Quick Facts
E 21°28'43''
Budget Getaways Review
This historic gem is nestled in the Rooiberg foothills just outside of one of the Klein Karoo’s less trodden villages, Van Wyksdorp.
Back in the 1800‘s this settlement and its fertile valley was bursting at the seams with van Wyk’s, wheat farming was a booming business, and Watermill Farm ran no less than seven wheat-to-flour mills.
After decades of neglect the farm has been lovingly resuscitated, and today embodies the simple rural charm one finds in this neck of the woods.
Tucked under towering blue gums among a cluster of whitewashed buildings are three appealing cottages tailored to couples and small families.
The Miller’s Cottage, The Barn and Tant Mina’s Cottage are in keeping with their humble pasts - no electricity (but limited solar), paraffin lanterns, polished dung floors, thick mud walls, reclaimed Oregon. Lovely!
The Miller’s Cottage was once home to the dusty miller, his wife and six kids. Today you'll find a double bedroom with 'hemel bed' (traditional four-poster), and another double in the living room. There’s a bathroom with shower, a comfortable living area and a fully equipped kitchen with Dover stove.
Next up is The Barn, a more spacious option. Dubbed Die Kasteel due it's barrack-like appearance, it once housed tools, animals and all things agriculture.
Stylishly furnished in a mix of old and new, it retains its characterful past by way of the large double barn doors. The bedroom has a double bed, with an additional single in the living area. With a Victorian fireplace in the living room, and a small gas hob, you're all set.
Moving on to Tant Mina’s Cottage, which has been added onto and enlarged since Tant Mina van Wyk lived in this humble little abode many moons back.
Nicely positioned on a hilltop alongside the watermill, soothing views down onto a poplar grove can be had from the stoep. The cottage is furnished in a typical Cape cottage style and has two bedrooms, a shared bathroom and a separate living area and kitchen with fireplace and Dover Stove.
Common to the three are fine linen and towels, superb mountain vistas from the stoep, and of course, oodles of tranquility.
The surrounding hills offer plenty in the way or hiking or walking scope, as well as miles of gravel for mountain bikers.
The other historic farm buildings offer an interesting glimpse into the past; the mill itself is mostly intact, as is Die Langhuis, which saw a serious opskop or three back in its day.
Gentle ambles on the quiet gravel streets of Van Wyksdorp will also be part and parcel of your weekend.
Summing up, total escape from all things urban, a palpable connect to the past, plenty of nature and Klein Karoo vibe, Watermill Farm will hit the spot.
"After reading an article about the town of Van Wyksdorp in the goPlatterland magazine, we knew we had to go and explore this interesting area. Tant Mina's cottage on Watermill Farm was booked with outstanding service from the owner, Pam. The drive over the Tradeau Pass was absolutely beautiful and we were warmly welcomed on arrival and taken to our cottage. Pam has created a wonderfully warm and welcoming atmosphere and was proud to show us around the place. Everything was ready for our arrival and after a braai under the glorious stars of the Karoo, and a hot shower, we were pleasantly surprised to have fine linen bedding to snuggle in (hot water bottles were supplied - a nice touch!). Our days were spent visiting the town and the surrounding farms, learning about organic farming and sustainable living. What passion the folk all have for their little piece of paradise and how welcoming they all were. They enthusiastically shared their knowledge with us and we left with plenty of organic olive, chilli, and pomegranate products. Pam was a wonderful host and we were sad that we didn't have enough time to explore more of the walks on the farm. It was so good to step away from our busy schedules and just experience life as it should be - simple and uncomplicated. The drive home was filled with discussions about how we could turn our back garden into an organic vegetable garden, or, perhaps we should buy a farm in Van Wyksdorp..."
(visited Jul 2016)
"Our second year in a row back at Watermill Farm for the annual vacay! This jewel in the Klein Karoo just doesn't disappoint. Despite the heat, we were treated to three afternoons of blessed Karoo rains and lightning showdowns, interesting wildlife (got to watch a spider killer in fascinating action) and finally met the owner, the intriguing Pam. Of course the farm dam was a summer highlight and our trusty lilos came in use again, this time accompanied by a handy floating bar to host those refreshing chilled drinks. The townsfolk were charming as usual with New Year's Eve spent at the local restaurant, Die Spekboom. Tant Mina's cottage was as pretty as a picture with its comfy linens and two day beds for that much needed afternoon nap. As per usual, the cottage is well-equipped with everything we could possibly need (although we had the upper hand this time round by bringing a mosquito net to keep the critters away). See you in 2017 Watermill Farm!"
(visited January 2016)
"Watermill farm is a fabulous Karoo hide away! Historic and authentic with millions of stars above."
(visited June 2015)
"Wowee, where to begin! I think that we have found the brightest gem in the Klein Karoo and almost don't want to advertise this wonderful place for fear of a tourist stampede. Staying at Watermill farm has left me with lasting memories and a deep seated love for the Karoo. Tant Mina's cottage, in which we spent over 10 days, felt like a home from another life. A life of simple, pure living with the soft dung floors, solid wooden furniture, intriguing nooks and crannies, good linen and a view unparalleled to anything else I have experienced. Looking out over the ancient watermill, over to the Karoo mountains and lush trees, from our gorgeous little stoep was magnificently peaceful and soothing. The managers, Karen and Jerry, were on the next level of hospitality and several beautiful evenings were spent on their verandah watching gorgeous sunsets overlooking the dam. Beautiful souls such as these two do not come around often and we gifted them our lilos when we left - I'm sure that they will do just what we did - cold drink in hand, drifting on the dam, surrounded by the serenity of the Karoo mountains and aloes. Van Wyksdorp itself has an intriguing history and we were never bored nor uncomfortable, a much needed respite from city living. My wish is to experience a winter stay at Watermill Farm and say hello to all the wonderful friends made during our unforgettable stay."
(visited January 2015)
"Great quiet spot, well appointed cottage (we stayed in The Barn). The walk up the mountain at the back has splendid views and the local flora is great. A top though, don't forget the mozzie repellent!"
(visited December 2014)
"One of our most awesome holidays ever! Vanwyksdorp is a true gem, wonderful people, great ambiance, felt like stepping back in time in the best sense of the word."
(visited December 2014)
"From the very prompt replies to inquiries to the wonderful "meet and greet" to the exceptional friendly service, this was always going to be a great holiday! The setting in a wonderful "Little Eden" in the Little Karoo is delightful and the beautifully restored barn that we stayed in was extremely comfortable and very well fitted out. We wanted for nothing and our very helpful host made sure that we had everything we could possibly need. All in all we had a wonderful few days break with the "cherry-on-top" being able to sit on the stoep and watch the Cardinal Woodpeckers in the Agave plants next door. Fantastic place for birdwatchers and anyone wanting to get away from the busy city life to peace and tranquility. We will return."
(visited November 2014)
"Koue, re'nerige dag en nag, maar heerlik "cozy" met die Dover stoof. Pragtige omgewing en natuurskoon! Enjoyed a fantastic stay and will most definitely recommend to all our friends."
(visited September 2014)
"We had a fantastic stay and will definitely be back. Could not fault them on one thing."
(visited August 2014)
"For the ecologically sensitive traveler looking for a secluded, self catering escape into nature, this is perfect. Set in the spectacular Little Karoo, and not far from the quaint village of Vanwyksdorp. Stunning day drives drives, mountain walks, bird life and photographic opportunities abound. The cottages are authentically renovated and the beds ultra luxurious. Highly recommended."
(visited April 2014)
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