Rockhaven Farm, Porterville, Western Cape on Budget-Getaways

Budget Getaways Review

Like a number of surrounding getaways, Rockhaven has the unfair advantage of being nestled among the spectacular Groot Winterhoek mountains. In this case, two comfortable cottages (Lavender and Erica) with very reasonable price tags provide your weekend lodging on this working farm.

The furnishings in both cottages are neat and unpretentious and everything seems in place for a very pleasant weekend – all that you need bring is a sensible mix of well-behaved mates and maybe the family hound. Reports from the latter indicate that Rockhaven is dog heaven (Within the limits of three hounds per cottages of course), with enough delirious dassie scents to fill a month of happy canine dreams.

The cottages sleep six (Erica) and four (Lavender), respectively; if you're looking for a group getaway think about booking both. Erica Cottage is a little more basic than the original Lavender (French doors, light and airy, fireplace, nice decor), but nevertheless very well equipped, with a mix of queen and single beds, linen, towels, etc, all part of the deal.

If you're looking for something that'll handle a few families or an en-masse gathering, then The Farmhouse is your spot. This sprawling abode is nestled under tall trees with gorgeous views onto open lawns, the dam and the mountains beyond. With seven bedrooms, one with ensuite loo, and two full bathrooms as well as an outside shower, the house sleeps 14 comfortably. Three bedrooms have queen beds, one has a double bed and the other three each have two single beds. There is a large living area and fully equipped kitchen. Outdoors a covered stoep and a rock in-ground plunge-pool are at your beck and call.

If supplies run low, fear not. Nearby Stoffelina se Winkel is always on hand for basic supplies, plus pre orders of her delicious home-made bread. You can also buy extra firewood here is required.

For human visitors, the surrounding Jupiter landscape has plenty of walks, nooks and crannies to explore, orchards to lose yourself in, rivers to dip in and out of, buck to spot and enough snow every second winter or so to build a snowman. Sit on the stoep and watch the sun set slowly on the Citrusdal Valley, take a stroll to the farm dam and enjoy a dip in its crystal clear waters, walk further along to the rock pools and waterfalls of the Ratel River, or simply lie back on the lawn and soak up the rays.

Not even an irksome cellphone can pierce Rockhaven’s utter serenity – for that you need to walk about 100m.

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Guest Reviews

Overall Rating (based on 2 reviews)

Standard of facilities

Appeal of setting

Professionalism

Value for money

"Amazing! What a magical place. I almost don't want to rate it and keep it a secret gem. Stunning mountain setting, beautiful walks to rock pools and bushman paintings as well as a refreshing swimming dam, necessary at 37 Degrees. The smell of Buchu and Lavender in the air and views that make your heart ache. Just wow! Super friendly farm managers, wood was delivered and a tiny shop has essentials. We will most certainly go again, and again..."

(visited Mar 2022)

"We always enjoy our stay in Erica Cottage."

(visited May 2021)

"We had a fantastic stay at Rockhaven. Lavender Cottage is spacious and well equipped. The setting is beautiful and the views expansive. We loved exploring the farm and playing at the dam, our kids and dog were in heaven! We went on some great walks to find rock paintings and to the rock pools and waterfalls. The water is crystal clear and so inviting. If boulder hopping and jumping into deep clear rock pools is your thing you'll love this place. The horse and donkey came to say hello each evening. There are brochures of very comprehensive information provided at the cottage that make the stay very interesting."

(visited October 2020)

"The children and adults loved it. Swimming, hiking, farm animals, baboons, rock climbing and teaching the children an easy abseil and scrambling. Only the weather spoilt a marvellous time for the family on the last day of our stay but not complaining. Our third visit and possibly not the last. We loved the rustic environment and helpful personnel."

(visited Dec 2019)

"A very special place. We'll definitely be back!"

(visited Oct 2019)

"We loved everything, stunning, relaxing, very friendly people and especially the animals (horse, donkey, gout and doggie). Incredible beautiful nature and wildlife. Stofelina's home made bread...yummy yummy. A lot of thanks to everyone looking and keeping farm so beautiful. Really would like to visit again."

