Quick Facts
E 19°20'58''
Budget Getaways Review
Here’s a Overberg getaway that's rave reviews have "Take me!" splashed all over them.
With attention to simple detail, a decent price tag, plenty of farm action for the kids, oodles of comfort for the folks, this natty abode appears to offer that perfect rural-cut-with-the-modern combo.
To set the scene… Fronted by a rolling lawn and your own farm dam Fountainbush Cottage lies in a secluded nook in the gorgeous Uitkraal Valley, about 13km from Gansbaai, and the same distance from Stanford.
The cottage sleeps six and is ideally suited to a family with kids... with an extra buddy or two in tow if need be.
You’ll find two spacious bedrooms: a family room with a Queen bed and two bunks, and the second with Queen bed only. Both are ensuite.
The living area (with fireplace...the house can get chilly in winter) is daubed in light tones, painted cement floors, and tasteful furnishings. Flowing off this is the slick kitchen, with gas stove, fridge, clean cement counter tops and large dining table.
A covered verandah wraps around the house, with the family bedroom and living room opening straight onto it. Another generous dining table and covered braai area stand at the ready.
Not outdoorsy enough? In that case lug the portable braai down to the dam. A balmy summer evening, kids frolicking in the water, the sweet aroma of lamb chop floating on the breeze… Nice.
Apart from the dam, the activity list reads long at Fountainbush. While you nurse that Tassenberg hangover, the kids can feed the chickens and look for eggs, feed Captian Pugwash, the mini pig, hang out with the resident sheep: Daisy and Baaa-sil, and feed carrots to the horse and pony. Kayaks are available on the dam and there's plenty of space for riding your bike; try your hand at fishing or join the family on the jungle gym and sandpit. And then there's Platbos Forest just across the road, and both Gansbaai and Stanford 13km in either direction, each with their own to-do list.
Another nice eco-touch is for guests to plant a "family tree" - the tree is provided along with a rock and some paints for decoration...the kids will love it, and it's a great way to leave your mark on the farm.
A rising Budget gem is our gut sense on this one.
Additional Info
- Entirely off grid, no loadshedding
- A small amount of wood provided and more available to purchase
"An amazing hideaway cottage in the middle of nowhere near Gaansbaai. The lovely host Sally, includes everything you are likely to need and is an ideal place for young children - even a small table and desk for young kids and colouring books & pencils - feeding all the animals every morning except Sunday - horses, pigs, geese, chickens (collecting the eggs) and, sheep. They have about 5 dogs and Bowie spent a lot of the time with us. There is also a trampoline, little jungle gym and a dam for swimming and a canoe. Our grandson didn't want to leave. Sally gave us some fresh eggs from the chickens and also some home-baked muffins. Both bedrooms have an en-suite and the queen size beds were very comfortable and bunk beds for 2 children. All in all an excellent budget place to stay. The water (via a gas boiler) was always very hot."
(visited Mar 2023)
"Excellent location and Sally was exceptional as our host. She brought new laid eggs and freshly baked muffins for house. The cottage was in the middle of nowhere and beautifully set near a dam where there was a canoe. The cottage had everything we needed and Sally had thought of everything for children, colouring books and pencils and plenty of board games. A sandpit, trampoline, small jungle gym. Our grandson was allowed to help with feeding all the animals - horses, chicken, pigs and geese and he loved every minute of it. Both beds were Queens both with en suites and in the main bedroom, a set of bunk beds. Very comfortable for a family of 4 adults and two children. Would highly recommend this place for a family break - there is also plenty to do in the surrounding area. The cottage is on solar and we never ran out of electrics. The hot water was via a gas boiler which was very efficient. Their dog Bowie was very friendly and visited us often. They also have another 5 dogs!"
(visited March 2023)
"A lovely farmstyle cottage, tranquil surrounds. Sally, the owner, has a warm personality with a lovely sense of fun. Books for every type of reader, board games, horses, dogs and geese that visit. A perfect place for a getaway. A place to which I would definitely return."
(visited February 2023)
"Absolutely stunning setting with some beautiful visitors to our cottage (the horses). Not the easiest access unless your car has higher ground clearance. Can highly recommend this as giving you the feeling of being away from it all and in lovely surroundings. Charming hosts. Facilities are on rustic side, which is up our alley but not everyone else's so be aware. Nature surrounds you here and there are lovely venues to visit and things to do in a short drive from the cottage."
