The Place

"The perfect place for a few days of R&R. Lizelle was very accommodating and let me bring my dogs with on my trip. Peace, quiet, lovely long walks on the farm. I stayed in the Red Rock Cottage and it was fantastic. Clean, well laid out with all the comforts of home. You can see a lot of effort and love has been put into renovating this old cottage. Would make a very romantic getaway in the Winter with its woodstove and fireplace in the bedroom. Be sure to order some of Lizelles olive and rosemary bread, best I have ever tasted!!"

(visited Nov 2018)

"Exceptional!"

(visited Jul 2017)

"We loved our stay at Red Rock Cottage at The Place! The cottage is well equipped and comfortable. We had everything we needed and loved chilling on the patio, cooking and exploring the area. Hunter our dog also loved every moment. Baie dankie!"

(visited Oct 2016)

"Our stay was amazing; tranquil, quiet and great place to unwind from the city life. The indoor fireplace works extremely well. We loved just sitting and watching the bird life and field mice do their morning chores. We sat for hours watching nature unfold in front of our eyes. I would recommended The Place. The hosts are great, the location is amazing and the facilities are good."

(visited Sep 2016)

"We booked at The Place to enjoy a little Karoo quiet and it met our needs completely. Beautiful setting, the sweetest little studio flat with lovingly handmade fittings and furniture, and the perfect little wood burning stove to keep us toasty. We spent our time reading and resting and also went for a long ramble on the undulating shale hills on the farm - no paths but no need for them either, you create your own route - and saw the most incredible plant and animal life, even catching a glimpse of the local baboon troop. Lizelle was very welcoming and helpful. We loved that we could buy fresh farm eggs right there from chickens we could see and it perfected our Sunday breakfast. Could've stayed there for weeks!"

(visited Jun 2016)

"The Place has everything you need. If you want DSTV and a dishwasher, this is not for you. If you want solitude, stars, walks, a river, and blissful silence, then this would suit you perfectly. We were warmly welcomed and given hot olive bread. Everything was clean, whatever we needed was there. There was a lovely fireplace to keep us warm in the freezing nights. Suited our family of four but would also suit two couples or even one couple. Highly recommended and I will definitely return."

(visited July 2015)

"Our week stay at The Place was one of the loveliest breaks we have had. Lizelle and Kevin in particular are wonderful hosts, going the extra mile with so many added 'extras' to ensure that our stay was special, homemade bread and soup on arrival, availability of organic veggies fresh from the garden, good quality linen and a well stocked kitchen. The love they have for their farm shines through in the care they have taken to restore it, furnish the cottages,and to share it with us. We extended our 5-day stay to 7-days once we were there, and we could have stayed much longer and never been bored. So much to explore on the farm and surrounds (farm is surrounded by mountains, four beautiful passes within one hour drive). We initially booked Red Rock cottage for the space and privacy it afforded, and then extended the stay into The Studio (Red Rock was booked). The Studio is cosier in winter than Red Rock, and was more than roomy enough for my husband and I and our two large dogs. Although adjacent to the main farm house it feels 'private', my husband particularly enjoyed the braai area at "The Studio", and I think the dogs appreciated the warmth! Thank you Lizelle and Kevin for going out of your way to make our stay such a peaceful, relaxing, easy-breathing one."

(visited July 2015)

"We had the most splendid Karoo experience. Lizelle and Kevin were perfect hosts, we arrived in the cold and rain and were met with smiles and a pot of homemade tomato and lentil soup to warm us up, the soup came with homemade bread and yoghurt, delicious. Beautiful, sunny day walks and fabulous star gazing at night. Thank goodness for the fireplace, we used it non stop. I would highly recommend The Place. Peace and quiet and giant Karoo skies, what more could you want?"

(visited June 2015)

"An exceptional stay in the Klein Karoo. We could not fault any aspect of our stay. The setting, accommodation, facilities and calibre of our hosts were simply magnificent. This is a highly recommended getaway."

(visited April 2015)

"We stayed at Red Rock cottage for a long week-end and it is the peaceful get-away spot we have been searching for! The setting is beautiful with the cottage cleverly tucked away beside the koppie, amongst acacia trees. It is private and secluded, if you are a nature lover looking for tranquility then this is The Place for you! We enjoyed bird watching, walks along the river, mountain bike rides and trail runs into the nearby hills. The cottage is cosy and well-appointed. The fresh olive bread, free-range farm eggs and fresh salad herb pack we got from Lizelle and Kevin were all delicious. We look forward to our next visit."

