Getaway Overview

Glen Oakes Farm

Caledon, Western Cape

110km from Cape Town

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Cattle and free-range pig farm with a Stone Cottage, a Forest Cabin and a private campsite - 17km from Caledon

28 Reviews - Read them Best rating of 5 based on 28 reviews.

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Quick Facts

Where

17km from Caledon

GPS

S 34°21'37''
E 19°27'12''

Sleeps

8, 4

Equipped

Yes

Linen

Yes

Towels

Yes

Fireplace

yes (wood for sale)

Braai

Yes

Meals

free-range cured pork products available, and fresh eggs

Pet-Friendly

Camping

Yes

Activities

4x4 trail, birdwatching, farm animals, game viewing, hiking, mountain biking, swimming, wine routes

Budget Getaways Review

Conveniently appointed in an untrampled valley between Caledon and Hermanus (30km), Glen Oakes is a picturesque farm with a private campsite and two secluded cottages: a spacious Stone House perched on a hill under whispering pine, and a romantic Forest Cabin hidden under a forest of oak and poplar trees. Both are gems.

For a group, Stone House is ideal. Luxury-hunting-lodge-meets-Grizzly-Adams is one way to describe this rustic-luxury abode of rough stone walls, pretty adornments and heaps of warm touches: decorative ostrich eggs and porcupine quills, paraffin lanterns and candles (no electricity), comfy couches, a massive hearth, a cute country kitchen, a Victorian bathroom and two luxurious bedrooms with white linen and water-bottles.

Stepping into the light, you’ll enjoy open views from the covered stoep and a plunge pool fed by an artesian spring. Appealing, or what?

Now, for the romantic option. Inspired this time by the adventures of Tom Sawyer and Huckleberry Finn, the Forest Cabin is a cute hideaway built alongside a gurgling stream.

On setting and design, the cottage is very different from its sister up the hill, but it adheres to the same sensible principles: light and airy, no electricity, ingenious design (a watertank for outdoor shower, old doors for floor-to-ceiling windows…) and a cosy interior peppered with loving touches.

Our guess is you won’t want to leave either weekend nest, but there is plenty to do on this 300ha cattle and free-range pig farm (apparently the first of its type, where pigs graze on open pasture): great mountain biking, a hike into the Kleinrivier mountains to a stupendous view over Hermanus and Stanford, as well as bird- and game-spotting (blue crane, duiker, bat-eared fox…).

Oh, before we forget, Glen Oakes also has a neat campsite under pine trees, with a sheltered lapa and hot-water showers. Best thing about it is that your friendly hosts, Charles and Julie, offer it on an exclusive-use basis. So, if you phone now, you may have it all to yourself!

Guest Reviews

"So this break away was meant so that as a family we could bond and get some quality time with our children and spouses along with our future possible family-to-be. The week before our getaway we had to share the bad news that my son and his girlfriend had broken off their relationship and as such we would no longer be taking up both the stone and wooden chalets. The professional way in which Kate the owner dealt with this was really very client focused as she went to work to find an alternative renter and save us the deposit which she was fully entitled to. The house itself offered everything we wanted and we did have good quality time with our children and got everything from the outing we were hoping for. Full peace and nature that gives you peace of mind and room to share and grow closer as a family. The house itself has some electricity for lighting yet all appliances run off gas and although cell phone reception is available we found enough time to have walks into the mountain and just enjoy watching the animals and birds around us as well as the brightness of the star galaxy at night. If you want to have a real breakaway this is a place that I can highly recommend. You will lack nothing."

(visited Mar 2016)

"Wooden cabin is an awesome place."

(visited April 2015)

"Four nights bringing in the New Year at Glen Oakes' Wood Cabin was wonderfully peaceful. Caledon was a blast furnace when we drove through but it was cool and breezy when we hit the recliners under the oak trees. Every morning we walked up the road for a swim around the dam, a bit nervous of the grazing pigs at first, but we all got used to each other pretty quickly. A pair of hammerkops were feeding their young in a huge nest just outside the cabin, and I did spot a duiker one morning. The cabin is clean and well set-up, including a full size gas fridge and oven, proper wine glasses, even board games. The outside shower and the gorgeous little pool in front are great for cooling down, and the deck allows for non-strenuous stargazing. Although plenty of lanterns are provided, the kitchen was quite dark from late afternoon. When we go back, I'll take a bright solar light and battery book-lights for bedtime reading. I must also say that Kate in the office was very helpful."

(visited January 2015)

"Almost too scared to leave a comment, because then the secret will be out. The wood cabin on Glen Oakes is a childhood fairytale dream-come-true. Gorgeous rustic cabin set in a tiny little forest, complete with a pool, fireplace, deck chairs, slouchy couches and a bed that catches the afternoon sun. Had a wonderful rest and will definitely be back."

(visited January 2015)

"Glen Oakes camp site is a perfect place to go with a small group of friends to unwind. We like the fat that it is exclusive to the party going, so you don't have to put up with people you don't know. The camp site is peaceful and far away from anyone else, so you really feel that you are way from it all. It is perfect for kids, as there is lots of space for them to run around in, ride their bikes and explore nature. All the farm animals also add appeal to the visit. The lapa is well set up for storing your food and braais. One suggestion would be to have a washing basin. The showers have hot water and are perfect for city campers! The gas ran out in one of the showers, but this was no problem, as the owners send someone immediately to fix this. The owners are friendly and even gave us some butter when we had run out! This was our second visit and we will return again for our annual visit with the same group of friends."

(visited October 2014)

"A little slice of heaven! Secluded, beautiful, bird lovers dream. Friendly service, very efficient and lovely people to deal with. They create a personalised environment, the moment you step in you feel at home. The facilities were spotless and everything was readily available. You simply pack your fire lighters, clothes & food. It was an absolute treat staying there. I can't wait to go back again."