(visited Nov 2021)
"Beautiful Cottage with everything you need for a comfortable stay. Great location if you want to explore Gansbaai and Agulhas. Sally is really great host and one of her fur babies Bowie is so wonderful he stayed with us at the cottage throughout our time there. The cottage overlooks a beautiful little dam and mountains which is very serene and relaxing. We loved watching the stunning sunrise with the beautiful sound of lots of birds tweeting. There are horses which Sally took our daughter for a ride on. She also enjoyed feeding the horses, pigs and chickens. Overall a lovely farm stay."
(visited Aug 2021)
"A magic gem you almost don't want to share! The most magical getaway with many surprises and wonderful animal friends. One truly feels like you and your kids are living the fairytale. Worth every cent and more! Will book again for sure! Sally goes out of her way to treat the kids and a relaxing haven for all."
(visited December 2020)
"Wow wow wow! What a gem. Such an excellent farm stay for young families. Sally is such an amazing host. We visited during a period when we were practicing social distancing and she was unbelievably accommodating. We could not have picked a better place to hunker down in isolation as a family. Honestly could not recommend this farm-stay enough. It is idyllic and charming, pigs, dogs, horses, chickens, sheep and cows. Fresh farm eggs and a beautiful private large pond with canoe."
(visited Mar 2020)
"Sally and her family has created something so magical and special in Fountainbush. We cannot recommend it enough. Book now!"
(visited February 2020)
"A perfect family getaway. Thanks to Sally and family for a relaxing trip."
(visited Dec 2019)
"What an idyllic spot to visit with your family (young and old!). We went with our small children and they had the best time feeding the chickens, Daisy the sheep, riding Woody the horse and giving Charlie the pony some love. The visits from Daisy the cow and her daughter were very sweet and our daily visits from Bowie the dog were a treat. It was a perfect spot to rest and unwind with all needed amenities, including a highchair and small table for the kids. They absolutely loved the treasure hunt organised by Sally our amazing host who also gave loads of great suggestions for places to visit in the area, although you don't want to leave the farm too often. In June it was quite cold and may be worthwhile bringing an extra blanket and ensuring you don't forget your Wellies, beanies and gloves."
(visited Jun 2019)
"What a lovely place. So kiddie friendly. The kids had the best time ever. They milked cows and collected eggs and fed pigs. There was colouring in set up when we arrived and the highlight was the treasure hunt with clues and a treasure hidden. Would recommend it to anyone looking for a lovely farm weekend away."
(visited Aug 2018)
"A piece of heaven on earth! A spacious, lovely house with everything you need for an awesome weekend! Loved the introduction of all the animals on the farm in the welcome folder....Bowie the Border Collie was the first visitor followed by Schnitzel the cat...then Daisy the Sheep made her appearance and waltzed through the house!! The horses came down to the house to visit as well! My favourite visitor was Charlie - a stunning pony with blue eyes rescued from the circus..Sally is a wonderful host - friendly, vibrant and lovely to talk to! We did not have children or grand-children with us, but seeing all the lovely games, puzzles, kiddies art table and chairs, sandpit, trampoline, swingball, jungle gym made us wish we brought them along! The lovely lawn and private dam was a plus. The blankets on each chair outside were welcome for the winter nights outside. No matter how hard the wind gusted - we could enjoy a lovely fire and braai as it is 100% wind/weather protected. The only sounds were loads of beautiful birds in the morning....very peaceful and so relaxing. Met the Queen of the farm Rosie the cow - such a beauty who even gives "attitude" when Sally walks away from her by Moo-ing a couple of times. On leaving Daisy the Sheep stubbornly blocked the road like she wanted us to stay longer!! Thank you Sally and Grant for sharing your beautiful farm with us town folk. Will be back for sure!!"
(visited Aug 2018)
"While busy laughing and rowing, and you hear a child of 6 say, daddy, this is the best day of my life. You know it was the perfect getaway. The only thing that we can complain about, is the fact that we had to leave and go home! I have stayed in a lot of places, but never felt so welcome and enjoyed every second of our weekend. We had planned to go out for the day, and after our first night and morning we decided to rather spend the day at the cottage than to go out. One can see that the owners take pride in their place and name, all the little details, the warm welcome from the sheep running with the cars from the gate to the cottage, the well mannered and behaved dogs, the greeting notes and the perfect warm cosy cottage. The warm greeting from the owner and the visit down to the Bella (the cow), being greeted by the horse and pony, and even a fresh egg from the chickens. Thank you so much for the hospitality, and the warm welcome. We are already busy planning to come and visit again."
(visited Jul 2018)
"Fantastic, child-friendly cottage in a beautiful setting."
(visited Jul 2018)
"Fantastic, child-friendly cottage in a beautiful setting."