(visited Jul 2019)

"Most amazing place to escape to. The setting is stunning. Well worth the money spent and would recommend this place for all to see."

(visited Jan 2019)

"We had a great visit. What a pleasure. I wish i could stay for a week. Nice and quiet, Very clean and everything we needed was there. "

(visited Nov 2018)

"Ons het my 50ste verjaardag te Rockhaven gevier - Wonderlik! Skoon lug, Sterre, Varsgebakte warm brood, gasvryheid, klompe hout, geurige olies, pragtige inheemse blommetjies en koel skoon water om in te swem. Saam om 'n vuurtjie het ons heerlik gekuier en die stilte so gesels-gesels geniet. Dankie baie."

(visited Oct 2018)

"it was a good weekends getaway and their hospitality with regards to having our dogs stay as well is highly appreciated. Location, privacy, stillness, the setting, activities are fantastic, a simply beautiful working farm.....worth the drive! Hot shower after a cold swim in the dam was a treat."

(visited Aug 2018)

"Magnificent views! We thoroughly enjoyed our morning walks. Very friendly hosts. We will definitely be back!"

(visited Jun 2018)

"A spectacular setting and a fabulous location make for a very tranquil retreat BUT it must be emphasised that the road to Rockhaven Farm is NOT suitable for sedan vehicles. It is a treacherous pass with little room to manoeuvre and a very poor bumpy gravel road before and after the pass made for a very stressful journey of over an hour long each way from the Cardouw turnoff. Take the advice not to travel on this road after twilight seriously. A robust four wheel drive is definitely recommended for the journey A further note: the farm dogs were ever present at the cottage (Erica) and quite raucous. Being a dog lover, I did not mind but for some who do not want their peace disturbed this may be a problem. They were ever present and quite active throughout this time. Apart from the above, a warm and friendly welcome from Stoffelina and a spotless, well equipped cottage with beautifully laundered bed linen made for an enjoyable stay."

"Incredibly beautiful scenery. We all loved our stay!"

(visited Mar 2018)

"Me and my family have been to most of the surrounding farms in the Winterhoek area, but for as long as this house is available to us, we won't be searching for another one. The house was neat and clean and the beds were as comfy as our own. We appreciated everyone and everything there: Jaap, Stofelina, Andrew, the two donkey's and the horse! I like that there's so many private swimming spots and the lovely scent in the air when they're making the essential oils. The perfect place to get away from everything... I really can't recommend this place enough!"

(visited Dec 2016)

"Our stay was very good, highly enjoyable, relaxing, and there was lots to do. It is pet friendly, very welcoming and the other animals were fantastic. We loved the horse and the donkeys. Stophelina's bread was excellent. This was our 2nd time and we will return."

(visited Nov 2016)

"What a gorgeous find - plenty of space, comfortable beds, amazing views, incredible location. We will be back."

(visited Aug 2016)

"We had a weekend in the farm, we loved the place and the surroundings, everything was just fantastic."

(visited January 2015)

"What a fantastic farm and what a privilege to be able to share in it. We went for a late afternoon swim in the rock pools and a troop of baboons came along and sat on the rocks above us only a few metres away. Although a little intimidating at first, they just watched us curiously - rather like we were watching them! It was really an incredible experience. Our stay was full of hiking, swimming, reading, eating, relaxing, and drinking in the beautiful mountain views. We've been there twice already and it's definitely going to become a holiday fixture for us."

"Awesome, awesome setting. Just a short walk to the river where you can spend your days playing in rock pools. If you get bored of that (is that even possible?) there are plenty of hikes, splendid views, fragrant fields and rock art to enjoy. We can't wait to go back."

(visited December 2014)

"If you're looking for complete escape from it all, Rockhaven is just that. Luckily on our last day the weather turned fantastic and we could go explore. Do yourself a favour and pack a picnic and head on down to the waterfall! Simply gorgeous. We were very sad that we only discovered this on the Sunday. The views driving over the Dasklip pass were also spectacular. Amazing scenery and serenity. Loved the horses and donkeys that came to say 'hi' to us as well. Very tame and friendly. Minor gripe is that we were disappointed that the farm Bread, Rusks or eggs were not possible to order even though we enquired about this 5-days in advance."

