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Rate Guide
R395pp per night (discount for kids); minimum cottage rate applies.
Quick Facts
E 19°56'21''
Budget Getaways Review
Surrounded by gum trees and fronted by generous green irrigation fields, De Melkportaal Cottage is your go-to for a rustic-luxury weekend on a real macoy dairy farm in the Overberg.
Starting with what to do while you're there, the options are the ultimate in chill: Stay tucked inside and fire up the indoor hearth or working bread oven. Migrate onto the stoep, pull the cork and light up the Blitz in the firepit, while sucking up those Soetmuisberg views. For a nice winter-summer old school experience, try out the donkey-heated "vroetel poel" at the edge of the deck.
Taking a poke around inside, De Melkportaal sleeps four in a double room and double sleeper couch in the living area. There's also a cot for Mini-Me in the latter.
True to your host's discerning style (check out the rave reviews for Bergen Dam Cottage - 2km away and on the same farm), the cottage is well equipped and stylishly finished with spaansriet ceilings, cement floors, rough walls, old country furniture, linen and towels, and personal touches scattered here and there.
The living area is open-plan and features an equipped kitchen, fireplace and convivial dining table. Complementing the away-from-it-all feel is Eskom's absence; instead you'll find a gas fridge, gas stove, loads of paraffin lanterns and a wood-burning donkey for hot water.
Glass stacking doors zip open the north-eastern flank to an endless deck equipped with table and firepit - prime spot to enjoy that freebie bottle of wine.
Going beyond the garden, the farm has loads of scope for walking, mountain biking, canoeing on the dam, bird-watching, and visiting the dairy to collect your ration of fresh milk. You can even sign the kids up for a crash course in dairy farming - by prior arrangement.
Arniston, Struisbaai, De Hoop and De Mond are within a short drive, as is the new trail and picnic spot on the Soetmuisberg. If you're up for some horse riding, your host can advise on a nearby outfitter.
De Melkportaal is pet-friendly and the perimeter is enclosed, which will take a lot of worry off you.
A well-rounded package that's lovely on the eye and ideal for small families and romantic couples. A winner in the making.
"I could say it's "rustic luxury in a surreal setting" but my 4-year had a better review for this slice of heaven: "I want this holiday to be our home." That says it all. It sits tucked beneath the Soetmuisberg on a dairy farm, surrounded by the outstretched arms of gum trees. Upon arrival, we were lucky enough to witness a calf being born and when stepping inside, a bottle of red wine, creamy, fresh milk from the farm and rusks awaited us. At first glance, De Melkportaal has all the charm of a farmhouse - rattan furniture and a wood-fired bread oven but look closer and you’ll see it’s equipped by someone with exceptional taste and attention to detail: cement floors, industrial irrigation taps (they are tricky but turn further and they're good to go!) , a headboard made from reclaimed wood and red locker that stores linens, a Le Creuset kettle, fluffy towels with Lindt balls, vintage furniture lovingly collected over years, and a huge tub to enjoy a bubble bath under the stars. There was even a "pooper scooper" to pick up our pup's "treasures". On the spacious deck you’ll find a firepit to warm up and have long braais, while you watch your pup and kids play in the fully enclosed garden. No worries and no electricity here - so it’s eco friendly and you can (really) switch off and relax. You have to burn wood for hot water or use lanterns for light but the fridge and stove are gas. Fresh water comes from the river or mountain stream. We got the hang of no power in minutes, and the owner is a Whatsapp away should you need anything. The cottage comfortably sleeps 5-6 with a double bed and cot in main bedroom, and a fold-out couch in the living room. It’s perfect for a big family but for two couples and their families, I suggest booking the sister Bergen Dam Cottage as well, about 2km away so you can enjoy outings, long walks, visit the dairy or wine farm, and go canoeing on the dam together, but still retreat to your own private spaces. Horse riding for the kids is available by prior arrangement. Bredasdorp, Arniston and Struisbaai are a hop, skip and jump away should you need anything but why leave? What makes this a 5-star budget getaway by far is the huge wood-fired vroetel poel (splash pool) on the deck where we spent 5 hours until we were wrinkly and dehydrated.) The last 9km is a dirt road which our little Polo handled comfortably, but when it rains and gets muddy, a 4x4 is a MUST. All in all, a GREAT, memorable family getaway!"
