Quick Facts
E 19°30'37''
Budget Getaways Review
Seven kays from Stanford and tucked away in a private wind-free glade, you wouldn't say the Little Farmhouse is out-the-box new - because on aura and attention to traditional detail it feels like it's been around for a lot longer.
The cottage is appointed on a 10ha hobby farm, made real by 50 bleating sheep and two resident donkeys called Onkie and Penelope.
The decor and furniture is good ole farmstyle - rattan chairs and a couch covered in granma's favourite fabric, an open kaggel, beds with both head- and foot-boards, enamel tin jugs with fresh flowers, a large sheltered stoep...
Capping the ambience is a reed-ceilinged loft bedroom, which your kids and the kid in you will love for its cosiness and dappled morning sunlight pouring through the solder door.
Outside, the garden is a lush affair - in fact, more forest than garden - with a lovely picnic area, swimmable dam close by, and... a romantic forest bathroom set under the poplar trees and lit by paraffin lanterns. The hot outdoor shower is perfectly nestled away for a rinse off, post dam swim or family cricket match.
Lying just 7km from the village, a whole platter of activities awaits you at your doorstep - restaurants, pubs, bric and brac shops, the local brewery, trout fishing on the neighbours farm, mountain bike and hiking trails, just some of the options.
Going by the sweet name alone, the Little Farmhouse looks set to become a wholesome staple on the Budget Getaways map.
"The most relaxing time was had by all�adults and kids. The setting was idyllic and wind protected, and Arums were in full flower when we arrived. Perfect for our needs and thanks for the extra towels Day 3. We will be back. Thank you Natalie and Kevin."
(visited Oct 2021)
"We visited The Little Farmhouse for my 40th birthday and it was such a treat! My kids absolutely loved it, especially our visits from the donkeys in the mornings. The setting was lovely and private and the hot tub was perfect for the chilly weather. This is definitely going into my list of favourite getaways."
(visited Jun 2021)
"What a wonderful weekend away! Definitely recommended for a peaceful getaway out of the city life. It is a serene setting where you can listen to the wind through the poplar trees and take relaxing walks on the farm grounds. The stone cottage was cozy and warm with the fireplace going in the cold weather. The visiting donkeys and sheep right in front of the cottage made it feel like you are truly part of the farm! There is also lots to do on and around the farm, with many wine farms, walking trials, big cat sanctuary and the lagoon close by. Perfect for an all-rounder getaway. A big thank you to the hosts who were so friendly and inviting, we will definitely be returning!"
(visited Apr 2019)
"We visited the Little Farmhouse mid-winter and the cottage was very cold with little sunlight. I think this would be a different experience in summer. I love farmstays so it definitely has appeal with farm animals wandering around and birds in the forest. On the downside firewood was supplied but is was wet and the cottage is below a main gravel road - so you have have the sound from cars travelling fast on that road. Otherwise the authentic cottage had everything we needed with comfy beds and lots of warm duvets. Oh and we received fresh eggs one morning - that was a nice touch :) Another pleasant surprise was the sound of lions calling which we heard quite often... the Panthera big cat sanctuary is just up the road."
(visited Jul 2018)
"My husband and I went to Stanford for his birthday and could not have chosen a lovelier place. The house was well equipped, the beds really comfortable and the huge fireplace in the lounge really made it special. Although it was the start of winter, the weather played along beautifully. It was great being on a working farm, and the two donkeys just so special! We will certainly be back!"
(visited May 2018)
"A special thanks to Natalie and Kevin for making our holiday so special. If you are looking for a stunning place to relax, look no further."
(visited Dec 2017)
"The house is located in a very beautiful setting, the building is simple and nice, although it needs a bit of TLC. The linen and the couch should be replaced, they look old and not clean."
(visited Aug 2016)
Getaway Reply
We thank you for your feedback Sabina. The decor is simple farm style as can be seen from the pics on website and the Winter linen was replaced a few months ago. It could be slightly discoloured due to the colour of the farm water but without a doubt clean. Kind Regards, Natalie
(Natalie Husk)
"I booked The Little Farmhouse for my 30th birthday which turned out to be a brilliant idea! Myself and my wife in the one room with my sister and her husband in the other. All together we enjoyed our stay and the peace and quiet of The Little Farmhouse and Sanford. Cant wait to go back. Hopefully next time, we get the chance to stay longer."
(visited May 2015)
"We had a girls weekend away which we thoroughly enjoyed. The accommodation was exactly as it is presented on the website and there are lots of lovely touches, plenty of wood, eggs, honey, condiments, a Dover stove to keep warm and indoor fireplace, plenty of hot water, lovely beds compete with hot water bottles. We really enjoyed being cocooned in the forest type setting and enjoyed frequent visits from Onkie and Penelope (the donkeys!). Stanford has lovely restaurants and shops and there's lots of wine tasting to be done in the area. Highly recommend this getaway."
