late, but I want to say how honoured we were to be the first guests to stay in your beautiful cottage. It has everything you could possibly need and feels like home away from home! Thank you for being so hospitable and even helping out as I was ill with the flu! You have a piece of heaven there and it's one of the most amazing places that we have ever been too! We cannot wait to visit again! See you soon!"
(visited Mar 2018)
"My partner and I went this past weekend to celebrate his birthday and we had the most amazing, wonderful and perfect time! Guy was a wonderful host and there are actually no words that could ever describe how stunning and peaceful this hidden away gem is! We loved every second and would go back today if we could! Thank you for sharing your spot in paradise with us... It will always be unforgettable!"
(visited Aug 2017)
"A piece of paradise away from the city! The long hike to the beach is rewarded with untouched beaches not to mention spectacular views. Guy is very accommodating and was a perfect host. I would recommend going for more than two days to completely unwind. Highly recommended."
(visited Apr 2017)
"What a great place to forget about the city and get back to nature. We loved the donkey boiler for heating the water. Make a fire under the boiler and have a beer or two and then shower outside - awesome. Don't expect anything fancy but all the basics are there including a corkscrew for the wine. The walk to the beautiful beach is a bit challenging for the not so fit. We managed alright but I needed two beers when I got back."
(visited Feb 2017)
"This is a great place to slow down and collect yourself. The tranquil fynbos surroundings are wonderful, with nature's soundtrack for accompaniment. Amenities as South African as can be, what a great idea. A soulful experience we'll never forget. Slow down and find yourself again! "
(visited Oct 2016)
"Ratelpost Guest Farm is so special that I am finding this review the most challenging of all to write - and I do enjoy writing reviews! What words do I choose to describe the beauty of the surroundings? I am urging all my like-minded friends, who enjoy nature at its most unspoilt, to simply go there and experience it for themselves. At the gate you are met by the most wonderful host ever, and then your adventure begins! The walk to the beach is exciting and challenging - but your reward when you get to the top and look down on the vast unspoilt beach below you is worth every minute of it. We wandered for miles along the sand and didn't see another (human) soul - just raw, rugged cliffs, blue, blue ocean and birds - then we returned to our cozy cottage and lit the fire to warm our water; and so we passed our days: life slowed down for a week and we were privileged to enjoy a few walks on Ratelpost's magnificent beach, as well as some lovely walks in and around Stilbaai, great coffee at Paradiso, stunning scenic drives (my husband cycled!) along the Goukou river, an interesting tour and gin tasting at Inverroche and so on. There was a wealth of things to do but the best part of all was the farm itself and the friendly but unobtrusive owner, Guy. We loved the gorgeous fynbos surrounding our simple stone cottage, the comfortable king sized bed decked with fine linen, the views, the birds, the buck and the tortoises - and of course, the most gob-smackingly beautiful, awe-inspiring beach that we have ever left our footprints on. But go and see for yourself... I simply can't do this place justice, however hard I try! Thank you Guy for sharing your space with us - we will never forget our week at Ratelpost!"
(visited Sep 2016)
"Difficult to put into words the majesty of this place. It is nothing less than sacred. We had one of the most beautiful weekends of our lives, out in wild raw nature, surrounded by nothing but fynbos, dunes, and coastline stretching for miles in every direction. Life reduced to its authentic simplicity. Pure bliss. We as a community are blessed that Guy and his family have opened up their space to visitors. It was an honour to spend the weekend in their paradise, closed off from the world and totally in tune with nature and the natural rhythm of things. The water from the bore hole is the sweetest I've ever tasted; the fire in the cottage kept us warm and cosy all evening; the view from the deck (even from the bed!) will take your breath away. All the important things are provided. Just bring yourselves, walking shoes, food, and a book. Stilbaai is close enough if you forget anything. And there are great surf spots just past Stilbaai in the beautiful Jongensfontein. We recommend turning off cellphones while you're there, to feel the full effect of the place."
(visited Jun 2016)
"For the relaxed, wine drinking, environmentally conscious, animal loving getaway-ers this is a truly wonderful spot. It's planted right in the middle of almost nowhere and surrounded by fragrant fynbos. Ratelpost was very much about minimalism and true simplicity. We thoroughly enjoyed long candle lit discussions, building fires to warm the "donkey" (for hot water) and the real feeling of coming down to the basics and taking some mental time out. Guy, thank you so much for having us."