(visited October 2021)
"Had a fantastic stay at De Melkportaal this past weekend. If you are looking to get away from it all and recharge your senses then this is the place for you. The accommodation will take you back in time. No electricity, no technology just wood to burn for your hot water and oil lanterns for light at night. However having said the decor is tastefully done, the location is breathtaking, the complimentary bottle of plaas Melk and local wine was a nice touch and appreciated. It was difficult to leave. Pieter showed us around the dairy and surrounding farm which was very informative. You can go on long walks, if you have a 4x4 vehicle then you could reach the mountain trails further up as you are slightly limited with a standard vehicle. Horse riding is available and a must. Minkie runs this and does a fine job. She was extremely helpful towards our young daughter who enjoyed every moment of the experience. Thank you again to Marlize and Family for the amazing experience away from the city. We will be back!"
(visited Sep 2021)
"Will be back!", it was a lovely setting and very relaxing, abundant birdlife, well planned and organised cottage.
(visited Aug 2021)
"Just what we needed."
(visited Mar 2021)
"Stunning, we (and the dogs) enjoyed it so much. Loved walking on the farm and observing farm life. New respect for hard working farmers. The cottage was spotless and so well equipped. Bottle of wine and fresh milk on the house. Will return to try out the other (more remote) cottage as well."
(visited Mar 2021)
"What a wonderful experience. Lovely cottage, and ons arrival a complementary bottle of wine of the region, rusks and wholesome fresh milk from the farm. Peaceful stay with beautiful hikes and lazy hours on the huge veranda. Thank for a super weekend!"
(visited Mar 2021)
"WOW, how cool is this?! A really well thought out and positioned little cottage. It's kind of close to the farming activities, so that's a bonus if you have kids who want to see that milk doesn't just come in a bottle at the shops, but if you want total tranquility then Berg en dam is your better bet. It's a little dark inside, I'm more into solar lights than paraffin lamps and running a donkey boiler is fun but I'm glad I have hot water on tap at home. but now that's just me nitpicking really. The kids took advantage of "horsing around" Minke's horse activities and she was excellent and such a hit. Now I apparently need to either buy a horse, or we need to have a return visit sooner rather than later!"
(visited October 2020)
"This was our first venture out of the house after the stricter COVID-19 restrictions were lifted. We didn't see a single other person all weekend, fantastic! All communications were done electronically. The house is cozy and is kitted with everything you'd need for a weekend away. Everything was neat and clean, and fresh. The great free bottle of wine was only trumped by the fresh farm milk in the fridge on our arrival. There was an oversupply of wood which we made good use of. Best of all was the peace of mind I had that my very excitable dog had all the space he needed to enjoy himself without the fear of him harassing any other guests or farm animals. We would definitely visit them again."
(visited August 2020)
"We loved our stay. Great deck with hot tub in cozy cottage. The farm and surrounds were beautiful."
(visited August 2020)
"We had a great time staying at this getaway."
(visited February 2020)
"This was our second visit to du Melkportaal and it was just as fabulous as we remembered! The setting is sublime and despite our intentions of tramping through the beautiful countryside, we ended up spending most of our weekend lounging on the deck, reading, lazing in the amazing “vroetel pool” and sipping wine whilst absorbing the sounds and sights of the farm. The absence of electricity ensured we stayed off our devices and we were able to truly relax. Thank you Marilize for your wonderful hospitality. We loved the fresh farm milk and the rusks, and the complimentary wine was well appreciated. We do hope to return for another visit soon."
(visited Feb 2020)
"Great location, super idyllic. Peaceful with all the farm charm one would expect from a working farm. Lovely stay. Understandably the hosts were away for the new year's period, but it would have been nice to be welcomed and be available to express some of the problems and questions we had."
(visited Dec 2019)
"Stunning cottage set on a working dairy farm surrounded by rolling hills. Fenced property that allows dogs was a huge plus as was the donkey heated ‘vroetel’ pool. We loved the cottage & the views through the fold back doors. Thank you to The hosts for the rusks & wine which was a generous touch!"
