Quick Facts
E 21°38'30''
Budget Getaways Review
We love this spot! And so will you if you're seeking a rare balance of other-worldly Karoo setting, the comings and goings of gentle farm life, dramatic mountain views, and a choice of an old schoolhouse oozing historic character, or three new units appointed above a wide stretch of water and imbuing modern-chic-meets-country.
Overlooking the remote Matjiesvlei valley, The Old School House is a converted building that once served as an educational hub for the local plaasjapies. Under Bronwyn and Colin's discerning eye for the simple yet aesthetic, it has been spruced up, but fortunately not at the expense of it's wonderful humble origins.
As may be expected of a farm school building, it's a cavernous, yet cosy space, with raw timber floors, a 4m-high panelled ceiling, three simple bedrooms and a huge open living and kitchen area, fitted with convivial dining table flanked by long benches. The house has Eskom but do like many before you and stick with the candles.
You will find evidence of the pedagogic past dotted here and there: ancient black and white photos of the turn-of-the-century teachers and their bakoored pupils, a school bench, a blackboard and a school bell.
While simple in design and decor, the house is very comfortable and fully equipped with everything and more that you need, including a library of good books.
Ambling down the bumpy track, The River View Cottages are set within view of each other and overlook a sweeping bend of the Gamka River. Each is a stylised space balancing clean minimalist lines with the traditional, and all to very good effect we might add: poplar beam and riet ceilings, sleek brown leather couches and modern lighting, cement-screed floors, gleaming silver appliances...
The cottages are tailored to trendy couples (like yourself, for example), with a central boma to enjoy the amazing Karoo evenings together. The cottages consist of an ensuite bedroom, open-plan lounge and living area (with fireplace) and small front stoep. Views spill out in every direction, with the river, the indigenous aloes and dramatic Swartberg cliffs taking centre-stage.
Summers are mind-numbingly hot in the valley, so the nearby Gamka River is welcome relief indeed. While you won't be particularly inclined to do much, besides wallow in the river, take evening strolls and sit around the braai, the farm and general area has more than enough on offer: farm animals, mountain biking, hiking, bird watching, fishing and diverse succulents.
"What a incredible piece of heaven on earth! We had a very special family holiday and Christmas on the farm. Riverview Cottages were immaculate upon arrival. The view from each cottage covered stoep breathtaking, overlooking the majestic valley with its red mountains and abundant river. Bronwyn and her family are very kind, hospitable and helpful hosts. The cottages are well equipped and merely a few meters away from the river where we bathed and picnicked the whole day in the bloody Klein Karoo December sun. Calitzdorp with lovely eateries and port farms are very close by but one doesn't really feel the need to leave the tranquil reception-free valley. Hiking, mountain biking, reading, swimming, canoeing , eating and sleeping all day, this is a place for deep rest for body and soul. Thank you for sharing this valley with us."
(visited January 2015)
"Wonderlike ligging in 'n baie stil vallei, sit op die stoep en kyk vir die wolke wat op die toppe van die berge le, al die veldblomme om jou en voels wat daarmee baljaar, die visarend wat oorvlieg. Klim dan die koppe of stap langs die rivier, roei dan daarop saam met Jock die plaaslike Jack Russel en drink alles in wat eenvoudig en rustig is. Goed toegerus met kwaliteit meubels en toebehore. Wonderliie biblioteek in chalet van filosofie, letterkunde, poesie, plaaslike plante/diere en geskiedenis boeke. Wens ons het langer as drie dae bespreek."
(visited January 2015)
"Magical, idyllic, so hope we can return here one day."
(visited July 2014)
"We stayed at the Western cottage that has the best view of the river. A very tastefully decorated cottage set against a beautiful mountain backdrop. The fish were teasingly jumping most of the day but we did not manage to lure them with our bait. The peace and quiet rejuvenates ones' soul and makes one ready to survive another week in the concrete jungle!"