(visited Jul 2018)
"This was indeed a treat. If you looking for a place to unwind and bond as a family then this fits it. If you have small kids they will love it. Our youngest, who turns 8 today, DID NOT want to leave. Our hosts, Sally and Grant were so welcoming! Thank you. 12 April 2018"
(visited Apr 2018)
"What a wonderful place to unwind and reconnect with nature. The kids had so much to do that they were lights out before 9pm each night. Sally added personal touches to our stay like a freshly baked bread, farm eggs and farm fresh milk. Not forgetting marshmallows to roast and a treasure hunt for the kids. We thoroughly enjoyed ourselves and it took some convincing for the kids to pack up and come home."
(visited Nov 2017)
"An amazing weekend for the kids to relax, explore and get a taste of farm living. Wonderful hospitality from Sally and Grant. Thank you for sharing all your animals with us."
(visited Jul 2017)
"Our visit to Fountainbush Cottage was the first experience of a farm for our little daughter (19 months old). The accommodation was spotless and Sally's hospitality made us feel right at home. The farm animals provided much entertainment throughout our week at the cottage and there was plenty of birdlife constantly busy in the surrounding bushes. The covered veranda was perfect for a relaxed afternoon braai and the indoor fireplace was very welcome when the weather cooled down. The farm is also not too far from Gansbaai which proved to be convenient for the one or two items we'd forgotten to pack. All in all we had a fantastic time on the farm and are looking forward to returning."
(visited Apr 2017)
"My wife and I spent our first night of marriage at the Fountainbush Cottage. On arrival we were welcomed by Sally with a freshly baked farm bread. Such a treat. Sally is such a warm-hearted person and it speaks through her cottage as well. Definitely worth a visit, but stay longer than a day. Super private and beautiful. Enjoy!"
(visited Apr 2017)
"My wife and I spent our first night of marriage at the Fountainbush Cottage. On arrival we were welcomed by Sally with a freshly baked farm bread - such a treat. Sally is such a warm-hearted person and it speaks through her cottage as well. Definitely worth a visit, but stay longer than a day. Super private and beautiful. Enjoy!"
(visited Apr 2017)
"A very pretty, peaceful spot. We enjoyed the fresh milk, eggs and ginger biscuits. Our little one made full use of the toys and bikes available to use at the cottage. Definitely worth booking again."
(visited Feb 2017)
"Great peaceful hide away that isn't far from town and other activities. Sally the hostess is amazing and the kids loved milking Rosie and feeding the pigs. A lovely spot for mom and dad to unwind while the kids run around and explore."
(visited Nov 2016)
"The whole family had a great time. The children enjoyed the animals and the outdoor space and we could relax knowing they were in a safe space."
(visited Nov 2016)
"Fountainbush Cottage is an ideal getaway for that relaxing, get-out-of-city weekend. It is completely secluded overlooking a little dam, a beautiful veranda around the house and an under-cover braai area. Sally is a great host and goes out of her way to make you feel part of the farm. We will definitely be back."
(visited Oct 2016)
"What a fantastic place to get away from the city buzz. We haven't experienced such a relaxing and welcoming atmosphere in a long time. If you are reading this, then think no further, but book your stay."
(visited Oct 2016)
"What a little gem of a place! Beautiful setting with a clean and open cottage. My kids were super excited to find a treasure map on the table when we arrived. We all enjoyed the fresh Rosie the cow milk (which the kids called it) in the fridge. And they were up at milking shed every morning to milk her. Lovely walks close by too. Sally was very welcoming."
(visited Jul 2016)
"We had a terrific stay. Sally and her family are so welcoming and you feel part of their family by the time you leave. Our girls already miss milking Rosie the cow and we got to see piglets and chickens. Canoeing in the dam and fantastic wine tasting at Stanford Hills added to the holiday! We will be back. Thank you Sally for the treasure hunt and all the special treats in our cottage as well as homemade farm bread and milk from Rosie."
(visited Jul 2016)
"This was a great little getaway. The cottage is private. The farm is quite beautiful and peaceful. We loved the wrap around stoep. In my view its perfect for 2 couples or a family getaway."
(visited Jun 2016)
"We had a fantastic stay at Fountainbush Cottage. Both bedrooms are en suite which was great. The indoor fireplace and outdoor braai area was perfect - we had a great family getaway. there's a nice big lawn to play on, fresh farm milk in the fridge and the kids loved milking the cow, feeding the pigs and chickens. It's close to Gansbaai and Stanford with many restaurants. Very serene setting, highly recommended."
