Quick Facts
E 19°59'54''
Budget Getaways Review
This is the ideal group getaway. Combining a mix of several architectural styles - a bit of old Cape Dutch, a bit of Victorian - the house was built in the late 1920s. It's a real macoy traditional farmhouse, combining a total of six bedrooms and two bathrooms (one of them big enough to host a Nagmaal dance), which can accommodate a Catholic family of 15, or several nucleur families.
Apart from plenty of sleeping space there is a large sitting room with fireplace and indoor braai (just the thing for the all-seaon braaimaster), two stoeps - the one oriented for winter, the other for summer - and a well stocked farm kitchen with all the modcons, including microwave, fridge, freezer, stove, dishwasher and all essential braai grid and potjie.
Evidence of good old farm hospitality can be found all over the place - homebaked bread, ouma's jam, more than enough washing up liquid, dishcloths, sponges etc, linen (bring your own swimming towel), a reasonable price tag... All nice little touches that add up to a feelgood experience.
Stepping outside, other than deciding which stoep you want to sit on and which braai to burn your chop on, with the Langeberg on the one side and the Riviersonderend on the other, there's plenty to do between the two.
Fishing for bass on the dams, swimming or paddling about in your canoe (not supplied), exploring the dirt roads on your bike, bird watching, popping in for some plonk at the local wineries, or simply kicking back on the stoep or in the garden with a musty book from the rack, you won't be at a loss.
Like we said, Vanzylsrust is the ideal group getaway.
"We really enjoyed our weekend stay, we took our dogs who loved it. The hosts were warm and friendly, would highly recommend."
(visited December 2022)
"We had a fantastic stay at Van Zylsrust. Evaline and VanZyl were fantastic hosts and very welcoming. Loved the old farmhouse and the kids loved the open spaces."
(visited Sep 2022)
"What a beautiful country house! The photos on the listing does not do it any justice. The setting is beautiful and really good for the soul. The kitchen is well equipped, and this made our stay even more comfortable. The host was also very friendly. I would happily recommend Van Zylsrust Country House."
(visited July 2022)
"We had an awesome time on the farm. The peaceful surroundings was just what we needed. Perfect for a break away from the city's hussle and bustle. Not forgetting the delicious baked bread we receive on arrival. Thanks Evaline."
(visited Apr 2022)
"We had a fantastic weekend at VanZylsrust country house. Thank you Evaline for your hospitality. And for the freshly baked bread on our arrival! The house has such a rich history and is beautifully maintained. And the view onto the garden and mountains stunning. Kids loved all the space and freedom. We also loved the outdoor boma fire place! We will definitely return."
(visited May 2021)
"A fantastic place for a large group! The house is beautiful and the view is stunning. Kitchen is well equipped. Will definitely return!"
(visited May 2021)
"We had the most wonderful family stay on this picturesque plum farm. Evaline was a brilliant host, spoiling us with boxes of plums and full access to the farm. We loved spending our days creating whirlpools in the farm pool, walking through the vineyards and playing ball games on the lawn. This is the perfect place to come with your family or friends for a big group city escape. We can't wait to return."
(visited December 2020)
"A family getaway to heal after loss, covid and a nasty 2020. The house is beautiful, large and well equipped with everything you'll need. The hosts are welcoming and very friendly. The delicious warm, freshly baked bread that welcomes you, is such a great touch. You're catered for during Summer and Winter, with heaters, fans, aircon, indoor braai and a firepit. The beds are comfortable and there's ample bedding provided. The views are spectacular, the farm is vibrant, with farmworkers harvesting fruit, the smell of nature and the energy of growth. The river can be accessed through the farm but you have be careful accessing through the bush, as there isn't an actual path. Take rock shoes or thick sole flip flops. It's not treacherous, just a short walk down the rocky and sandy embankment to the rocky riverbed. Older folks may not appreciate. I would definitely book again, as it's great value for money."
(visited December 2020)
"I can only confirm that all positive comments made previously are true! What a lovely house. Ideal in the winter with indoor braai/fireplace and unlimited wood. Would be lovely in summer too, with aircon and ceiling fans as well as a swimming dam."
