Quick Facts
E 18°22'45''
Budget Getaways Review
Back in 1916 Darling was little more than a scattering of platteland houses circled by rolling farmland. Close on a century later, not a huge amount has changed.
Travel back in time and you would have noticed a humble cattle shed on the edge of the village. Well, it's still there today, albeit revamped into an elegant country pad called La Petite Grange, that's ready and waiting for you and the family.
The guest feedback coming in for La Petite Grange is all good. “The cottage is very well appointed, with every convenience to make your stay pleasant and comfortable,” says a Capetonian fleeing from the grind. “I loved it," gushes another city dweller. "La Petite Grange is tucked away in the quiet hills of Darling, where life passes you by at a much slower pace. It’s a very quiet and relaxing escape.”
La Petite is appointed on the outskirts of Darling, with an uninterrupted view over the village and rural countryside.
Stepping inside, there's not much to suggest that this restored barn once sheltered Langfontein farm's livestock from the cutting West Coast winters.
The interior is light and spacious, with original timber beams and ceilings. The living area, with plenty of comfy couches, a dining table and an antique wood-burning fireplace, is open-plan to a well equipped kitchen containing gas hob, electric oven and generous fridge/freezer. There's even a coffee machine to lure you out of bed come Saturday morn.
Onto the sleeping quarters. The two bedrooms (Queen and a twin) feature nice decor and percale linen on the beds. The bedrooms share a bathroom with bath and over-bath shower. As such, perfect for small families.
Back outside, the full length covered voorstoep with its superb views, is the place to arm yourself with a glass of plonk as the sun dips over Darling. You’ll also find a built-in braai to tan the chops and stairs leading down to a large fenced-in garden area for the family hound to loll around in.
Up for some rural action? Take a 10-minute stroll into the village to explore it's eccentric delights; head off on your mountain bike; pop down to Yzerfontein for a marathon beach walk and whale-watching; visit one of several local wine farms…
All in all, La Petite Grange makes for an easy-peasy country escape from the big smoke (a mere 70km up the R27). In fact, getting away has never been simpler.
"This was our second visit to La Petite Grange. Since our last visit the main bedroom has had a makeover and is looking lovely, light and fresh. The changes to the stoep as well as the built-in braai were welcome additions. The new coat of white paint adds to the little barn's charm. I didn't think it was possible to improve on a perfect getaway place, but I was clearly wrong. Thank you once again Nicky and Paul, we enjoyed every minute of our stay."
(visited April 2015)
"Had a wonderful relaxing weekend out of the city. Just about everything you need in the house is there. Just bring fire lighters (blitz) and matches. Others use everything you could possibly need and in very good quality is at your disposal. Had a great weekend."
(visited January 2015)
"We had an absolutely fantastic weekend in Darling with our two dogs and two toddlers, the cottage is situated up against the hill, in a quiet part of town, with beautiful views of the village and vineyards. Nicky is a fantastic host and we were amazed with all the little surprises and extras, like a bottle of wine, anything you may need and forgot at home (like we did) such as coffee, tea, milk, salt, pepper, etc. Even a bowl of water for the dogs on the stoep. The cottage was sparkling clean, and the linen was superb. Thank you, we'll be back."
(visited January 2015)
"We absolutely loved La Petite Grange! The house is more than fully equipped and the view is to die for. It was also very nice exploring the surrounding areas knowing our doggies are safe in the fully enclosed yard. It is so peaceful and quiet, all you hear during the day are the cows, the sheep and the birds and at night you hear the frogs. This is a place that we could definitely visit again and again and again."
(visited August 2014)
"The cottage is well set up with everything you would need and lots of extras. Nicky makes sure you are settled in and is very approachable. Lots to do in Darling with pleasant walks around the cottage. Great that they are dog friendly with secure gardens front and back. "
(visited June 2014)
"Accommodation is very tasteful with a real touch of class and attention to detail. One feels totally comfortable and at peace. Position and view is great and the hosts are friendly and professional. Our dogs loved the place too."