(visited November 2014)

"Even though it rained on and off , had a wonderful time round the indoor fireplace. When it did stop raining, the walk to 2-Fingers waterfall was well worth the effort. Dogs had a great time exploring the rocks. Stoffelina made us some nice bread and rusks. We will be back in summer."

(visited June 2014)

"Having visited the area a number of times before how wonderful to find this new spot. The walk to the river is exceptionally beautiful, as are the rock pools. We lacked for nothing in terms of facilities and the farm animals were a definite win for the kids - they are sold on going back again and again. I would highly recommend ordering some of Stoffelina's homemade bread - delicious."

(visited April 2014)

"What a wonderful weekend had by all,the peace & tranquility of the surroundings - enough to make you jealous of Jaap & Stoffelina who live there. Our kids and dog had an absolutely amazing time and did not have to worry that they would wonder far - helping feed the horses was a highlight for these "city kids". The walk down to the Waterfall was great with all the beautiful rock formations, no wonder it is called Rockhaven. Well worth the visit and will definitely be back. Thank you all for a wonderful long weekend. Mich�le Thamcharoen & Friends."

(visited May 2012)

"One of the best holidays I've been on (around Cape Town). The dogs had an absolute blast and didn't want to go home. We all thoroughly enjoyed the walks in the mountains (even though we got lost at one stage). The rock pools and waterfalls are beautiful. Will definitely be back again. A little piece of heaven."

(visited April 2010)

"This is a lovely spot to spend a weekend. The mountains, rock paintings, rock pools and waterfall were great and really good for one's soul. I will definitely go here again. The weather was also fantastic. My dogs loved it and so did we. Thanks to Beth and Grant for allowing us to share their lovely farm."

(visited August 2009)

"We loved Rockhaven's Erica Cottage and will certainly return. The dog nearly wore out her paws (literally!) and the kids had a ball. Which meant blissful peace for mom and dad :-) I was pleasantly surprised by the quality of the linen and towels, and the cottage was prepared to a very professional standard - towels beautifully rolled on the pillows, soaps ad extra loo rolls in the bathroom. Thanks to Beth and Stoffelina both..."

(visited May 2009)

"Despite the cold and rainy weather the weekend away at Rockhaven was fantastic! The rain lifted on the Sunday morning and we made the most of the opportunity to explore the beautiful surrounds... I can recommend it for a weekend away to recharge batteries!"

(visited May 2007)

"The kind of place that regrows your roots and uplifts everything else!"

(visited October 2006)

"We stumbled upon Rockhaven accidently while on one of our spur-of-the-moment trips, but the cottage wasn't available. We booked for Aug 2006 when I was about four months pregnant. Wow, at the moment no.1 on my list of favourite places. We keep on trying to book another weekend...but so popular now! Jaap and Stoffelina are great and really helpful. The shower is my favourite...really adventurous. (I think Jaap accidently peeped when I was using it!) A really great getaway!"

(visited August 2006)

"What a place! If you want to get away from the city this is the place to be. The mountains are amazing, the caves with the bushman paintings awesome and the kids really enjoyed the foefie slide, although the water in the dam was freezing. Stoffelina and Jaap are the salt of the earth... Do try Stoffelina's home made bread, delivered piping hot to your door. Jaap's knowledge about the mountains is such a treat to listen to. I will love to return to this haven - rocks and all."

(visited June 2006)

"We had a great time, took our two staffies and I think their wildest dreams came true. The setting is great, the dam is so clean, and the walks were amazing... Thanks for sharing..."

(visited March 2006)

"This is truly an amazing spot and our two dogs love it. If you really want to get away from it all, this is the perfect hideaway."

(visited June 2005)

Rockhaven Farm

Porterville, Western Cape

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River Farm Cottage

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