(visited Jul 2019)
"We really enjoyed our stay at this beautiful farmhouse. We were welcomed with a warm, freshly baked farm bread. The house is huge and beautiful and the hosts are so friendly. With both an inside and outside braai area and amazing amenities, this is true value for money!"
(visited May 2019)
"We have just had the most wonderful long weekend away at Van Zylsrust Country House, situated on a beautuful working fruit farm. The old farmhouse is huge. We were 10 guests and nearly as many dogs. Our host Evaline, was such a lovely lady, and a very accomplished artist, as evidenced by the beautiful artwork everywhere. The decor was simple, tasteful and wonderfully authentic. The house was fitted out with all the comforts you could wish for. Whether you want long country walks, lazy afternoons on the lawns, sundowners on the stoep or gathering around the fabulous boma to braai. We did it all and will be back as soon as possible!"
(visited Sep 2018)
"We had a wonderful weekend with extended family and three dogs in this large farmhouse. The accommodation was spotlessly clean, the bedrooms were so welcoming and spacious and the beds were very comfortable. Evelyn's beautiful paintings can be appreciated in every room and it really did feel homely. The weather was hot, but the house always remained perfectly cool. We enjoyed walks around the farm and a swim in the nearby dam. The kids and dogs loved the farm freedom and space. We look forward to coming back with friends in a few weeks time."
(visited Oct 2017)
"An excellent place to bring a large group of people for a relaxing weekend. Highly recommended."
(visited Aug 2017)
"What a fantastic getaway - spotlessly clean, brilliantly equipped and about as comfortable as you can get! From morning coffee to evening sundowners the sheltered stoep is the most perfect spot to relax while keeping an eye on your kids and furkids. If you have a bit more energy then a wander through the vineyards or a dip in the dam are just the ticket. And if you want venture further afield there's plenty to explore locally - river cruises, wine farms, a donkey sanctuary amongst others. From Evaline's home baked bread to the comfy beds this really is a fantastic group getaway, highly recommended."
(visited Apr 2017)
"We really enjoyed our stay at Van Zylsrust - perfect for a big group of friends and well-equipped with everything we needed. Great for just kicking back and not doing much of anything. We hope to return in future!"
(visited Feb 2017)
"I set off with 12 friends to enjoy a birthday weekend away in the country. I returned having had, hands down, one of the best experiences of my life. And Evaline and her wonderful Country House provided the perfect setting for this memorable experience. From the time I booked the house, Evaline was always available, answering a myriad of questions and providing countless assurances. I was a bit concerned that there were only two bathrooms, but I needn't have worried. We were so relaxed by the surroundings that everyone just took bathroom scheduling in their stride with no problems at all. It also helped a great deal that there was a constant supply of hot water and a secret third toilet accessible from the outside of the house for those little emergencies. There is no cell phone reception and only SABC channels, but did that bother us? Not in the least! We took the opportunity to do some Olympic level 'kuiering' around the fire pit, the fireplace, the dining table, in the kitchen, on the stoep...this house is made for languid conversations in a relaxed setting. The beds are comfortable and each of the 6 bedrooms is spacious and well-equipped. The kitchen has all the appliances you could want (even a dishwasher) and (bonus) filtered drinking water. The house itself is incredibly well-maintained even though it is over 80 years old. The gleaming wooden floors, shuttered windows, stable doors and ample stoep inspire nostalgia and adds to the magical appeal of the experience. But the cherry on top has to be the bread - delivered by Evaline wrapped in a quilt, still warm from the oven and the size of an infant - it was delicious as only plaasbrood can be! Even the banters among us couldn't resist! We had the most wonderful time in this lovely setting and have made fond memories that will last forever. Many thanks Evaline. By the way, Evaline is a talented artist and her work can be admired adorning all the walls in the house, which all adds to the comforting personality of this place. So grab a bunch of friends and family and make your way there as soon as you can."