(visited Nov 2019)
"What an amazing three days spent in the most beautiful farm setting. Beautiful views and animals grazing around the cottage. The kids had such fun helping farm staff with the milking of the cows, horse riding and adventuring in the forest next to the cottage. They even did some strawberry picking. All in all a lovely family holiday. And our favourite part was the jacuzzi on the patio. Used it everyday."
(visited Sep 2019)
"Second time here and won't be our last, our happy place!"
(visited Aug 2019)
"Blissful! Such lush countryside and rolling hills - it felt like we were in the Sound of Music. Loved the decor and special touches, we felt very welcome and will definitely return. Enjoyed exploring some of the wine farms in the area too - plenty to do."
(visited Jul 2019)
"Amazing place, thoroughly enjoyed it!"
(visited May 2019)
"Brilliant getaway destination. The venue was perfectly nestled between town and country. The only traffic we heard was that of cows walking down the road. The cottage was fully equipped with all the basic utensils anyone needs. The venue was pet friendly and it also catered for our dogs. I will definitely come back for more. Value for money all round."
(visited Mar 2019)
"De Melkportaal cottage is a fantastic gem for those who are looking for privacy and to getaway from the chaos of city living. The unit is tastefully decorated and has everything you will need for the occasion. The fact that there is no electricity is a pleasant experience and allows you to connect with the fantastic views and the person you are staying with. I would highly recommend staying at this cottage. The fire heated pool is an awesome experience and there are loads of outdoorsy things to do on the farm and in the area. There are also board games, cards and puzzles in the unit for those cold and rainy days. This is one of the few getaways where you are staying in your own space and are not interrupted by anyone during your stay. There is nothing I could find wrong with this accommodation, which is a huge achievement."
(visited Mar 2019)
"This is an ideal place to just to break away from the busy normal day living. De Melkportaal Cottage is a great place to recharge your inner soul and find yourself. Away from noise you are one with nature realize that all we needs is what we have around us. That's why we went to this little paradise to become the person that we once were. Recharged and energetic we now can focus on what is to come."
(visited Feb 2019)
"If you want to break away from your addiction of media, then this is the place. Time almost stopped. To hear the birds, cows and see the stars at night. Rustic with a modern touch. The "vroetel pool" was refreshing, just give it a stir to warm the whole pool. Made me want to buy a farm. WARNING! The milk is addictive."
(visited Feb 2019)
"Wat ‘n heerlike plek! Ons het so lekker by De Melkportaal gebly en goed uitgerus. Daar is als wat jy benodig, netjies en skoon. Ook baie lekker gewees as ‘n ‘digital detox’. Die swembadjie is ‘n wenner om gou aft te koel of selfs te verwarm met die vuuraangedrewe donkie. Die natuur rondom die verblyf is ongelooflik, veral die sterre in die aand! Ons hondekind het dit ook vreeslik geniet en kon lekker rond hardloop en speel in die omheinde area, ‘n groot pluspunt vir mense wat met honde reis. Ons het selfs so bietjie uitgery na omliggende dorpies asook die wynplaas Zoetendal besoek, heerlike wyn en uitstekende gourmet platter daar gehad. Ons sal defnitief terugkeer en kan De Melkportaal verseker hoogs aanbeveel!"
(visited Dec 2018)
"We have never been let down by Budget Getaways- this was our fifth booking with them and was the best yet. The Melkportaal is superb. On arriving (with our 3 dogs) we immiediately felt at home. The cottage is nestled in between the rolling hills and mountains of Grashoek dairy farm and is surrounded by tranquil views dotted with tall blue gum trees and friendly cows. We spent alot of time braaing and enjoyed the rustic perfectly clean and equipped kitchen. The cottage is spacious stylish but authentic and the donkey fuelled hot water and lack of electricity gives one the extra satisfaction of screw you Eskom you can load shed but you cant mess with us here! The hot tub is divine- I advise to get it lit early so by the time you have braaied you can enjoy a glass of wine in there under the stars. My partner and I took a 5km run the next morning over to the farm dam which we later returned to and spent hours swimming with the dogs. Marilize the host has not missed a beat with this getaway in fact on leaving the place midday Sunday I'm sure I caught my dogs looking back in the mirror with sorrow expressions! We will be back- baaie dankie!"