(visited May 2015)
"We had a very peaceful and relaxing time at The Little Farmhouse. The house, which has been designed with attention to period detail in the old Cape farmstead style, is snugly tucked away adjacent to a grove of trees. The rustling poplars complement a wide array of birds (including a family of Hoopoe�s and a visiting Raptor) nesting in and around the grove, chirping and singing away. Fires at night kept the first chill of autumn at bay, while the forest bath was an almost meditative experience, lying in hot tub looking up at the forest canopy, listening to the night sounds of frogs and birds, with an almost full moon rising. The flock of sheep and herd of young cows on the farm complemented the pastoral setting. We recommend this getaway as an opportunity to rest in quietude, away from the bustle of city life."
(visited May 2015)
"We returned for a second time to The Little Farmhouse and loved it just as much as the first! From the attention to detail, hot water bottles, blankets and the basket of farm eggs and honey, to the daily visits from Onkie and Penelope and the sheep, it is very difficult to find fault with this gorgeous cottage and its hosts. We have no problem being "screen free" for the time we are here, as the kids find so much to do, riding bikes, having mud baths, following the donkeys around and trying to get close enough to touch the sheep's wool. We will be back, again and again."
(visited April 2015)
"We spent a lovely four nights relaxing in this delightful Little Farmhouse. The setting is wonderful and Kevin And Natalie were unobtrusive which only goes to show that everything was working and all the amenities were available to make our stay so enjoyable. The farm is situated in a perfect position to get to town and other spots of interest without having to travel too far. There was enough information available at the house so we knew how to plan our days. Altogether we would recommend this as a place to visit and have already told our friends about it."
(visited April 2015)
"We had the privilege of spending Easter Weekend at The Little Farmhouse, Stanford. So many personal touches to make you feel at home and away from the hustle and bustle of general life. On arrival we were treated to some fresh farm produce and Easter Eggs. We had regular visits from sheep and donkeys and could end the days with a warm bath in the forest. We heard many different birds and even spotted an owl. Although you almost don�t want to leave the �stoep�, there are many things to do in the immediate area and Stanford is only a few kms away if you need to do some last minute shopping. A little piece of heaven. Can�t wait to visit again."
(visited April 2015)
"The GPS co-ordinates are not correct, and better sign posting is welcome. Fantastic place! Will be back."
(visited April 2015)
"Such a beautiful farmhouse. We loved the welcome basket of farm honey, milk, apples and eggs and the hospitality. This is a happy place!"
(visited March 2015)
"When you close your eyes and picture a Cape Dutch farm house with all the old world touches, this little spot in Stanford should appear in your mind. It has the perfect amount of charm mixed with new world comforts and a real farm flair. My kids loved the loft and steep stairs, the dress up basket and games that have been affectionately placed through out the cottage to keep them entertained in a tv-less environment (thank-you). For the Twitchers' like my dad this was paradise, we tried to identify different sounds and birds all weekend. A lovely spot, in a lovely friendly village."
(visited January 2015)
"What a lovely holiday, one of our best ever. The Little Farmhouse is so forested that you struggle to identify the birds that call all day and owls into the night. So much so that I have resolved to buy the Roberts book of Birds on a tablet simply so that I can identify them by call and don't get caught with my pants down again. Although a road is close by, the sound seems to go over the forest canopy and is no nuisance whatsoever. The surrounding area is very well geared up for holidaymakers like ourselves and there is plenty to keep one occupied even with toddlers. Our dogs had a ball, and came back after walks with a few tiny ticks (so small!) and we had no problem getting these off them daily. The cottage is spacious and has everything that one can possibly need."
(visited December 2014)
"Had a lovely long weekend at the Little Farmhouse. It was cold and stormy, but the cottage was ideal � with indoor fireplace, hot-water bottles on all the beds, a Dover stove to keep things toasty and lovely kitchen for a weekend of cooking, reading and relaxing. A quick drive to Stanford, with plenty of antique shops and cafes to explore...or trout fishing for others. Definitely a perfect winter getaway, looking forward to returning and experiencing it in Summer too! "
(visited June 2014)
"Truly 5 star. Welcomed with home-made jam,pickles, oats cookies and farm eggs, and plenty of fire wood. The farmhouse was fantastic, you feel immediately welcome and at home. To wake-up with the sound of sheep bleating and daily visits from the donkeys was bliss. Thank you Kevin and Natalie, all our batteries were recharged. We will visit again."