(visited May 2016)
"What a magical place! After 5 days, it was very difficult to leave. The setting of the stone cottage is superb and it has a real charm to it. The view of the fynbos from the outside shower is great, and the view from the front deck of the sea is spectacular. There is also nothing like falling asleep with the fire going in the room. The drive or walk to the sea is a real adventure, and it is absolutely worth it with unspoilt sea life in abundance. Guy is a wonderful person, who really went the extra mile to make us feel comfortable. We would recommend this place to anyone who would like to visit paradise away from the city and some true peace and quiet to go along with it."
(visited Mar 2016)
"A perfect rustic outdoor getaway. Lovely sea view from the wooden deck. Stunning isolated beach with good access, some distance, over the dunes. Owner helpful without being intrusive."
(visited January 2016)
"What a great little gem. We loved every minute and will go back again. Guy the owner is such a wonderful and friendly host."
(visited June 2015)
"Rustic romance. The walk to the beach is not for the fainthearted though however more than worth it being able to see the breathtaking views from the top of the dune. Not expensive at all but have had stays offering the same if not more for slightly less."
(visited June 2015)
"A rustic little gem with fabulous views. This is the perfect escape from the big smoke. Highly recommended."
(visited June 2015)
"What a wonderful getaway adventure we had at the stone cottage on Ratelpost Guestfarm. It is the perfect place to get away from the city ratrace and relax and unwind in the comfy little rustic cottage in the middle of nowhere! The setting is gorgeous, with carpets of wild flowers in bloom even in May 2015 when we were there. The walk to the beach is well worth the effort as you climb up and over the dunes to a pristine sandy beach with no other being in sight. Another world entirely to us city dwellers. The cottage is just as described, rustic but very comfortable with all that you could need and Guy our host was on hand for anything we may have forgotten. Definitely a place to return to when we need to escape the city."
(visited May 2015)
"What a magical gem of a place, and what a privilege to be able to stay in this incredible environment."
(visited May 2015)
"Absolutely stunning, the view, the setting and hospitality make this place. It's absolutely off the grid, we spent two days on the most beautiful beach without seeing a single other person. Guy is an incredibly friendly host and the cottage is a beautifully picturesque beach cottage. The hike over the dunes to the beach is a tad long, but you see so much wildlife on the way, and the paths and stairs over the dune feels like your in some treasure island adventure. We will definitely be back!"
(visited February 2015)
"What an amazing experience! My husband surprised me with this awesome little getaway as part of our honeymoon & this is one of my best memories. The stone cottage is rustic, but spotlessly clean and well-maintained, as well as in a beautiful setting surrounded by unspoiled wild bush and a view of stunning dunes & ocean with amazing sunsets and sunrises. There is a short but adventurous scenic hike which can be taken from the cottage to the beach. The beach feels like something out of a movie, as it is totally isolated. I highly recommend this holiday location for anyone who really wants to get away and feel close to nature. It is the most peaceful setting I have ever been in, it was so much fun to use an outdoor shower and sit on the deck with the braai going. We will definitely go back."
(visited January 2015)
"My wife and I recently spent a weekend at Ratelpost, we stayed in Stone Bush cottage. From the moment we met Guy and his four children (lovely dogs) we felt very welcome and right at home. We enjoyed our stay very much and actually missed the place when we got home. The awesome bed, beautiful setting, spectacular beach and rustic, yet tasteful cottage made us want to go back again. If you are looking for peace and quiet, lots of fire making (you need to get the donkey going for hot water), I would recommend a visit to Ratelpost."
(visited May 2014)
"Unforgettable stay amidst intoxicating fynbos aromas and fresh sea breezes. Stunning rustic and cosy cottage with modern facilities but with the added option of a quaint outdoor shower. Beautiful sunset walks and just the kind of solitude and peace we had been looking for! "
(visited April 2014)
"Beautiful getaway from the everyday rat race. Unspoilt picturesque beach all to yourself. Lovely indoor fireplace makes for very cosy evenings. Very clean and neat."
(visited March 2014)
"A wonderful getaway. Sleeping with the door open and waking to the crashing of the waves, seeing the sea and the dunes and the fabulous sunrise, makes this getaway really appealing. Lovely cottage, furnished with lovely bits of antiquities and a nice rustic touch with the toilet and shower outside. Would recommend this to my friends and colleagues."
(visited March 2014)
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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