Karoo Rest Cottages

Budget Getaways Review

The Rest farm has seen it all. From ox wagons to motor cars, telegrams to the internet, this is a fourth generation Karoo farm, set deep in the Sneeuberg Mountains near Nieu Bethesda. The Rest is a holistic type of place, run by the Kingwill family, who know everything there is to know about the land they’ve been working for decades. As the seeker of an idyllic escape from the outside world, you’d be hard pressed to find a more peaceful and authentic Karoo farm experience than Karoo Rest Cottages.

The accommodation comes in the form of two rustic, off-grid cottages, namely The Shepherd’s Cottage and The Garden House. Kicking off with The Shepherd’s Cottage, this simple little five-sleeper is situated in the heart of the farmstead, a place where you can watch the daily goings-ons happening around you, but still enjoy plenty of privacy. Bedroom wise, you’ve got a double room, a twin room and a small single room (great for the early riser, who can catch an epic Karoo sunrise from the single bed). There’s a well-equipped kitchen, a cozy lounge with fireplace and a bathroom with shower, bath and loo. For the eco-conscious and adventurous, there’s a compost loo outdoors, go on, you have to try it! The views of the area’s famous Compasberg and Alwynkop from the cottage are breathtaking. Outdoors you’ve got a braai area and a large peach tree for shade.

Moving along to The Garden House, this charming cottage can pack seven at a push, but is best suited to six guests. It’s tucked away amongst trees near the main farm house. A big plus with The Garden House is that you can step out of your front door and walk up the nearby mountain, it’s the kind of place you feel well and truly connected to the surrounding landscape. There’s a big ol’ wood burning stove in the kitchen which keeps things cozy in winter and oodles of shade to keep the rays at bay in summer. Sleeping wise, you’ve got a double room, a partially walled off bunk room with two sets of bunk beds, and an additional single bed in the lounge if needed. There’s a bathroom with shower and loo. As with The Shepherd’s Cottage, there’s a compost loo outdoors, plus a hot outside shower.

Worth mentioning is that there is a small camping area for the “under canvas enthusiasts”. You’ve got access to an equipped kitchen and solar shower. There’s space for up to three tents.

This part of the world isn’t a place you’re going to be rushing around from one action packed activity to the next, it’s more a “just let it unfold” kind of destination. Take strolls across the surrounding landscape and up the nearby koppies, get involved in some of the farm work (kids love this!), hit the miles of virtually traffic-free gravel roads on your mountain bike or take a picnic down to the farm stream - a great place to splash around in during the summer heat. The village of Nieu Bethesda is a short drive away and has some great restaurants, a craft brewery and the famous Owl House.

All in all, it’s a remote, down-to-earth and undoubtebly breathtaking landscape and Karoo Rest Cottages puts you right in the centre of a classic Great Karoo farm - timeless.