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E 19°52'53''
Budget Getaways Review
We had a good feeling about this getaway as a pair of black eagles tracked our movements up the rocky drive – probably thought the Budget Brak was a dassie. Two hospitable hours later – and a bottle of Montagu Muscadel for the road – we felt even better.
Protea is a friendly fruit-farm stuck high on the gorgeous slopes of the Koo Valley, 29km from Montagu. Apart from offering a “world famous tractor ride” to the top of the mountain, the farm has four fully equipped guest cottages.
Of these, the Heidi-imitation Pine Tree Cottage is a mere pebble’s throw from a most appealing dam. A cute nook imbued with the heavenly smell of pine, it has a double bed and small loft with a further two mattresses – great hideaway to conduct a sordid affair.
Another appropriate romantic nest that was once a watermill is the thatch-and-stone Pophuis. Although idyllic inside, it presses quite close to the farm’s worksheds – but this won’t be a problem over weekends.
Panorama is Protea’s third option: a basic two-storey timber house accommodating 13 people and therefore more suitable as a group squat.
Also perfect for either a large or small group is Protea’s latest gem, called Waterblommetjie, a double-volume timber chalet set on yet another farm dam and offering seclusion, a wonderful outlook across water and pine forest, sleeping space for 8 guests and both an indoor and outdoor fireplace.
All of Protea’s cottages are highly recommended, as is the activity-rich mountain setting and tractor ride.
"This little gem, hidden off Route 318 was worth searching for. The place is peaceful and well looked after, with everything that you would want for a weekend getaway. Unfortunately we just missed the potjiekos and tractor ride starting in November but will definitely be going back soon. I will recommend Protea Farm and this website to all I know."
(visited October 2011)
"This truly is the ultimate getaway from busy city life! My boyfriend surprised me with a weekend away to Protea Farm and it is a weekend I'll never forget. We stayed in the Doll's House; it is a beautiful stone cottage filled with everything you may need. Next time, we're taking the fam and staying in Waterblommetjie, a timber house on a dam's edge. Surrounding nature is truly breathtaking and you HAVE to do the tractor ride with accompanying potjiekos. Loved, loved the forest, especially the magical swing (go look for it). We're coming back in here."
(visited March 2011)
"The most AMAZING place ever! All I can say is thank you for the wonderful hospitality. My boyfriend and I absolutely enjoyed the peace and tranquility which mother nature had to offer us. I love the fact that the place is maintained in such a natural way, please dont ever change it. Thanks again and see you soon."
(visited March 2010)
"We stayed in the Pophuis in June 2009 and had such a lovely time! All the little extras were so greatly appreciated. We had a lovely peaceful time away from the craziness of work and walking through the orange trees and around the property by the dams was beautiful! We'll be back in the near future to enjoy it with friends and also to try out the little cottage which is apparently like a little honeymoon suite. You have to do the tractor ride and potjie whilst there...!"
(visited June 2009)
"Me and my husband were there for our honeymoon and we absolutely loved it. We are planning on going there with friends of ours, but they seem to be booked out. Not that I am suprised, it is really fantastic."
(visited May 2009)
"All I can say is WOW! We visited the Pophuis earlier in this year, and it was amazing! Karen has paid so much attention to detail in the decor and facilities of this little cottage. You just want to stay and absorb it for more than the time you stay. You think the pictures look good, but it'll be so much more, and so worth it to visit! Two thumbs up... and ten toes:)"
(visited April 2009)
"This place is absolute heaven on earth. Myself and my wife stayed at the Pine Tree cottage, which was amazing. The views are breathtaking. If peace and quiet is what you are after, this is just the place for you. Don't forget to make your booking on the tractor ride and potjiekos lunch. The tractor trip is a once in a lifetime experience. Will definitely try and visit again in the winter time."
(visited March 2008)
"I cannot begin to say how much we enjoyed staying here. It is a beautiful, happy, peaceful and spiritual farm where attention to detail is evident in everything, from the swimming dam (diving boards) to the foofie slide, to the special 'swing'... and to the surprises you find in your kitchen upon arrival. We loved every moment of our stay."
(visited February 2008)
"What an awesome setting - we'll definitely be back! The kids absolutely loved it and they could get on with their own adventures without a worry."
(visited September 2007)
"Baie besonder! Maak seker dat jy jou trekker-rit bevestig en weer dubbel-bevestig om teleurstelling te voorkom! Vat jou MTB saam!"
(visited June 2007)
"Beautiful setting, wonderful hosts. Definitely not a place for people looking for a party, more for relaxing and enjoying nature. No loud music allowed."
(visited April 2007)
"We went back to Protea Farm for our honeymoon (4th time staying there). Absolutely beautiful... Exactly what we expected. This is a hidden gem and we will continue to go back time & time again. Dankie Karen, jy is wonderlik."
(visited October 2006)
"My boyfriend & I stayed at Pophuis over a weekend & the place was a dream; cosy and very welcoming & all the little extra's in the cottage are great! Karin is also a very good host and made us feel most welcome. We're going back In Feb 07."
(visited May 2006)
"This was a lovely break away from city life. Very peaceful. No TV, no radio, no noise at all! It felt like it was only me and my partner and there was no other life around. I haven't tried the tractor ride and potjie kos but I definitely will on my next visit. I stayed in the Pinetree Cottage. The only problem is that there is a tiny bar fridge and the little stove is useless so we made use of the braai at all times. There is a lovely little dam opposite the cottage which you can swim in and a little canoe to enjoy as well. Overall, I really enjoyed my stay. The Protea Farm is a very beautiful place that is hidden away. If only i had known about it sooner..."
(visited February 2006)
"A truly wonderful experience. Very nice and relaxing!"
(visited April 2005)
"It's an absolute must to visit! The tranquil setting and the little extras that remind one of home upon arrival... you just don't want to leave!"
(visited April 2004)
"Fabulous place, a real home away from home. Going back next year."
(visited January 2004)
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From R1150 to R1970, depending on unit, guests and time of year
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From R2100 to R2310, depending on unit, guests and time of year
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Rate Guide
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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