The Onderhuis at Keurbosfontein is a historic family farm that nestles in the beautiful Red Cederberg 3km’s past Matjiesrivier on the back road to Wupperthal. The main farmhouse is almost 200 years old and is a rare remaining example of a traditional Cederberg farmstead and was carefully restored together with all the other old buildings on the farmstead by owner Johan van der Westhuizen in 2000.
Many of the traditions of the region are still practised here and the farm has an old-world feel that takes you back in time to a much simpler way of life. Electricity is not utilised on the farm by choice. Our intention is for guests to escape from the intensity of the city and experience the natural rhythms of day and night.
Known locally as the rose farm, there are over 40 varieties of roses that bloom spectacularly in spring alongside the wildflower season from August to October. On the farm, you will find pear, almond, fig, apricot, peach, guava, apples, pomegranates and oak trees, some of which are more than 150 years old next to the original water furrows that are still being utilised today.
A small greenhouse and vegetable garden has been planted and is bearing seasonal vegetables – guests are welcome to harvest produce from the farm to complement their meals.
Accommodation is limited to a maximum of 12 guests. (4 rooms with double beds and 2 rooms with 2 single beds in each) in the Voorhuis, the Stal (stable) and the Meulhuis (mill house). Whether you are 8 guests or just two, the Onderhuis at Keurbosfontein can only be booked on an exclusive basis, ensuring that guests have the farm to themselves for the duration of their stay.
A new addition to the farm by Justin Bonello is the WaenhuisKombuis, a purpose-built kitchen in the old waenhuis (wagon house) that has been designed to create a central entertainment area for guests. At its heart is a kaggel (interior fireplace) that allows guests to prepare their meals on the open fire in the comfort of the wagon house. In winter, the waenhuis doors can be closed to create a warm comforting kitchen and dining area, and in summer, the barn doors can be opened up to experience the wonderful still and star-filled evenings.
There are two pools on the property. In summer they both act as cool respite from the hot days and nights, and in winter for the brave at heart, they serve as ice-cold plunge pools.
The farm historically grew a full range of vegetables and climate suited fruits as well as garlic and tobacco commercially and the intention is that Keurbosfontein will serve as a historical reminder of bygone times.
Justin says, “Keurbosfontein Exclusive Farm Stay has been carefully curated to allow guests to escape from the busyness of city life and sync with natural rhythms. The big dream is that guests will arrive at Keurbosfontein with nothing other than their cameras and celebrate friendship and life with produce that is grown and harvested entirely on the farm, re-connecting them to both food and wild nature, to a time when life was much simpler. I truly believe that there are few places in South Africa, let alone the world that can offer this experience.”
Justin, housekeeper Emmie and farm foreman Paul are on hand to ensure that guests can truly escape and return from the Cederberg with their lives refreshed.