(visited May 2016)
"The weekend was too short! What a lovely find. Since before we even set foot here, my husband and I felt welcomed by warm hospitality. Arriving fairly late on the Friday evening, we were greeted by a crackling braai fire, a freshly baked bread and other farm produce like a basket of eggs and milk. The weekend couldn't have started any better. The cottage has a lovely layout and beautifully furnished. Although it was just my husband and I, we would definitely recommend this gem to a family with kids. I also want to compliment Sally on managing to take the cottage completely off the grid."
(visited January 2016)
"If you looking for a bit of farm life with some modern touches, fantastic hosts, spotless accommodation with all the personal touches, like warm homemade bread and fresh cows milk, fresh linen, some wood, tea, coffee, ginger cookies and so many more personal touches, then look no further than Fountainbush Cottage. We can't wait to return. Thank you Sally and Stephen for making our stay so memorable."
(visited June 2015)
"Loved the wrap around veranda, flat lawn and little jungle gym. Also appreciated the toys for kids. So much for them to do and play with. Accommodation very comfortable, could have stayed longer. Sally was a lovely host. The fresh milk and ginger biscuits were yummy."
(visited January 2015)
"Our travel requirements were for "kid-friendly", value for money and excellent facilities and we can say that our stay at "Doo Little" Farm at Fountanbush Cottage with the Dumont family playing hosts ticked every box, and then some. Sally and Stephen went out of their way to make us feel welcome with their warm hospitality and their little extras like the treasure hunt for the kids, fresh farm-baked bread and "freshly squeezed" farm milk from Rosie the resident cow. Our kids (aged 2 and 5) thoroughly enjoyed the farm activities like hunting for eggs, feeding the pigs and chickens and even trying their hand at milking the ever-obliging Rosie. The little dam near the cottage was also a great source of entertainment as we explored the weavers nests and fished for tadpoles from the kayak that comes with the cottage. The farm is also well positioned for day activities into Stanford and exploring the beaches of De Kelders, both only ten minutes drive from the farm. We came away from Fountainbush relaxed, rejuvenated and ready to take on the hum-drum of the city once again. Thanks to the Dumonts for an incredible getaway, we hope to be back soon."
(visited January 2015)
"Photos doesn't justify what a gem this place is. Completely catered for kids. We had an amazing stay and will definitely be back next year."
(visited December 2014)
"Perfect little Paradise, on a farm of lovely people. A lot of privacy in the middle of nature."
(visited November 2014)
"Fountainbush Cottage is the place to go to when you want to get away from it all. We stayed there for only three nights, but we were so relaxed when we got back home. The kids had such an amazing time and enjoyed 'farm living'. There were so many things to keep them occupied from feeding the horses, milking the cow, swimming in the dam, canoeing on the pond, hiking up the mountains and just being part of nature. They didn't even miss the television at all (shocker!). They're already asking when we're going back. Sally, the owner and her kids were so hospitable, they sent us homemade bread and freshly laid eggs. This is definitely a place I would recommend and go back to again and again."
(visited October 2014)
"We had a wonderful stay at this establishment. Sally and Stephen were wonderful hosts. This is one of the first Budget Getaways that I'm rating as well as wanting to return to. Our boys loved every minute, milking Rosie the cow and hand feeding the calf. The farm animals, the dam, the setting and the general country feel made a very memorable stay."
(visited September 2014)
"We had such a wonderful time and our little one absolutely loved all the farm animals. We wish we could stay longer and felt very sad when we had to leave. We would definitely like to go back for another visit. It felt like a little peace of heaven right here on earth!"
(visited September 2014)
"Our stay at Doo Little farm in Fountainbush Cottage was absolutely fantastic. From the moment we arrived we were made to feel very welcome. As previous reviews have mentioned, we received a few little surprises that made the stay unique and you can feel the care that has gone into making one's stay special. The kids loved the treasure hunt as well as the interaction with all the animals (chickens, ducks, pigs, cows). The horses came to visit a few times, so make sure to take loads of apples and carrots. My son got to milk one of the cows and feed the new calves. It's was definitely one of the most authentic farm style stays we have had. We stayed at the cottage most of time as we wanted a secluded stay, but there is loads to do round and about in the area."
(visited August 2014)
"By far the best getaway we have stayed at thus far! If you have kids, this is absolute paradise. Sally is extremely hospitable and all the little touches were very special - homemade bread and gooseberry jam, an amazing treasure hunt for the kids included being followed by miniature horses and inquisitive sheep. Also she had put a special table and chairs for the kids with paper and crayons, colouring in, books, puzzles, age appropriate games. We tried out all the activities she recommended, so much more to Gansbaai than the sharks. What a gem, thanks so much, we will be back."
(visited June 2014)
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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