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E 21°04'44''
Budget Getaways Review
Can’t bare the thought of another Sunday lunch with the in-laws, kids messing gravy on gran's faux velvet sofa, helping themselves to the Port, tormenting the cat, tearing through grandpa's prize rose garden?
Short of upping the Ritalin it sounds like what your family needs is a laid-back rustic spot where the team can run wild for a few days. We’ve got just the place...
Beecatcher Guest Farm, 23km from Ladismith, is tucked up against the spectacular Klein Swartberg Mountains, with nothing but fresh Karoo air, an informal farm vibe and a whole lot of farm and small wild animals to keep you company - from pigs to mountain goats and spotted eagle owls.
The accommodation at Beecatcher is as abundant as the wide open space and platter of available activities. There are four rustic cottages scattered about the main farmhouse.
For couples, Aloe Cottage is an open-plan log cabin with double bed, ensuite bathroom with shower, equipped kitchen and your own covered stoep with outside braai and views over the farm.
Shaded by giant gum trees and sleeping five in two bedrooms, Blue Gum Cottage is best for families. The main bedroom comes with Queen bed and a single, while the second room has two three-quarter beds. The kitchen is equipped and the open-plan dining area has a fireplace - a must in winter. Outside you’ve got a covered stoep, fenced garden (great for roaming toddlers) and your own braai area, with views over the farm dam.
Onto Lavender Cottage, this is best suited to dad, mom and junior, with one bedroom (with Queen and single bed) and ensuite bathroom, sporting bath and hand shower. There’s an equipped kitchen, covered stoep and braai facilities, again with views over the dam and mountains. The garden isn’t fenced on this one - so don't forget to bring the leash.
Recently added to the beecatcher flock is Sunflower Cottage, with enough space for even two families, the cottage sleeps nine and has three bedrooms (two twins and a three quarter with a set if bunk beds). Your kitchen is fully equipped and your living room opens out onto a covered stoep and braai area, where you can gaze out over the farm and surrounding mountains. The cottage sports a bathroom with bath and shower and a second loo to eliminate the early morning rush.
Apart from the plethora of farm activities, there’s a mineral water dam for that much needed escape from the blazing summer heat. As a guest you also have direct access to the Klein Swartberg mountains, some exciting kloofs to explore, plenty of short and long walks, and more mountain bike rides than you can pack into a saddle bag. Ladismith and a number of awesome day drives, including Seweweekspoort, are also within spitting distance.
So come on, cancel next Sunday's lunch appointment in the 'burbs and reprogram the Garmin for Beecatcher.
"Very nice setting, lovely hosts, lots of animals, unbelievable peace and quietness; the perfect place to get away from stressful day-to-day worklife!"
(visited December 2011)
"Most amazing and relaxing place you could ever go. The service was outstanding and you are made to feel part of this awesome family. We will be back."
(visited December 2011)
"The reception and hosts were friendly and welcoming. The activities were fun and exciting, like feeding the animals. They have fabulous natural surrounds, especially the streams and waterfalls. I however feel that the unit we were in, the kitchen dining area was a bit cramped. Overall was a pleasant stay and would return again."
(visited December 2011)
"Nice quiet place away from modern day rush. Facilities more rustic, but environment beautiful and the people fantastic. Lovely place to unwind."
(visited April 2011)
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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 • Prince Albert • 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 • Velddrif • Vermaaklikheid • Wilderness • Witsand • Worcester & Hex Valley • Yzerfontein • Baviaanskloof • Cape St Francis & St Francis Bay • East London • Graaff-Reinet • Hogsback • Jeffreys Bay • Makhanda (Grahamstown) • Middelburg • Nieu-Bethesda • Rhodes • Sutherland