Quick Facts
E 20°03'20''
Budget Getaways Review
Abutting a nature reserve and sitting more or less halfway between Bonnievale and Riviersonderend, Grootkloof Farm takes up a big chunk (15000ha, to be precise) of the Riviersonderend mountains.
Besides the wake-up call of the resident farm rooster, life here is as chilled as it gets - pushed to further heights by dedicated hostess Elke, who's happy to whip up a wholesome farm brekkie, evening meal or picnic lunch.
As far as the accommodation goes, what we're looking at is a decently decorated unit adjacent to the main farmhouse, with a workshop and large patio separating the two.
Good for couples or the lone traveller, the features include exposed beams and riet ceilings, a built-in fireplace and a mix of stone walls and bright colours. The result is a relaxed country vibe.
In terms of layout, there’s a double bedroom, a comfy lounge with dining table, and open-plan kitchen with hob, stove and fridge/freezer. The bathroom comes with walk-in shower.
Outdoors, a covered patio with dining table, braai and your own private lawn and fynbos garden sets the tone for the weekend.
Hungry for activity? Elke is on hand to advise on nearby walking and mountain bike routes. There’s a cave and farm dam to explore on the adjoining nature reserve, plus wine farms nearby, and a farm stall and convivial restaurant just down the drag.
Good ol’ fashioned farm warmth seems to sum it all up: “Elke's hospitality, friendliness and absolute dedication made this visit different from your normal sleep eat and leave accommodation. A two night weekend turned into a 10-day getaway.”
Better plan accordingly.
"We had a really relaxing stay at Grootkloof Cottages (except when there was a spider around). Perfect for a couple looking to just chill out hard. Got some craft beers at the Stormsvlei Farm Stall and a cheese platter, braaied, laid in the sun with some turtles, took a walk. The bed is super comfy and difficult to get out of if you're a reader. Really nice, just wished there was water in the dam as I would have loved to swim."
(visited December 2014)
"My hubby and I wanted a quiet weekend away from home, just to relax and recharge our batteries. We got just what we wanted tranquility with the comforts of home. Waking up with the birds singing and a bustling waterfall in the background, So quiet and peaceful with a host that really showed hospitality and a good heart. Also a warm fireplace to settle in front of and cuddle up with a nice glass of red wine. Definitely a getaway I will return to."
(visited June 2014)
"I like to get away once a quarter for a day or two to a quite and private place in order to clear my mind. At the same time the accommodation must not be too costly. The Grootkloof Holiday Cottage did just that. Although I got a good impression of the establishment via the photo's and descriptions on the Budget Getaways website, I was even more impressed when I arrived. A very cosy, relaxing, original stone building with all amenities. I am not a fussy person in terms of my expectations (i.e. decor, etc), as long as the establishment has a homely, relaxing atmosphere and is clean and hygienic. And Grootkloof Cottage met these expectations. The bonus was the fireplace in the open plan lounge/dining room/kitchen, which I used every night. The wonderful thing is that it also serves as an indoor braai, which is handy as I visited in the middle of winter. I also enjoyed the great walks offered by the surrounding area. As for the host, Elke is very accommodating and welcoming, and gives you your space if you require so."
(visited June 2014)
"We received a warm welcome from Elke and had a wonderful stay and will definitely return soon. Good value for money and a beautiful setting. I can recommend this to anyone that wants a break from the hustle and bustle of the city and who appreciates nature."
(visited June 2014)
"Awesome little cottage, but spacious. The ideal getaway for a relaxing time. Just enjoy the peace and quiet surrounded by nature. Highly recommended."
(visited April 2014)
"Elke was a wonderful hostess. She provided us with healthy and delicious food, often grown organically in her own garden. Our talks ranged across a variety of subjects and were very interesting. The large family house is divided in two separate units, connected through a communal patio. Although we had our own, we found we spent most of our time at home on this great patio, overlooking the garden and with the hills in the background. Our unit consisted of a very spacious living, a kitchen and a bathroom with walk in shower. All very clean and complete with towels. We could take 'natural' showers under the waterfall that is part of her property. Completely private yet very accessible, much like the walking path and should you wish, hiking trails. We can truly and heartily recommend Elke's Paradise."
(visited January 2014)
"All I can say is that I desperately needed to get out of Cape Town to slow down my fast life style, Elke's hospitality, friendliness and absolute dedication made this visit different from your normal sleep eat and leave accommodation I usually come across. A two night weekend turned into a 10-day getaway for me as I simply did not want to leave."
(visited November 2013)
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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