(visited April 2015)

"An absolute Retreat! If you are looking to be in the middle of nowhere, surrounded by nature, the stars and fresh air, then this is The Place (literally) to go! We spent our Easter Weekend here in the Studio cottage with our two dogs and had an absolutely fabulous time doing almost next to nothing. There are lovely mountain bike paths that we enjoyed and the dogs were in their element being able to run free. Another reason, all on its own to stay here is for the simple and delicious pleasure of the freshly baked loaf of bread with Lizelle makes for guests. We hope to be back very soon!"

(visited April 2015)

"My partner and baby and dog stayed at Red Rock Cottage as part of The Place and it was incredible! Lizelle and her family made us feel right at home. Their taste in decoration and the furnishings in the cottage were exemplary. We had fresh baked bread upon arrival, and fresh veggies from Lizelle's garden that were extraordinary. The cottage was a place of refuge and utterly relaxing. What a treat."

(visited March 2015)

"The Place is indeed a very special place. We stayed for two nights in the cottage which is situated next to the Red Rock, very cleverly built such that you only see it once you're standing in front of it, but still close to the main house should there be anything the matter. The bedrooms are very modern and thoughtfully designed, the lounge area, kitchen and outside dining area just cry for relaxing and hour-long meals and braais until the magnificent night sky presents itself for stargazing. Our two year-old son immediately felt at home and always found something to play with. Lizelle and Kevin cannot be exceeded in terms of friendliness and helpfulness. So sad we had to move on, we would have loved to stay longer!"

(visited February 2015)

"Wow, where to begin! Lizelle was proactive in keeping contact to ensure we find the location after dark, somewhere so remote that getting lost is super easy. Upon arrival we received a pristine and inviting cottage with the air in the kitchen filled with the smell of homemade olive & rosemary bread. We felt valued and welcome. From the fireplace in the bedroom to the one in the lounge, this cottage screams romance, relaxation, meditation & blissful ambiance. The fully appointed kitchen with cookware and utensils carefully selected to cater for a variety of dishes either on the fire or oven or stove top, they ensured that nothing is lacking. But what stood out even more is that the qualities of these are on a standard that one does not expect from a budget getaway. Some of the cutlery and cups from @Home and some olde worlde heirlooms. One felt the quality and attention to such detail, the thoughtfulness behind ensuring a luxury feel during our stay. The bathroom is well appointed with modern conveniences, one forgets that you are in the middle of the Karoo removed from civilisation. Tthe double cottage doors opens up to a vista of Karoo landscape to gasp at for as far as the eye can see. With a practical braai (grids included) and two potjie stands, outdoor dining area undercover this is where we spend a lot of time. There is even a stoepie at the bedroom exit to enjoy a different view. The koppie blocks the signal in the cottage, so while going about your indoor activities, know that you most certainly won�t be disturbed by modern technology. However, if you really do need to check up, a mere 100m from the bedroom stoepie you get full signal and on the koppie too. (Geeks!) The farm Adjacent a small red sandstone koppie that begs to be climbed out and upon which, coffee in hand we were able to see the lay of the land. From the distant Karoo mountains, to the Touws River flowing through (and a nice 16 degree cool off, well worth it in the Karoo btw), the farm�s homestead in the distance and even some of the neighbouring farms. One can linger here for months and simply forget about time. None of their pictures could have prepared us for the beauty this place holds. With spring flowers in bloom everywhere, what a feast for the eye this was. The hostess, Lizelle popped by in the morning as promised, and brought us some farm eggs laid by the chickens who range freely and eat organically, how delicious these were in comparison to what we get here in the city, highly recommend taking additional cash with and bringing some back with you after your visit! They offer for sale organic veggies home grown with love, and free of chemicals and one needs only see the size, color and health of these veggies to realise what we buy in the city is not on par by far. How divine! The abundant birdlife and the beautiful gecko�s were our constant companions and in no time at all we didn�t want to leave. From a weekend getaway to a higher quality budget honeymoon, this is an absolute must. We will most certainly return to "The Place" in a year or so. Thank you Lizelle and Kevin, good job converting the humble outbuildings into something this superb and for your warm open hospitality. "

(visited January 2015)

"A truly relaxing wonderful place to stay, so much so that we wanted to live there. Thanks Lizelle, your bread was a definite huge bonus, we are sure to return."

