Quick Facts
E 19°04'18''
Budget Getaways Review
This historic gem is nestled in the Rooiberg foothills just outside of one of the Klein Karoo’s less trodden villages, Van Wyksdorp.
Back in the 1800‘s this settlement and its fertile valley was bursting at the seams with van Wyk’s, wheat farming was a booming business, and Watermill Farm ran no less than seven wheat-to-flour mills.
After decades of neglect Watermill Farm has been lovingly resuscitated, and today embodies the simple rural charm one finds in this neck of the woods.
Tucked under towering blue gums among a cluster of whitewashed buildings are two lovely cottages tailored to couples.
The Miller’s Cottage and The Barn are in keeping with their humble pasts - no electricity (but limited solar), paraffin lanterns, polished dung floors, thick mud walls, reclaimed Oregon. Lovely!
The Miller’s Cottage was once home to the dusty miller, his wife and six kids. Today you'll find a double bedroom with 'hemel bed' (traditional four-poster), and another double in the living room. There’s a bathroom with shower, a comfortable living area and a fully equipped kitchen with Dover stove.
Next up is The Barn, a more spacious option. Dubbed Die Kasteel due it's barrack-like appearance, it once housed tools, animals and all things agriculture.
Stylishly furnished in a mix of old and new, it retains its characterful past by way of the large double barn doors. The bedroom has a double bed, with an additional single in the living area. With a Victorian fireplace in the living room, and a small gas hob, you're all set.
Common to both cottages are fine linen and towels, superb mountain vistas from the stoep, and of course, oodles of tranquility.
The surrounding hills offer plenty in the way or hiking or walking scope, as well as miles of gravel for mountain bikers.
The other historic farm buildings offer an interesting glimpse into the past; the mill itself is mostly intact, as is the Die Langhuis, which saw a serious opskop or three back in its day.
Gentle ambles on the quiet gravel streets of Van Wyksdorp will also be part and parcel of your weekend.
Summing up, total escape from all things urban, a palpable connect to the past, plenty of nature and Klein Karoo vibe, Watermill Farm will hit the spot.
"What an awesome place - we have been back 3 times now, and each time we have a great experience... Loads of space for the kids & plenty of fun for the adults too!"
(visited May 2009)
"An absolutely fabulous escape, even in the middle of a storm with pouring rain the whole weekend. We enjoyed cuddling up by the fire, reading or playing boardgames. The house had everything we needed and the staff working on the farm were friendly and ready to help with anything we needed! We are definitely going to visit again!"
(visited May 2009)
"Myself and hubby visited Waterfall while exploring Citrusdal. A perfect getaway with the most beautiful Waterfall. We met the owners and would like to thank them for their hospitality and allowing us to look around the farm."
(visited February 2009)
"Just to say we truly had the most wonderful weekend - Thank you for sharing it with us, you have a wonderful place."
(visited November 2007)
"I just want to thank you for a wonderful weekend � the farm was beautiful and the river with waterfall even better. We would love to do this soon again..."
(visited October 2007)
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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