Quick Facts
E 21°18'51''
Budget Getaways Review
As far as group getaways go, you don't come closer to the ideal than this.
Hugging the banks of the Goukou River and 14km upstream from Stilbaai, Rustfontein ("Fountain of Rest") is exactly that: a place to kickback, relax, and put aside those urban worries.
This small working farm features an olive grove, a vineyard, a fruit and nut orchard, a small flock of sheep and a couple of cattle - all framed by a long stretch of water and 630ha of craggy fynbos.
The owners also produce their own red wine - garigiste style. What's more, they're happy to share, just let them know if you're wanting some for your stay.
Now to the accommodation. Rustfontein is a privately appointed old farmhouse that's been beautifully and creatively transformed into an comfortable country retreat. And, unlike some farmhouses we've come across in our time, this one is is rustic-luxury comfort one end to the other.
The house can sleep a total of 12 guests in four double bedrooms, plus there are four more single beds in an open area, well suited for kids. As such, the perfect pad for two or more families who want to spend quality time together without getting tangled in each other's hair.
Percale cotton linen, a stone fireplace, handpicked decor and furniture, a Victorian slipper-bath with a view, water from a nearby spring, al fresco dining under the milkwoods, the list goes on.
Meandering a mere 200m from the front door, the wide Goukou River is good for canoeing, swimming and birdwatching. For more action, there are long walks to be had in the fynbos and ancient milkwood forest. Stilbaai is 14km up the road, with beach, eateries and good ol' seaside vibe.
Like we said, if it's the perfect group getaway you're after...
"Margie was a wonderful host and communicated well. We lacked nothing, the house was super clean and had everything we needed for a fun chaotic large family Christmas gathering. The location is idyllic and peaceful. Highly recommended!!!"
(visited December 2023)
"We were a family of 3 generations and Rustfontein offers something for each generation. We thoroughly enjoyed the peace and quiet and having free reign of the magnificent lawned area between the house and the river. The river itself was a treat for swimming and paddling (2 canoes provided). There are great hikes in the fynbos and for the enthusiastic and fit mountain biker, the farm road won't disappoint. Margie is a great host and kept us up to date with the load-shedding schedules and Herman treated us to a bottle of his delicious garigiste style red wine. They are both readily available to assist with any queries or problems."
(visited December 2022)
"We had a lovely stay over the long-weekend. Margie and Herman are wonderful hosts and the house offered everything we needed. Rustfontein is definitely an appropriate name!"
(visited Apr 2021)
"We all loved Rustfontein. It ticks all the boxes! The house is so well equipped for a big group, with attention to detail. It felt like Eden with its lush lawns, and beautiful river. My only problem is that the 3 days we had was not long enough!"
(visited Mar 2021)
"We loved our stay at Rustfontein. The house was beautiful and perfect for a big family getaway."
(visited Dec 2019)
"Such a beautiful setting. We loved it, kids had so much fun. River is awesome and felt safe for swimming and kayaking and the water was a good temperature that encouraged lazy long sessions of floating & bobbing around."
(visited Jan 2019)
"It was the best getaway I have experienced. Wonderful."
(visited January 2018)
"Our family and two guests from England and their baby stayed at Rustfontein in January. Our hosts made us really feel at home and our oversees guests loved the unbelievable setting in the countryside. The well equiped and beautiful house was big enough for all of us to relax and enjoy. We all loved walking down to the river. We can fully recommend this getaway."
(visited Jan 2018)
"We had a wonderful and relaxing family holiday at Rustfontein. Beautifully situated away from the crowds. A real rustic country farm house with loads of charm and pretty comfort, with the Goukou River a 30 second walk away. A great house and surrounds for families to share and relax in."
(visited Dec 2017)
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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