(visited January 2015)

"We spent five nights at this wonderful getaway that has to be the most peaceful and serene place that we have ever visited. The farm is full of contrasts, from the hardy Karoo vegetation, to the lush greenery that surrounds the dam and the river. Our time was spent exploring the farm during the day where we managed to spot tortoises, two large owls and a whole variety of inland water birds and other species common to the Karoo. The studio flat where we stayed is sufficient for two, very clean and tastefully decorated. The breakfasts we ordered were five star quality and is definitely recommended. Nights were spent around the braai and gazing at the stars from the viewpoint of the hammock. Another must if you are visiting is to purchase some farm fresh eggs and a selection of organic herbs and leaves for your salad, it will leave your taste buds tingling. We cannot end this review without including the most important ingredient to our holiday experience, and that would be the warmth and friendliness of our hosts Kevin and Lizelle."

(visited December 2014)

"My partner and I decided we needed some time out from the stress and fast-living that comes with city life. We wanted a getaway that was not too close to home, but far out enough to feel as though we had truly left the city behind. Pricing was also an important factor, next to location. After doing some research, we came across The Studio Flat at The Place. We had some questions about availability, amenities and food menu, which were all answered immediately and efficiently by Lizelle. On arrival, we were warmly welcomed by Kevin and Lizelle and their two Border Collies. The Studio Flat is spotless, warm and cosy, just the right size for two people. I have a gluten intolerance and Lizelle didn't mind accommodating me with my dietary requirements, nothing was too much to ask for. I even got home made muesli and yoghurt, made especially for me! The only thing I regret is not bringing our dogs with us, they would've had a blast. We'll definitely be visiting The Place again next year. This is truly your home away from home."

(visited December 2014)

"I am an ex-hotel GM and I know just what goes into the planning and vision for a new venture. Lizelle and Kev have a little piece of undisturbed and unique Klein Karoo which they are willing to share with us. We stayed in the studio apartment (with our hound) and had a marvelous experience. Hospitality just as your Ouma used to do it in the Karoo, wonderful and warm - the cottages are very well appointed, with everything you need, without being intrusive, and very well chosen for the surroundings, everything fits in beautifully. The silence and tranquility is beyond expectations and a two-night stay sent us on our way rested, and ready for life again. And the food. Well, I am also a chef and I was blown away. We had two dinners (over two nights) and one breakfast, the food is superb! Fresh, organic, gluten free, sugar free, and so appealing, so tasty. Lizelle and Kev are the utmost hosts, whilst leaving you to have maximum privacy, yet one still feels looked after, a balance well done. We cant wait to get back, and I recommend anyone looking for a getaway to put "The Place" on top of your list. I would like to see like-minded people staying here, and appreciating the work that these two wonderful souls put into their offerings. I highly recommend this stay."

(visited October 2014)

"The cottage itself is lovingly furnished in earthy wooden fixtures, which were built by the owners themselves. It boasts the quality of yesteryear; those solid things your Ouma and Oupa had in their home, with a touch of the contemporary. Each detail is carefully thought through, from the retro Defy gas stove and oven to the gorgeous main bedroom fireplace. You can feel the love and effort that went into the building of this cottage and each day you spend there you get to soak up that warmth. The Place offers a menu for pre-order. From frittata to freshly baked rolls, there's a range of different foods to choose from, and man I wish I had ordered more. Lizelle, one of the owners, cooks up a storm in her kitchen with fresh, wholesome foods that your body delights in. I haven't tasted it all but I'd recommend anything. The coup de grace was without doubt the amazing garden salad. Packed with seasonal greens, seeds and flowers (yes, flowers), the salad is a one of the kind treat and you don't need any dressing. It's that good. My recommendation: request the menu when you book your stay and order up. If you asked me, I'd recommend The Place in a heartbeat. The setting, the design, the ease of use, the hospitality and the food are spot on. It's a break from city life in the most wonderful sense. Here time has its own agenda and as you sit on Red Rock watching the sunset over the vast, empty landscape, you can't help but feel a profound sense of peace."

