Quick Facts
E 20°05'43''
Budget Getaways Review
Stormsvlei? Where's that? If you've been to Bonnievale (20km away) you would have passed through it, coming off the N2. For the rest of you untravelled lot, it's a tiny hamlet spread around the banks of the Sonderend River; and as yet, untrampled. As one cheeky guest put it, "Hou tog asb net vir Pam Golding weg..." Yeah, that's telling them, buddy.
As far as your bed goes in this quaint little corner of the world, you can't hope for much better than Stormsvlei Riverside Cottages. Firstly, you will be staying on a lush 250ha farm abutting the river itself - doe-eyed Galloway cows (never heard of them), the mournful cry of the hadeda passing overhead, swooping kingfishers, leaping fish... Okay, okay, you've got the idea.
At the centre of it all is the farm's old artisan quarters, dating back to 1860 - that's old. But have no fear, the building has been lovingly restored into three self-catering units that offer that lovely cosy balance of comfort and old world tradition: thick wonky walls, old timber beams, creaky Cape furniture, enticing smells of woodfire and home cooking - yours.
While the three units are housed in the same building the entrances all face in opposite directions - think of yourself as a spoke in a three-spoked cartwheel - and are adequately private. Even better we reckon, rustle up three couples (with or without a few kids) and you've got yourself the best of all worlds.
Unit One comes with kingsize bed and two singles, Unit Two with kingsize bed and two bunks (for mom and dad?), and Unit Three a kingsize bed and aircon. All feature 100% percale linen (which many guests seem to comment on) and fireplaces. You will be provided with enough wood and fresh milk and a couple of other little goodies to ease you through the weekend.
And then there's the converted Old Stormsvlei Schoolmaster's House. As traditional but more spacious and private the house has two bedrooms with king-size beds and a third bedroom with four singles - thereby sleeping a happy bunch of 8 total. Schoolmasters lived well in the old days 'cause there are also two bathrooms with showers and an indoor kaggel in the living area, and nice stoep for navel-gazing. At R1800 nightly for the house you are looking at a minimum R200pp.
New to the Stormsvlei mix is the historic Post Office, beautifully renovated and well suited to couples, you've got a king bedroom with ensuite bathroom and shower. The kitchen and living room are open plan, with two easy-chairs ready for you in front of the fireplace. Outside you've got a sun drenched stoep and a braai area.
Stepping onto the green grass circling the above units, there's the option of braaing along the river, swimming, picnics, fishing, canoeing, a six kay hiking trail, birdwatching, or mozing along to the Stormsvlei Farm Stall & Restaurant, which is housed in the old (1920) hotel. Recently added to the facilities is a restored barn, which houses the indoor braai area, 14 seater dining table and large flatscreen TV, perfect for those en masse gatherings or birthday parties.
Come on, what you waiting for, folks? Hit that Request Quote button.
"We had just had our 50th Wedding anniversary party and I was nursing a healing spider bite on my nose. Wonderful hostess and a time to recoup. Blissful peace. Would like to go again."
(visited Apr 2018)
"We really enjoyed our stay. The place was neat and clean, peaceful and relaxing. Juanika was very helpful, caring for our every need and checking up if we were still okay. We want to go back soon! Thank you Juanika for your wonderful accommodation."
(visited Nov 2017)
"A super venue. The kids loved the large grass area and access to the river. The cottages had everything that we needed and the host was very responsive to queries and requests."
(visited Sep 2017)
"What a satisfying rustic stay on the banks of the river. The cottage was spacious, well equipped with a handy indoor braai area. This is just the kind of getaway to revive the spirit and leave you refreshed. A friendly hostess welcomes you with freshly baked bread and homemade jam. I would definitely recommend this as a value for money getaway."
(visited Apr 2017)
"Such a beautiful place and a lovely friendly host, Juanika! The kids absolutely loved the freedom and safety to ride their bikes all day long and were very excited to see the beautiful deer on the farm. Our fishing boat adventure will not be forgotten soon (caught in the down-pouring rain!). The cottage itself was so beautiful, neat and well equipped. We will definitely be coming back! And what a lovely gesture to supply each guest with a jug of fresh Jersey milk. The kids drank that faster than I could have anticipated."
(visited Oct 2016)
"Quaint hamlet on a beautiful farm, drenched in history. It is just off the N2 between Bonnievale and Robertson. We stayed in the Post Office. It has a very comfortable bed with crisp linen and spacious living area / kitchen with a wonderful fireplace. There was plenty of wood for us to use. We enjoyed cycling and walks around the farm and by the river and visiting the many wine estates in the area. Juanika was the perfect hostess with her kind hospitality, warm welcome and genuine care. Since our stay, we keep recommending it to our friends and we will definitely go back for another stay."
(visited Aug 2016)
"Wonderful spot by the river, we loved the quiet setting, the cows, the water, the cats etc. Juanika is a wonderful host!"
(visited Mar 2016)
"Overall a good stay. The cottages are very close to the N2, though. So you are not "out of this world". The river is fantastic for small kids due to the sand banks."