(visited May 2014)
"The Little Farmhouse is such a special spot, the interior styling is beautiful and minimal while being cosy. There is so many options of places to relax and the forest outside was beautiful and the outside bath and shower are such a treat! Natalie was a kind and generous host and I cant wait to visit again. With the possible splash pool coming for summer, and cosy fire place for winter it is perfect all year around."
(visited January 2014)
"Our stay was highly enjoyable. The cottage, although fairly newly built , gives an old world feel. The facilities and amenities are all of a high standard. The surrounds, especially the really old poplar forest, are tranquil and serene. Skollie (the family sheep dog) would have loved to have stayed longer!"
(visited January 2014)
"What an experience to get away from the city and arrive in little paradise - the atmosphere is just peaceful. You can breathe and you just want to smile. To be greeted by the sound of donkeys in the early hours of the morning and then to be visited by the two on the stoep was amazing. To top it all that you can take a bath in the woods - very hot water - yes - was great and so much fun. Our group enjoyed our stay and was sad to leave but hopefully can return soon. Thanks to the our host who welcomed us and made us feel at home and even let me bottle-feed a lamb."
(visited September 2013)
"I never thought I'll ever bath in a forest, that only happens in the movies ... amazing! This is a proper place to rest, to calm down and just be. Make the effort to go and have a great time."
(visited April 2013)
"Beautiful accommodation in stunning setting. Very private and comfortable. Lovely personal touches to make everyone feel at home. Highly recommended."
(visited March 2013)
"We spent part of our honeymoon at 'The Little' that offers 'the lot'. Natalie and Kevin,Thank You. Suffice to say... this is legend."
(visited September 2012)
"If I could give this establishment ten stars I would have. It has just been magnificent! Beautifully furnished, white linen, fire place, Dover stove - really just so charming. I can highly recommend it."
(visited July 2012)
"This cottage is a dream come true for those who love a real 'get away from it all' rustic experience. We can't wait to go back - peace, gorgeous surroundings, no phones (big bonus), or TV. Reading, talking, drinking and log fires. A bath in a leafy forest glade - lie there and look up at the stars. Loads of fun for the children - they adored the two very friendly donkeys, Onkie and Penelope, who came to visit each day. Lots to do, wine tasting, swimming in the river, restaurants in nearby Stanford, the cheese farm with great kids play area, and honing ones 'slow food' cooking skills on the wood-fired dover stove. The 'slow food' movement is big around here; we joined in, and managed to cook for 14 guests on the wood stove and braai, whilst entertaining them all on the spacious 'stoep', in the pouring rain. A great time was had by all! In two words: "go there". You will not regret it."
(visited April 2012)
"The Little farmhouse truly is a piece of heaven. It's the perfect place to go and unwind and spend quality time with friends and family. We thoroughly enjoyed our stay. The bath and shower in the forest are MAGICAL. The flowers, eggs and jam on arrival, the fresh, crisp white linen and towels, the wandering sheep, beautiful forest and, did I mention the bath and shower IN THE FOREST will make your stay an unforgettable experience? We can't wait to go back in winter to try out the Aga. Loved it!"
(visited February 2012)
"What an amazing experience!!! Ons het so lekker gekuier en het al die Vrydagaand redes gesoek om nie terug te gaan huis toe nie. Dit is 'n ongelooflike setting en so rustig. Die buite bad en stort was 'n groot treat en die rustigheid daar kruip dadelik in jou hart. Dit is net na genoeg aan die dorp om na die mark toe te gaan om vars brood te gaan koop en net ver genoeg om nie deel te wees van die samelewing nie. Dit was werklik die beste naweek weg ooit. Ons het heerlik in die dam geswem en die sonsondergang geniet."
(visited February 2012)
"As usual Natalie and Kevin took fantastic care of us! We had a wonderful time with good friends and made some fantastic memories. The kids loved every minute of it and the highlight was the braai under the shade of the trees. A very relaxing destination!"
(visited October 2011)
"The perfect traditional cottage for a wet cold winter's weekend. A wonderful fire and wood-burning stove kept us cosy in the evening. A unique outdoor bath was a hit, even in the rain!. Our dogs loved running through the woods. Little luxury details like lovely white linen, fresh farm eggs, home-made fig jam and lots of wood for the fire made this a very special retreat from the stresses of normal life! Thank you. Zavick, Shona, India, Tamsin, and the dogs."
(visited June 2011)
"Highly recommended! Loved everything about it and cannot wait to go back again."
(visited May 2011)
"Thank you Kevin and Natalie for sharing your little piece of heaven with us. It's so peaceful & homely here. Absolutely fabulous!"
(visited February 2011)
"I must say that we found this spot truly idyllic. Hidden away in a wind-free clearing, surrounded by trees, we felt like we were in the middle of nowhere! The kids loved running around in the little forest, and especially the visiting donkeys! A real find."
(visited January 2011)
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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