(visited September 2014)

"We had a fantastic weekend stay in the The Studio Flat at the Place with our two young kids (2 & 7 years old) and two dogs. Maybe a bit tight for such a crowd, and probably better suited for a romantic getaway, The Studio Flat nevertheless turned out to be perfect for our quick visit. Everything is carefully thought through, the little 'house' beautifully decorated and attention to detail is evident everywhere. Lizelle and Kevin were the perfect hosts. We had the most delicious chicken pie upon arrival (pre-ordered beforehand) which was very welcome after the long drive on a Friday afternoon. We also sampled the fresh farm eggs, salad greens from their vegetable garden and Lizelle's amazing malva pudding and custard. Her mouth-watering honey bran muffins also came in very handy for our Sunday morning 'expedition picnic' in the veld. We of course also did our own catering, a braai under the Karoo stars is a must in this setting. There's enough to do in the immediate vicinity, or if you prefer, just laze around with a book in the hammock. The kids loved exploring the river banks and looking for animal tracks in the mud. For a quiet, peaceful and relaxing weekend this place is perfect. Next time we'll probably book into the newly completed Red Rock Cottage, which has a great setting next to a koppie and a bit more room for maneuvering for the extended family. When you go, don't forget to sample Lizelle's home cooking skills, it is really worth it."

(visited September 2014)

"We had a fantastically happy stay at The Place. We miss the bread, the fresh farm eggs, the glowing sunsets, gloomy skies, the solitude of the never ending mountain ranges that allow the mind to wander, Kevin's British accent and Lizelle's love in every detail. We wish the star rating would have offered a 'fricken fantastic' option. With their open door policy Lizelle and Kevin truly manage to provide a warm, personal and engaging experience, at the same time always maintaining the private space of their guests. Like Arnold Schwarzenegger, we will be back! Watch out, next time we might not leave again."

(visited August 2014)

"I don't normally write reviews. I don't like sharing. Especially when the place is as sublime as this one. But, alas, where credit is due it must be given. Lizelle and Kevin have managed to re-ignite that fresh and wholesome spark in hospitality, a spark that seems to have been extinguished in today's techno savvy, bottom line and deadline driven world. And they do this whilst remaining totally chilled, hospitable and real, no fake smiles here. We arrived with our amped two year-old puppy that would have most urbanites Googling "Ritalin for dogs". I was a tad apprehensive about meeting the owners as there had been much back-and-forth (on my part) via email in terms of our requirements, enough to have placed me in the same class as 'family members to avoid inviting to lunch'. Talk about reading a situation incorrectly. Lizelle was the perfect host, managing those finer details with aplomb, from the sms whilst we were en-route to check our arrival time, so she could ensure our pre-ordered veggies were picked fresh, to loaning us her personal coffee plunger as we didn't pack ours. As is the case with many getaways, visions of dated softs and bed linen that wouldn't move at a garage sale, along with random tired furniture often come to mind. Not so at The Place. It has to be one of the most tastefully decorated and furnished budget getaways I have ever seen. And they did it all themselves, respect! The linen deserves a special mention, beautiful high quality natural cotton. As does the toilet spray, give it a spritz! So, if long walks where you can wander off the beaten track, lazy mornings in the hammock, slow magical sunsets, whiling away the afternoon on the sandy banks of the Touw's River, preparing meals with delightfully colourful fresh produce, spoiling your pooch or simply savouring a good Merlot in front of the quaint fireplace sound like grand ideas, then this is The Place. Bring your dog. Friends can be arranged :) P.s. Regrettably, all beautiful roses have their own set of thorns, and this can be taken quite literally at The Place. Pack solid thick soled walking shoes, people, or those pesky devil's thorns are going to get you! Oh, and a weekend just won't cut it, give yourself a minimum of 5 days."

(visited August 2014)

"Bianca and I had the most amazing stay at The Place with our two doggies, who were so good not to chase the chickens but were instead intrigued. We hiked all over the farms with no need for paths, choosing our own direction as the desire took us along ridges and into valleys to the top of koppies and across rivers, carefully stepping over the stunning Karoo succulents as we went. What a stunning, peaceful place with so much raw beauty. We could not get enough of it. Thank you so much to our wonderful hosts Lizelle and Kevin for spoiling us so much with the beautifully decorated accommodation (100% cotton bedding), a borrowed poitjie pot, fresh farm baked bread, fresh farm eggs and bags of salad and veggies that came home with us and made many scrumptious meals. What a wonderful weekend. Thank you! We hope to be back into your wilderness soon."