(visited January 2016)
"We wanted to have some peace and quietness and it was sublime! We stayed in Cottage 3 and the bed and white linen was first class. From there we could explore the wine routes in the Robertson area and will def come back good value for money."
(visited June 2015)
"We encountered very professional and personal treatment, heck, we were practically treated like family! Our special requests were accommodated without any problems. And what a fantastic setting, absolute peace and tranquility. We loved being there, and will visit again without any hesitation. I can seriously recommend a stay at Stormsvlei to everyone."
(visited June 2015)
"Lovely feel to the farm, with amazingly friendly and welcoming hosts. We were given free milk (from their Jersey cows) and endless supplies of firewood which was great for the braai and the indoor fire in the chilly winter weather. I was ill the entire weekend, but the change of scenery did my soul the world of good. The boys caught lots of fish in the river, and it was such an idyllic peaceful setting, and one felt so safe with no burglar bars, alarms, security dogs on alert, it was like going back 20-years to a more perfect world. The linen and beds were luxurious and a real treat, as was the enormous bath with plenty of piping hot water on hand. Can definitely recommend Stormsvlei Riverside Cottages without a doubt, terrific value for money, and terrific for the body, mind and soul."
(visited May 2015)
"Amazing! We stayed for two nights in April 2015. Thank you Stormsvlei for the clean cottage, awsome kingsize bed and of course the jersey milk and braai wood. Lovely scenery. Recommended."
(visited April 2015)
"Stayed for a long weekend and had a wonderful time! Will definitely be back."
(visited March 2015)
"The schoolhouse was a tastefully decorated and comfortable and the setting was really peaceful. The children were on the river at 6am and out enjoying the outdoors the whole day. Juanika understands customer service and Stormsvlei is run excellently, we received great information before we left Cape Town, access was arranged to ensure we were welcomed at the gate and we had lots of fresh jersey milk as a treat during our stay. The cottages are conveniently located close to Swellendam too."
(visited January 2015)
"The hiking group loved the Cottages because everything was so clean and fresh. The hiking is a bit limited but the surrounding area is superb. We loved it."
(visited January 2015)
"Juanika is a fantastic hostess. We really enjoyed the quiet relaxing weekend away."
(visited January 2015)
"Was absolute bliss! A definite regular holiday spot for me. Wonderful setting,close to home but far enough, great prices, spotless, neat and comforting."
(visited January 2015)
"We had such a lovely few days at Stormsvlei Cottages. In the midst of the holiday season we felt like we had the place to ourselves, despite there being people occupying the other two cottages. The river is beautiful, the swimming amazing and the house more than met our expectations. A very relaxing place and would be perfect for a weekend away."
(visited January 2015)
"A really good place for families, and run by very kind people. The fresh milk on arrival was a lovely touch and we kept asking for more. Good carp fishing down in the river. We stayed in the Schoolhouse which everyone enjoyed very much."
(visited December 2014)
"Wow in every possible way. I will definitely be back! Juanika is a brilliant host."
(visited November 2014)
"I could not have been more pleasantly surprised by this magical little secluded piece of perfect out in the country. Exceptional hospitality, we were made to feel incredibly welcome by our hosts. Wonderful weekend getaway spot to escape the chaos of the city! Will most certainly be back."
(visited October 2014)
"We went up to Stormsvlei Cottages for a three-night stay and it was absolutely wonderful. I will definitely go back as soon as I can! The owner was so kind and attentive, our stay could not have been any better. The best getaway I have ever been on!"
(visited May 2014)
"Loved everything about this place. Will definitely be back."
(visited May 2014)
"Really enjoy staying at Stormsvlei. Juanika thinks of everything possible to make your stay enjoyable. Everything you might need for self catering were in the cottages."
(visited April 2014)
"Wow! Pragtige plek met baie mooi groen gras. Genoeg veilige fietsry spasie vir die kinders. Visvang, roei, swem en natuurlik die boomswaai waarmee jy in die rivier in kan swaai het ure se pret verseker. Beddegoed is ook van die beste gehalte! Kombuis is ook goed toegerus, al wat ek vlg keer sal saamvat is n skerp groente messie, verder was daar van alles. meer as genoeg braaihout is ook voorsien. Sal defnitief weer daar n draai gaan maak. Juanika is n fantastiese gasvrou."
(visited April 2014)
"Awesome! Words are not enough. We had a super time, Thank you for sharing your piece of heaven with us. We'll be back."
(visited November 2013)
"A friend who is over on holiday from Holland and I stayed in cottage one this past weekend and its amazing... such history, and so well renovated, decorated and maintained. It is very well positioned to either spend time on the wine route or to pop down to the coast. Juanika is very hospitable and friendly, and I will most definitely be going back."
(visited February 2013)
"We stayed in cottage 3 and had a really great time. Juanika was very quick and eager to respond to any queries we had before arrival, and she was very helpful and friendly while we were there. The cottage itself was very nice and spacious for two people, with a good setting. There is some traffic noise from the N2/R317 during the busy times, but it did not bother us at all. I would stay here again."
(visited December 2012)
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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