Rosenhof is a small, graded country house at the corner of Baron van Reede and North Street in Oudtshoorn, in a homestead that dates from around 1852 and has been carefully renovated. It keeps its yellowwood beams and ceilings and a collection of antique furniture, and the result feels like a private home rather than a hotel. Rooms are individually decorated, with private patios, and a pair of executive suites each have their own pool, lounge and patio. Guests share several lounges with fireplaces, a cosy pub and a pool for cooling off in summer. It is described as a five-star country house, and it sits on the road toward the Cango Caves, the ostrich farms and the Swartberg Pass, with the town centre and the museum within reach. It suits couples, history lovers and anyone who prefers character and quiet to a large hotel.
Where it is and how to get around: the house is on Baron van Reede Street, the main road through the historic part of Oudtshoorn, close to the sandstone buildings left from the ostrich-feather boom. Cango Wildlife Ranch and the suspension bridge are about five minutes by car, the CP Nel Museum is around two kilometres away, and the Cango Caves are roughly thirty kilometres north. A car is needed for the caves, the Swartberg Pass and the farms, and the owners can help with bookings.
The rooms and who it suits
There are fourteen individually decorated rooms according to one listing, with heated floors, down comforters and satellite television, and the two executive suites are the choice for a special stay. Antique furniture and fireplaces give the house a warm, old-fashioned feel in winter, and the pool is welcome in the hot Little Karoo summer. The house suits adults and couples best, and it is worth asking about children's policies before you book.
Good to know
The information we could verify does not say whether breakfast or parking are included, or whether there is a restaurant, so check your rate and ask the house about dinner. Oudtshoorn has good restaurants a short drive away. Summers are hot, with winter nights that can be cold, so choose the season with that in mind. Book early for school holidays and for the town's festival weeks, and keep a night here on a loop that takes in the caves, an ostrich farm and a drive over the mountains.
Why stay here
- ✓Restored 1850s homestead
- ✓Individually decorated rooms
- ✓Private patios
- ✓Pool
- ✓Lounges with fireplaces
- ✓Cosy pub
- ✓Executive suites with private pools
- ✓Free Wi-Fi
Good questions
How far is Rosenhof from the Cango Caves?+
The caves are roughly thirty kilometres north of Oudtshoorn, about half an hour by car. The house is on the road toward the caves and the ostrich farms.
Does Rosenhof have a pool?+
Yes, there is a pool for guests, and the executive suites also have their own pools. It is welcome in the hot Little Karoo summer.
Is Rosenhof suitable for children?+
It is aimed mainly at adults and couples, so ask about children's policies before you book. Check whether breakfast and parking are included in your rate.
