Farm stay in Tulbagh, South Africa

Reconnect with nature at this unforgettable escape ideal for families and friends gatherings. Forage from our veg garden and enjoy making your own pizzas or a braai by the pool. Dogs welcome. Nestled in the abundant Tulbagh valley, with wine tasting, hiking, mountain biking trails and trail running. We kept the aesthetic simple, as a reminder that the true beauty lies outdoors – an invitation to get out there and explore. Swim in the pool or dam on the farm, or chill on the lawn for a picnic.

The space

With a Braai, pizza oven and central pool in the courtyard, the Vineyard house on Themika farm is the perfect getaway for a group of friends or family, our farmhouse can accommodate up to 20 people. We have additional 3 rooms (sleeps 6 in total) available in the garden cottage outside, at an additional cost.

There are mountain biking, trail running and hiking trails around the farm and in The Valley, and the farm is situated very close to Saronsberg and Twee Jonge Gezellen wine farms. Kids love the animals on the farm – sheep, chicken, cows, birds and even the occasional otter!

The Vineyard farmhouse was restored in 2023, in a minimal and authentic style. Our ambition was to use mostly natural building products, supporting local tradesmen and artisans. All the wood that makes up the doors and cabinetry has been lovingly sourced and reclaimed. The paint is ecofriendly and made in South Africa without the use of harmful chemicals. We kept the aesthetic simple, as a reminder that the true beauty lies outdoors – an invitation to get out there and explore, and not worry about bringing muddy feet and wet hair back into the farmhouse. From time to time, you may even find a stray chicken in the kitchen!

Pizza Oven: We have a pizza oven in the kitchen – a great way to socialise with friends and family! We can recommend bringing pizza dough/bases, tomato paste (I just mix half tomato sauce, half tomato paste, garlic and oregano), mozzarella cheese and toppings.

Braai: There is a braai in the yard, you are welcome to make use of it. In Winter, we roll it under the eaves to be protected from the elements – it is an outdoor braai, adjacent to the kitchen.

Loadshedding: we have solar powered backup during power outages, which support the lights and some plugs. The kettle, oven, microwave and toaster won’t work during these times as they draw too much power. During loadshedding our water pressure booster pump is not functional, so you may notice a drop in water pressure. It is not recommended to have more than 3 people showering at one time.Hot Tub: We have a locally made “kolkol” hot tub, which is warmed using a wood burner. Please bring firewood if you would like to keep it going. We will ensure it is lit ahead of your arrival, and supply a small “starter pack” of wood for the kolkol and the fireplace, pizza oven.

Road Access: You do not need a 4×4 to access the farm, however the dust
road should be driven slowly, and sports cars with low clearance are not
advisable due to uneven surface.

Guest access

Our team is onsite Monday to Friday, 8:00-16:00. Outside of these hours,
guests can access the house using a lockbox.

On a Friday, there is a small doctors room around the bottom of the
farmhouse, where my mother (Dr Whitaker) sees patients until 17:00.

Other things to note

Please let us know if you are bringing dogs – we have other dogs on the farm.

Events: regret, no weddings. We are happy to help share recommendations for chefs etc if you are planning a family reunion or weekend away with friends.

You are welcome to walk around the farm. Please be aware of the cows – they are friendly, but the big bull (max) can get agitated with dogs or people running into the pen. We suggest viewing them from outside the fence.

Sheep and lamb are very friendly, as are the chicken.

Feel free to help yourself to fresh produce next to the Vineyard house, in the veggie garden.

Road Access: You do not need a 4×4 to access the farm, however the dust road should be driven slowly, and sports cars with low clearance are not advisable due to uneven surface.

Fishing: there are some fish in the dam directly behind the Vineyard house, but not very many. If you’d love to fish, please let us know and we can recommend a place on our neighbors farm.

Please do not venture further than that dam, the sign reading “Twin Falls farm – no entry” is the barrier between our farm and the neighbours. Please do not cross this line onto the neighbouring farm above ours. Please do not smoke while walking around the farm, as fire is a serious hazard, especially in the dryer summer months. Ashtrays are provided in the yard.

What this place offers

Scenic views
Garden view
Mountain view
Courtyard view

Bathroom
Hair dryer
Cleaning products
Locally made shampoo shampoo
Locally made conditioner conditioner
Locally made soap body soap
Hot water
Shower gel

Bedroom and laundry
Essentials
Towels, bed sheets, soap, and toilet paper
Hangers
Bed linens
Egyptian cotton linens
Extra pillows and blankets
Room-darkening shades
Iron
Clothing storage: closet

Entertainment
Sonos Bluetooth sound system

Family
Crib
Pack ’n play/Travel crib – available upon request
Children’s books and toys for ages 2-5 years old
Board games
Babysitter recommendations
Outdoor playground
An outdoor area equipped with play structures for children

Heating and cooling
Indoor fireplace
Heating

Home safety
Exterior security cameras on property
Outside the front door and yard

Internet and office
Wifi

Kitchen and dining
Kitchen
Space where guests can cook their own meals
Refrigerator
Microwave
Cooking basics
Pots and pans, oil, salt and pepper
Dishes and silverware
Bowls, chopsticks, plates, cups, etc.
Freezer
Dishwasher
Smeg stainless steel gas stove
Smeg stainless steel double oven
Hot water kettle
Coffee maker: espresso machine, pour-over coffee
Wine glasses
Toaster
Dining table
Coffee

Location features
Lake access
Guests can get to a lake using a path or dock

Outdoor
Private patio or balcony
Private backyard – Not fully fenced
An open space on the property usually covered in grass
Outdoor furniture
Hammock
Outdoor dining area
BBQ grill
Sun loungers

Parking and facilities
Free parking on premises
Pool
Private hot tub – available all year, open 24 hours

Services
Pets allowed
Assistance animals are always allowed
Luggage dropoff allowed
For guests’ convenience when they have early arrival or late departure
Smoking allowed
Self check-in
Lockbox
Cleaning available during stay

Not included
Unavailable: TV
TV
Unavailable: Washer
Washer
Unavailable: Dryer
Dryer
Unavailable: Air conditioning
Air conditioning
Unavailable: Smoke alarm
Smoke alarm
There is no smoke alarm on the property.
Unavailable: Carbon monoxide alarm
Carbon monoxide alarm