Quick Facts
E 18°22'40''
Budget Getaways Review
The origins of this funky and romantic getaway stem back to 1925, when it served (as the name implies), as a stable and then as a jail, mopping up the overflow from the local prison!
Evidence of this colourful history can still be seen in the trough below the kitchen sink and the prison bars in the kitchen and bathroom.
Stone Stables lies quietly in the far corner of a beautifully tended garden, across the way (about 30m) from the main Victorian homestead - like the cottage itself, it's clear that a discerning and creative eye has been at work here.
Creative and simple design elements characterise Stone Stables, as does a nice blend of the traditional and modern.
Raw rock alternating with cretestone walls, cement screed floors, rusty corrugated iron panelling, a stainless steel gas stove/oven and a silver fridge, coir mats, stainless steel kitchen counter tops, chunky old timber beams, plenty of mosaic detail, a wonderful open fireplace, quality linen on the Queen-size bed, old milk cans serving as side tables, all combine to set the tone for a relaxed romantic weekend.
Tea, coffee, sugar and rusks are provided, as are linen and towels.
The gorgeous pool (shared with the owners of the main house) is an absolute win in summer, so is the shady mulberry tree and cool lawn (with perfectly appointed braai) in front of the cottage.
Apart from lazing next to the pool, there are several decent restaurants around the corner, the beach at Yzerfontein is a short drive away, as is Darling's wine route, which has come along nicely in recent years.
For a couple needing some relaxing time out a quick hop from the city, won't do much better than Stone Stables.
"A rustic country getaway, situated in a beautiful, private garden, which was also the setting for my (now) fiance to propose! The cottage is walking distance to the main road and Darling golf course and an excellent base from which to explore the surrounding area. The decor is unique but comfortable and functional, the indoor fireplace was a great treat to warm the open plan space. This is very special escape, we will definitely return!"
(visited Sep 2017)
"Quaint setting, spacious with an amazing bed and shower! The kitchen was a little ill equipped for us to try and make breakfast and dinner, and we struggled with the gas stove. It's a very comfortable cottage though. We would have liked off-street parking. The dogs are super friendly and made our stay more fun!"
(visited Jan 2017)
"We spent two nights at Stone Stables and had such a great time. I really liked the creative way in which the cottage was designed in terms of decor. The large fan was great for the heat, the big shower was lovely and the patio couch was very comfy to read on. I was really impressed and thankful for how affordable it was. I will definitely be back!"
(visited Dec 2016)
"Such an amazing place! We absolutely loved it. The bed was very comfortable. I loved the hanging lamps, the old milk bottle side tables and corrugated ion sliding doors. There are so many lovely things to do in Darling too. Philippa, the owner, was really nice too."
(visited Aug 2016)
"Very pleasant stay in Darling. We had lots of time to explore."
(visited Aug 2016)
"Wonderful cottage with the most amazingly comfortable bed and duvet - hardly wanted to get out of bed to explore Darling! Fabulous fireplace too. All in all a great place to stay and I would definitely go back."
(visited Jun 2016)
"Such a lovely space, created with style and old world charm. Such a spacious cottage cleverly designed to retain all the historical beauty of the era. My wife and I are so inspired to create our own house like this. Phillipa has created a lovely space."
(visited Mar 2016)
"This cottage has everything that one would need for a peaceful break away. The king sized bed was luxuriously comfortable. Will definitely stay there again. Thank you Philippa for your warm welcome and hospitality."
(visited Mar 2016)
"We loved staying here. I had some special requests and the owner gladly helped. The crackling of the fire place and a bottle of bubbly on ice welcomed us as we ran in from a cold and rainy night. We loved the bathroom and living room. We will stay there again."
(visited July 2015)
"Really enjoyed our winter weekend breakaway from the big city. So peaceful and quiet, and relaxing. Loved the occasional visit from their dogs who were always friendly and pleased to see us. The large fireplace with an abundance of firewood helped keep all 'those' winter chills away! Thanks guys. We'll be back."
(visited July 2015)
"We thoroughly enjoyed our stay, the cottage is basic but comfortable. Perfect for a weekend of relaxing. My only disappointment was that the pool shown on the photographs is situated with the main house and not at the cottage."
(visited December 2014)
"Importantly, we had a good stay. We had quality sleep on the King-size bed. Host was friendly and the setting interesting. While the cottage was neat and quaint, we found that the gas-stove/hob was not working and we could not make coffee or tea which was a bit of a downer. A nice touch would have been a little bit of milk in the fridge for the above. The living room curtain was a little "tired" and probably needs replacing as one could see out and in through it. For a one-nighter in a little dorp, this is a good "getaway" option."
(visited August 2014)
"Very nice stay, really enjoyed the fireplace!"
(visited July 2014)
"Old and contemporary meets in this cosy cottage. Undisturbed peace for a weekend. Beautiful setting."
(visited February 2014)
"Stones Stable is one of most romantic destination I have experienced! The host was excellent and everything was perfect... Oh, yes, we got engaged at the stables and I must tell you 'trou is nie perdkoop nie'! Keep this a secret, but spread word!"
(visited December 2011)
"Great getaway from the city - we really enjoyed our time at this cottage and will definitely go back. Loved the garden and shower. Nice & close to everything in Darling!"
(visited September 2011)
"If you are looking for authenticity, uniqueness, comfort (that King-size, extra-length bed!), quality finishes and sheer charm, then Stone Stables is the perfect retreat for you! One night was NOT enough!! Will be back in winter to make use of the beautiful fireplace and cosy atmosphere..."
(visited December 2009)
"What a wonderful place to have stayed at for our wedding weekend, thanks Janet for all your attention to detail! Can't wait to visit again!"
(visited April 2008)
"Wished we could have stayed longer - Highly recommended."
(visited December 2007)
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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