(visited July 2014)

"My husband and I together with our 5-month old daughter and three dogs enjoyed three golden days at The Place. For us the best part of our stay was the stillness of the place, from the moment we arrived we could feel the layers of our busy city life dissipate. Lizelle is the perfect host, warm and helpful. We enjoyed her homemade bread and delicious farm eggs. The flat was perfect for us, clean, cosy, and comfortable. We left with full and happy hearts."

(visited June 2014)

"We spent four amazing days at The Place. The landscape is breathtaking. Our wonderful hosts, Lizelle and Kevin, were so kind and friendly but never fussed or spoilt our privacy. They pointed us on walks and places to visit in the area. The flat itself is extremely comfortable and clean, beautifully furnished and decorated with pieces of art crafted by our hosts (we even bought one of these items!). We are not artists, but in a place like this, we wish we were. A warm loaf of homemade bread was waiting for us when we arrived and we enjoyed a lot of eating "real" organic fresh eggs provided by our hosts. I only regret not having tried the meals that Lizelle and Kevin were proposing as well but we had taken too much food with us already. We cherished the chance to come back there one day. Thanks again so much, Lizelle and Kevin for your hospitality and the peacefulness of your Place."

(visited June 2014)

"A wonderful place indeed. Lizelle made myself and my girlfriend feel incredibly welcome and took it in her stride to enlighten us on the best ways to enjoy the surrounding farm. The stark quiet and the awesome sprawl of the Karoo countryside can really be enjoyed in their entirety here. We spent our days dipping in the cool river pools, and nights staring at the stars around a hearty fire. Die Plek is a really special getaway, and its memories will stay with us for a long, long time."

(visited December 2013)

"The beauty of the farm was stunning, the perfect place to re-energise and be inspired. The surrounding area is also breath-taking and well worth a Sunday drive. Loved the organic, home-cooked food, (especially the fresh bread) and couldn't fault the beautiful flat and facilities. Above all, the wonderful people and the amazing setting made for a fantastic getaway. Would highly recommend The Place."

(visited August 2013)

"We were looking forward to visit The Place since we made our booking in January. On arrival all our expectations were exceeded. This is a true gem, tucked away from the hustle between the beautiful Karoo koppies with breathtaking views and the friendly sounds of farm life. The Place truly makes time stand still. The accommodation was fantastic and the bed sleeps tremendously well, even encourages frequent afternoon naps! We loved the daily visits from Tiger and Spanner, the resident cats. Lizelle and Kevin were superb hosts and we enjoyed every second on their farm so much so we did not want to leave! The Place is a photographer and artist's dream. We will definitely return on a more regular basis and look forward to catch up soon over a glass of wine!"

(visited April 2013)

"I loved falling asleep and waking up with the singing of the birds, being entertained by the baboons while eating my breakfast, and cooking outside on the wood fire as the sun set over the mountains. It was "home from home" - thank you Kevin and Lizelle. I'm looking forward to coming back and flying kites again with Sean."

(visited March 2013)

"An amazing place to visit. So peaceful and relaxing. The perfect place to relax and enjoy yourself, you can really enjoy the peace and the natural surroundings. Lizelle and Kevin were fantastic - really helpful and welcoming, and the accommodation is perfect. Would highly recommend this place to anybody visiting the klein Karoo. We loved it. Thanx Lizelle and Kevin... we will come back at the first chance we get."

(visited November 2012)

"I had a fantastic week at The Place at the beginning of October. I loved the peacefulness and the open spaces. At first glance the landscape might look a little barren but in reality is it so rich and varied. I walked off in different directions every day and always found something new. The flat isn�t huge but it�s beautifully presented and there�s lots of space to sit outside. Although I didn�t make use of the artistic side, it was quite clear that Lizelle and Kevin (extremely friendly) have a vast amount of knowledge and experience and I can�t imagine there�s anywhere else you could get such personal attention if you�re feeling creative."

(visited October 2012)