(visited Nov 2018)
"We loved our stay but it is rather expensive. There was no water in the cement dam to enjoy a nice cool swim, also the lights around the braai area did not work, very annoying to braai in darkness."
(visited Oct 2018)
"We loved De Melkportaal. The furnishings and finishings were top class, the setting was stunning and I loved being off grid!"
(visited Aug 2018)
"Fantastic place to escape to. Very cosy for two people with all that is needed to make it a very comfortable stay. Thank you to Pieter who shared interesting facts about the farm; we enjoyed the trip on the farm. Really a great stay."
(visited Aug 2018)
"The perfect getaway cottage. The fur kids enjoyed the spacious enclosed garden, surrounded by the friendly neighbouring cows. The workers on the farm are super generous and friendly. The view from the patio, overlooking the daily farm activities can be rather entertaining. The location is also perfect for stargazing. We will be booking our next trip!"
(visited Jul 2018)
"We had such a lovely stay in this well-equipped and stunning cottage. We loved the fresh farm air and the sounds of farm animals. Will definitely go back soon."
(visited May 2018)
"We had the most amazing weekend, being off the grid was refreshing and fun. We enjoyed starting the 2 donkeys for the pool and hot water, it made for a lot of conversation and debate. The cottage is comfortable and has many extras. Sitting on the patio is the best part, relaxing, reading and watching farm life go by. Our dogs had a blast, totally enjoying the long walks on the farm and having a sizable fenced off area. We will definitely be back soon!"
(visited Feb 2018)
"Thoroughly enjoyed a two night stay. Wonderful, well equipped cottage in a tranquil setting."
(visited Jan 2018)
"I wanted rustic, value for money, privacy and within 2 hours drive from Cape Town. My partner wanted a nature setting. We both got what we wanted and more. This place is a hidden gem and I almost want to keep it a secret. Living off the grid for a couple of days was good for the soul and satisfying."
(visited Jan 2018)
"An excellent getaway! Vroetelpoel was a treat and fresh farm milk so tasty! Will definitely go back."
(visited Nov 2017)
"What a magical place! Beautiful, peaceful, but with enough to do for the whole family. The kids loved to watch the cows being milked and the fresh farm milk! The cottage is beautiful and comfortable with everything that we needed and more. We would love to go again soon!"
(visited Nov 2017)
"What a lovely cottage! Very nicely laid out with a large deck overlooking the meadows and mountains. The daily cow walks up and down the road provided entertainment whilst sipping our wine on the deck. The little pool is the perfect size. The garden was safe and secure for our 5 mutts to run around and exhaust themselves tumbling about on the grass. Overnight we made a huge fire inside and had a relaxing dinner and more wine. 3G cell phone signal kept electronics to a minimum (thankfully), but we were still able to call home if needed. The cottage has everything you need, including firelighters and farm fresh milk!"
(visited Oct 2017)
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Where You'll Also Find Us
Arniston (Waenhuiskrans) • Barrydale • Baviaanskloof • Betty's Bay • Bonnievale • Bredasdorp • Caledon • Calitzdorp • Cape Agulhas & Struisbaai • Cape Peninsula & Surrounds • Ceres • Citrusdal • Clanwilliam & Cederberg • Darling • De Rust • Elands Bay • Franschhoek • Gansbaai • George • Grabouw & Elgin Valley • Greyton • Heidelberg • Hermanus • Hogsback • Knysna • Ladismith • Laingsburg • Malgas • Matjiesfontein • McGregor • Montagu • Mossel Bay • Napier • Oudtshoorn • Paarl • Plettenberg Bay • Porterville • Pringle Bay, Betty's Bay and Kleinmond • Riebeek West & Riebeek-Kasteel • Robertson • St Helena Bay • Stanford • Stellenbosch • Stilbaai • Sutherland • Swellendam • Tulbagh • Velddrif • Vermaaklikheid • Wellington • Wilderness • Witsand • Worcester & Hex Valley • Yzerfontein