(visited September 2014)

"A picture perfect stone cottage with comfy beds and linen as 1st prize. Followed by fields of happy pigs and watching a 'farm in action'as a close second. Fantastic hosts that couldn't have been more accommodating but also left us to our own devices. Perfect for a family (would be a squeeze with 8 guests) of 6. And close proximity to the lovely Creation wine estate and Moggs where we enjoyed lunch and good wine."

(visited April 2014)

"We were part of a large group that spent a weekend at the campsite. Charles was a wonderful host, and was particularly helpful in getting us across the flooded bridge (due to recent heavy rains). The campsite is in a great setting, overlooking the valley, with plenty of shade and grass and clean ablutions. There is a nearby dam to swim in too. The kids loved the place. We will definitely be back."

(visited November 2013)

"We liked this place so much that I've attempted to book again twice."

(visited October 2013)

"I stayed in the wooden cabin, and it was incredible. We had an array of weather but my favourite was waking up on Sunday morning to the sound of the rain. Everything was clean and neat and in good working order. A very memorable weekend. Thank you GO."

(visited November 2011)

"A really amazing place! WOW! Right out of a book! Loved all the leaves lying everywhere, beautiful trees overhanging the cottage, fat happy pigs and very helpful hosts. So keen to visit in summer to use the plunge pool!"

(visited May 2011)

"What a fabulous stay! We loved the wooden cabin and its surrounds and it certainly wasn't lacking in anything. The outside seems to flow inside through almost non-existing windows, very magical! My son had a ball, made friends with the local lizard and named him Baba. We also made paper boats and sailed them down the stream :-) I enjoyed some 'quiet' time on the deck with the background symphony of rustling leaves. The bath is just the cherry on top of the cake, just what the Dr ordered! A very relaxing stay. We will be back!"

(visited April 2011)

"An absolutely fantastic getaway with the family in the Wood Cabin. The kids loved the outdoors, and the cabin was seriously cosy at night with the fire going. A pristine farm, in a beautiful location. Felt a bit home sick when we had to leave - and we were only there for 3 days! A gem!"

(visited April 2011)

"Wow!! This was a wonderful escape from the everyday rush! Do you need to spend quality time with the people that are dear to you in a beautiful, private and relaxing atmosphere? The Stone House is definitely what you are looking for. The kids wanted to stay permanently..."

(visited February 2011)

"WOW! What an awesome place - I loved the wooden cabin nestled in the forest. I lay in bed at night listening to the owls hooting, the stream bubbling... it was more than I expected. The peacefulness during the day restored my soul. I have decided when I am ready to start writing my book, this will be the place I will escape to, to inspire me. A big thanks to Charlie and Julie."

(visited February 2011)

"We were very happy with our stay at Glen Oakes. We stayed in the Forest Cabin which is very romantic and very comfortable. The cabin is something really special, nestled under the oak trees and poplar trees, it makes a lovely quiet getaway. We were welcomed with frogs, snakes, birds of prey, pigs, prized cows, horses and an inquisitive duiker. We saw loads of porcupine quills but no porcupines. Julie and Charles are very accommodating and willing to help out in any way. We didn't get up to the warm and clear dam Julie mentioned, hopefully next time."

(visited January 2011)

"A beautiful setting for the Stone House, peace and quiet and a million stars to look at. It was rather too cold to swim in the pool but it must be wonderful to stay there in summer. I am sorry I could not get to look through more of the books in the "library" but the one that I did go through (by the light of my headlamp) was Moroccan Interiors - what stunning photography! Thank you for a peaceful and extremely lazy weekend."

(visited July 2010)

"Perfect setting and so many nice things - great big windows for view, 'swimming pool' in river, and deck - a perfect tanning spot - fireplace for cold nights, outside shower and lovely braai area under trees. Will definitely return someday."

(visited December 2007)

"FANTASTIC getaway! Beautiful scenery, interior, fireplace, Victorian bath, natural swimming pool, deck chairs to sunbathe, atmosphere and location. The BEST budget getaway in the book!!"

(visited August 2007)

"What a lovely place! Just the type of getaway that you can switch off your cellphone, forget about work and relax beside the pool.... Thank you!"

(visited October 2006)

"Die Forest Cabin is die beste geheim van die Overberg! 'n Plekkie van ons drome. Die swembad binne-in die rivier was die grootste verrassing, ons kom weer terug in die somer om hom uit te toets!"

(visited August 2006)

"Absolutely great. Fantastic setting, fantastic accommodation, excellent value for money. We stayed in the Stone House and especially enjoyed the special touches such as the lavender, good quality linen and even the 'G O' embroidery on the pillows. Want to return, tomorrow if I could."

(visited January 2006)

"Best venue we have found yet. Will be difficult to top this one for value and location, most importantly our remoteness from everyone else."

(visited October 2005)

"Glen Oakes laat daai lam stadsgevoel gou-gou uit jou are vloei. Ons het gekamp en sterre gekyk, vuur gemaak en geluister na dennebome wat praat in die nanag."

(visited August 2005)

"Forest Cabin was perfect for three yuppies in dire need of a tranquil break. The little touches like the extra candles and lavender were noted and appreciated, and really showed us the pride taken in their establishment. The setting is breathtaking. It was definitely real value for money and I will recommend Glen Oakes to anybody seeking a truly phenomenal country escape."

(visited August 2005)

"We stayed in the Forest Cabin and it is an absolutely amazing place to be and relax."

(visited July 2005)

"LOVED the Cabin, great to get away from the city. Can't wait to try out the Stone House!"

(visited February 2005)

"One of those venues that will find me visiting time and again! Keep up the good work!"

(visited October 2004)

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