Skeiding Guest Farm

Budget Getaways Review

Skeiding Guest Farm covers 1200 hectares of rolling Overberg landscape near Heidelberg. Being a working farm, there’s plenty of action on Skeiding, from free-range ostriches to Nguni cows, Merino sheep and even some springbok, zebra and wildebeest. Of course those swathes of wheat, barley and bright yellow canola are also seasonally present, but there’s plenty of virgin land which is left to nature’s devices, allowing you to take a hike to the farm koppies for sundowners (or “sunrisers” if you’re up early enough).

Right, now that the scene is set, let's take a look at the self-catering accommodation options here. There are four fully equipped cottages on the farm, as well as a campsite. Kicking off with the cottages, they are all privately positioned within walking distance from each other and the main farmhouse…by the way, there’s a communal swimming pool at the farmhouse which guests can use, as well as the option of scrumptious farm meals. (Chat to hosts Neels and Anné-Lize about dining should you need a break from cooking).

Denham Bustard Family Cottage is the largest of the lot and sleeps six in total. The cottage has three bedrooms (a king and two twins), a bathroom with shower, fully equipped kitchen and comfy living space. A big stoep with gorgeous farm views and an open fireplace indoors adds to the charm.

Olien Family Cottage sleeps four and has two bedrooms (double and twin). The equipped kitchen is open-plan and the main bedroom leads out onto the patio via a sliding door. You’ve also got an indoor fireplace and outdoor braai here.

Aloe Family Cottage sleeps four and has a king bed in the main bedroom, plus twins in the second bedroom. The main bedroom and living areas open out onto the patio. As with the other cottages, you’ve got a fireplace indoors and a braai on the patio.

Common to the three family cottages are quality bedding and towels, a central playground for the kids to gather at and easy access to the main homestead and pool. (300m away) and of course those lovely views.

Moving along to Porcupine Studio, a great option for couples, this little unit sleeps two and has either twin beds or a king. Porcupine is open-plan with a small kitchenette, a cozy seating area and a fireplace. The covered and partially enclosed patio has a built-in braai and table. The setting is private and the views are gorgeous.

Last up…the campsite. Perched up on a hill with gorgeous Overberg vistas, the campsite which accommodates a maximum of 14 is booked exclusively. eg. You’re not sharing it with anyone else.

The five spots for tents are centred around a lapa and central kitchen area, which is equipped with a gas stove and kettle, as well as a sink and dish washing facilities. The lapa has a partially enclosed area with a bay window and day bed. There’s a built in braai, a donkey boiler for hot water and of course showers and loo's at the ablutions. Bring your own tents, cutlery and dishwashing goods. You can buy firewood and ice at reception. Take note, there is no electricity at the campsite, just solar lighting.

Keeping busy at Skeiding is all about the outdoors. The 39km Grootvadersbosch Conservancy’s mountain bike trail runs right through the property, there are short and more demanding hiking options on the farm, the farm dam is there for bass fishing (as well as swimming) and there are wine farms in nearby Barrydale. Cape Nature’s Grootvadersbosch Reserve is great for a day trip or hike. Kids will love the farm tours on offer as well, enquire about these on arrival.

A great looking getaway with accommodation options to cover all bases and enough to keep you busy for days on end. So head for Heidelberg, Skeiding looks to be a winner.