(visited Aug 2016)
"It's not easy to find budget accommodation for severn heterosexual males who all wish to sleep in a bed of their own during our triannual Boy�s Weekends away, so Van Zylsrust was a real find! Evaline Russouw welcomed us, and after showing us around, returned a few hours later with some complimentary freshly baked bread, which was lovely. The walls of the house are decorated with many beautiful paintings done by Evaline, which add to the character of the house. The house is huge, and very well maintained. There are 6 spacious bedrooms, sleeping 12 people, so it�s ideal for a large family, or a big group of friends. There is a big lounge with a TV, a dining area with a long table for communal meals, a pantry with a fridge and a freezer, and a nice sized kitchen, containing all of the appliances and kitchenware you will need. There is an indoor braai for when the weather�s not great, and a large round pit braai out back. Free wood was supplied, which was a bonus. There are some small lawns at the front of the house, and we enjoyed a nice game of cricket on Saturday afternoon. Apart from a little hotspot outside a nearby barn, there is no cellphone reception on the farm. That might put some people off, but it did not bother us in the least. In fact, it was a huge bonus to some in our group! All of us had a wonderful weekend, and the answer to the question that inevitably gets asked when our weekends away come to an end, �Would you come here again?� was an overwhelming 'yes'."
(visited March 2015)
"We were a group of 8 friends and had a most amazing, wonderful visit. Everything you can think of is in the place you will need and it is very clean. The host is very friendly and helpful. There is more than enough place to walk, even up to the river. Big garden to sit in. We had braai inside and outside and it was just so relaxing and peaceful. I even hear the call of the Fish Eagle and many other birds. We had such a wonderful time that we will go again, for sure."
(visited January 2015)
"Arranging the stay was very easy indeed, our host Evaline provided lots of information in advance. The house is enormous and accommodated our group of 8 children and 4 adults with room to spare. The spacious gardens allowed hours of fun playing with our badminton set and Frisbee, and we spent every evening under the full moon around the fire pit. The house provides comfy camp chairs for those long social evenings by the braai. The kids loved the swimming most of all, and went down to the pool three times a day. For the adults, the great location very near to the wine farms of the Robertson Valley meant that day trips and tastings were easy. A highlight is the comfy & cool front stoep for reading and watching the kids at play in the garden. The house has it all: it's big, clean, comfy; the fresh baked bread is delicious, and privacy is assured. Spending 4 nights without walls or electric fences was a special pleasure. We'll definitely be back."
(visited January 2015)
"Van Zylrust Country House is a great getaway for a few families. We were four families and we had an amazing time. The kids played in the beautiful garden, we rode bikes, we walked. It was fantastic!"
(visited September 2014)
"Perfect for big families and excellent value for money. Miles of open spaces to explore and very friendly hosts."
(visited April 2014)
"What an awesome getaway for a big group of people. Loved it."
(visited January 2013)
"Fantastiese plek, huis het genoeg van alles en nog wat. Bring net kos, klere & drank. 'n Wonderlike wegbreekplekkie. Ons kom definitief terug!"
(visited October 2012)
"Dit was 'n HEERLIKE naweek. Ons het die stilte baie geniet! Die huis het 'n pragtige statige atmosfeer en is baie ruim. Als wat jy nodig het is daar. Die binne en buitebraai maak dit moontlik om enige tyd te braai. Ons het selfs hout en 'n lekker brood by die gasvrou gekry. BAIE LEKKER! Ons wil sommer weer gaan."
(visited October 2010)
"Dit was 'n great experience! Sal definitief weer soontoe gaan!"
(visited January 2010)
"Wat 'n fantastiese naweek! Die huis is groot en daar is plek vir ALMAL. Alles is skoon en netjies en daar is ALLES in die huis... tot steakmessies. Die varsgebakte plaasbrood is verslind deur al die fietsryers. Ons het selfs lekker vir die bokke gekyk saam met die Rossouw gesin. Ek sal die huis vir enige persoon aanbeveel. Dankie vir julle gasvryheid en moeite."
(visited November 2009)
"Dit was 'n fantastiese naweek. Kinders het dit baie geniet en ons die rustigheid van die plaas lewe. Die vars gebakte brood met ons aankoms was 'n bonus. Dit was baie lekker en die kinders vra al klaar wanneer ons weer gaan kuier. Hulle geniet die lang gang en hout vloere. Laat dink jou aan jou Ouma se huis op die plaas. Daar is regtig alles in die huis, wat jy sal benodig. Van Eleltriese klitser tot broodpannetjies. Dankie Evelyn en Van Zyl vir julle gasvryheid. Dit was HEERLIK.
(visited July 2009)
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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