(visited May 2014)
"Charming location with hostess Nicky paying great attention to detail to ensure your stay is as enjoyable as possible."
(visited April 2014)
"Thoroughly enjoyed our stay and our dogs loved smelling all new smells of the country side. Conveniently situated, a mere short walk to town. "Little Barn" itself very nicely decorated, very clean, comfy beds and the view from the veranda over the valley beautiful. Felt very relaxed, did not want to return to the city,definitely will be returning. Nicky and Paul, you've got a real gem at La Petite Grange."
(visited March 2014)
"This was a wonderful break away from the 'big city'. The view from the stoep is stunning and this little cottage is a gem that has been extremely well equipped. I love the fact that everything we could have needed is provided from salt & pepper to a hair dryer. Thank you to Nicky for letting us bring our 3 dogs who loved the big fenced-in garden. We had a ball, the dogs had a ball. We'll be back."
(visited October 2013)
"Absolutely great definitely worth a visit and a stay at La Petite Grange. Thank you."
(visited September 2013)
"Had a most enjoyable week in this delightful cottage. Beautiful views complemented the lovely accommodation, which was extremely well equipped, down to AMC pots in the kitchen. Nicky was an enthusiastic and helpful hostess. I would readily recommend La Petite Grange and look forward to spending more time there. Well done, Nicky, you are to be congratulated."
(visited September 2013)
"Fabulous host, and beautiful cottage. Very well equipped. Will come back in warm weather to enjoy the garden and stoop with lovely view again!"
(visited July 2013)
"An absolutely beautiful and peaceful weekend away. The surroundings around the barn are stunning and everything one needed for self-catering was provided - all you needed were your clothes! Nicky and Paul are fantastic hosts and are just a phone call away if anything is needed. Accommodation and furnishings are five-star and we look forward to going back. This is a definite beaut in the old part of Darling and we would highly recommend it to friends and family. Thank you Nicky and Paul!"
(visited June 2013)
"A hidden gem in Darling with exceptional facilities and superb hospitality from the owner. It's not often you find a spot that checks all the boxes, but this one does. Our favorite part is that it was pet friendly and the huge garden is secure enough for you to leave your dogs outside to play. And so are many of the restaurants in town! Thank you for a very special weekend away, we will be back!"
(visited May 2013)
"This is the best kept secret in Darling! Love the extras in the bathroom and kitchen. We will definitely go back soon."
(visited April 2013)
"Nicky and Paul were fantastic hosts who were always just a telephone call away and very knowledgeable regarding the surrounding areas. We spent three fantastic, restful days destressing enjoying meals on the "stoep" with the lovely views across the valley. The cottage was spotless and had everything one could need microwave, weber, towels etc. We will definitely be going back again."
(visited April 2013)
"A home from home but better. What a pleasure to go somewhere and it delivers more than you expect!"
(visited February 2013)
"We spent a very relaxing weekend at La Petite Grange and came home rejuvenated. Our hosts, Nicky and Paul, gave us a warm welcome. The cottage is very well appointed, with every convenience to make your stay pleasant and comfortable. The d�cor is tasteful and attractive. A beautiful view can be enjoyed from the stoep while you drink your sundowner and cook your meat on the Weber. The house is close to town if you wish to explore the museum and wine farms. All in all, a very pleasant weekend."
(visited January 2013)
"I loved it. La Petite Grange is settled in the quiet hills of Darling where life passes you by at a much slower pace. We took the weekend and just put our feet up and read our favourite books. At night time it was card games and braai-ing while watching the beautiful sunsets. It is a very quiet and relaxing escape!"
(visited December 2012)
"Ideal for chilling and de-stressing."
(visited November 2012)
"Fantastic view from verandah and very quiet. Every possible appliance and you feel like 'home from home'."
(visited November 2012)
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