(visited June 2014)
"The Old School House ticks just about every box for a great family getaway (except, of course, if you need to be in constant cell phone contact). The building dates from 1911 and effort has been put into retaining the character and history of this old school. Yet, we wanted for nothing in terms of comfort, the wood burning stove in the lounge warmed the house on the one cold evening, and the beds even have electric blankets. On another night, we sat outside, marvelling at the starry sky. The friendly farm dogs and cat provided much entertainment and Jock even joined us on short walk up the mountain. The nearby river has a well-built jetty with canoes and paddle skis, and this shaded area would be great for a picnic."
(visited April 2014)
"My husband and I stayed at the middle River View Cottage in July and it was such a treat! A rare find where the place is even more beautiful in real life than in the pictures. Gorgeous cottages and a spectacular view, plus beautiful surroundings. Perfect for relaxing and/or being active. Well worth it."
(visited July 2013)
"We stayed at the Old School House in April this year and were blown away by the setting, the Old School House AND Bronwyn and Colin and their lovely family. It was a very special visit and a real treat! It doesn't get better than this! I still dream about it and long to be back most days! Thanks Family Lumb for sharing your piece of heaven with us and for being so kind and hospitable! Our son Alexander had a ball and loved playing with your boys! See you one of these days soon!"
(visited April 2012)
"Outstanding accommodation with spectacular views and friendly hosts. Very peaceful and rejuvenating. Will definitely come back again."
(visited February 2012)
"We loved our two night stay in the old school house. The house has been tastefully restored, retaining the historical features, and the result is fascinating (and comfortable!). Our boys (aged 8 and 3) loved the big blackboard, the books and games, and swimming and fishing in the river. We will definitely be back one day!"
(visited April 2011)
"A wonderfully peaceful quiet place to sit and contemplate things. Fantastic mountain biking and great walking. Very well stocked bookshelf - loved the wildflower guide. We'll be back."
(visited December 2010)
"What an incredible spot! We stayed in Western River View Cottage for the long weekend. We loved the modern finishings and furnishings, the bookshelf filled with the most incredible books that we were dying to stay and read, the well equipped kitchen... the list goes on. It's a peaceful and beautiful valley with spectacular views. We walked, cycled, canoed, enjoyed a glass of chilled wine on the stoep, gazed at the stars and loved every minute. It is well worth the drive and we can't wait to go back."
(visited September 2010)
"We loved this spot and so did our kids, ages 1 and 3 years old. We enjoyed the walks, braais under the stars, exploring the area and all that there was to see. The accomodation was good with almost everything provided for and thought of, and our hosts were friendly and very welcoming. We really recommend this spot of paradise to others."
(visited July 2010)
"Awesome surroundings and fabulous hosts. The perfect getaway to escape the ratrace, to rewind and recharge. One visit just isn't enough."
(visited February 2008)
Weltevrede Fig Farm
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Rate Guide
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Kruisrivier Gallery Apartment
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The setting? Gorgeous Klein Karoo, minus the harsh edges: early morning cows on their way to be milked, the sounds of phlegmatic tractors and the occasional farm bakkie; ...
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Matjiesvlei Guest Farm
Calitzdorp, Western Cape
Now, here's a farm spilling rich history and Karoo character. Matjiesvlei goes right back to 1821 and has been in the same bloodline ever since - today it's farmed by 5th...
Rate Guide
From R600 to R1600, depending on unit, guests and time of year
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 • Porterville • Prince Albert • Pringle Bay • 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 • Uniondale • Velddrif • Vermaaklikheid • Wellington • Wilderness • Witsand • Worcester & Hex Valley • Yzerfontein • Baviaanskloof • Cape St Francis • Cape St Francis & St Francis Bay • East London • Graaff-Reinet • Hogsback • Jeffreys Bay • Makhanda (Grahamstown) • Middelburg • Nieu-Bethesda • Rhodes • Sutherland