Beautiful setting and super friendly host

Stayed in August 2025

What a wonderful stay! Beautiful drive through breathtaking scenery took us to Cloete House.... exactly as in the pictures. We loved the cottage, huge fireplace, parrafin lamps and a glimpse back to the simple life.

Stayed in July 2025

Nothing at all

Amazing location and only electricity in the kitchen. Candles and lamps in a historic valley in the Karoo. Not to mention the Gamka River.

Stayed in May 2025

It was like a step back in time - no wi-fi at the cottage, beautiful oil lamps, a donkey for hot water, amazing scenery and a general 'slowing down' - fabulous!

Stayed in May 2025

Magical, nested in the mountains, quiet and peaceful and amazing. Planning our next booking already.

Stayed in May 2025

The location is breathtakingly beautiful. The Host Selma was absolutely wonderful.

Stayed in February 2025

Far from the river for swimming and cooling off in hot weather, with cooler weather this location would be great

Peaceful surroundings, well equipped house, very comfortable

Stayed in January 2025

The only thing I could fault is the fact that some of the rooms did not have water in the morning, but we understand these things happen. There is also a lot of spiders, but that is to be expected, as it is part of nature.

The location is beautiful. I had the pleasure of meeting the owner, and I have to say what a friendly person Mrs. Nel. She really takes very good care of the place.

Stayed in October 2024

Quiet isolated farmhouse in a beautiful kloof.

Stayed in September 2024

Hostess Selma' friendliness and warm welcoming.

Stayed in August 2024

toilet not filling up tank , needed to put water in with a bucket

Stayed in July 2024

nothing

Old world charm, yet very tidy and practical.

Stayed in April 2024

The water pressure was extremely low. Difficult to have a shower as the water just trickled down the wall.

Matjiesvlei is all about the location - the incredible quiet of the Karoo and the beautiful views , hikes and swims. It is a slice of life in the Karoo which means that it is simple and not always easy - paraffin lamps and donkey boilers. But the peace and stars at night is what you are really there for , not cresture comforts.

Stayed in March 2024

Probably our own inability to get the donkey system to heat the water properly,but a minor mishap.

Selma was such a kind and generous host, the cottage was your typical South African farm accommodation, cozy and comfortable style, and truly authentic. The walking trails were just wonderful with magnificent scenery.

Stayed in October 2023

Only two things I didn’t like - I did not have enough time and I was traveling alone, so I couldn’t share this bliss.

From the location to the vistas, the evening and morning sounds, the comfortable bed, creaking floors, paraffin lamps, warm, friendly, open hosts - everything was perfect. Thank you!

Stayed in October 2023

An escape to a time that was , completely off the grid... nothing to do but relax

Stayed in October 2023

Nonthing

Great views of the mountains, house is situated in a forest of aloes.

Stayed in September 2023

I really loved Matjiesvlei for the unreal location. You're nestled in a secluded and beautiful valley in the Karoo. I went for a quick run in the morning and spent most of my time taking photos of the views! The house was cosy, with firelighting equipment to help you get a roaring fire going when you arrive, the check in was a breeze and the hosts made an arrangment for my late arrival in the rain. The wifi works great, and its really a dream!

Stayed in June 2023

can’t really think of anything

the isolation, good use of old working services like the donkey, the drum braai, old but comfy chairs, use of no electricity utensils. good clean old fashioned experience.

Stayed in April 2023

The flies on arrival

Lovely views and big open very clean comfortable unit. Selma is a friendly.host.

Stayed in April 2023

The Douglas House is set in a beautiful location. A quaint charming authentic period cottage and in my opinion unbelievable value for money. Well done to the Nel family. We could have stayed another 2 nights.

Stayed in March 2023

Nothing. If you like being remote - go there.

A unique experience in a peaceful surrounding. Stargazing, hiking and swimming in the river - what else can one ask for.

Stayed in February 2023

Note that 2 of the bedrooms in the Thairt house are outside the main house with their own entrances - not ideal for young children.

Beautiful location, very peaceful, lovely walks nearby, great old house which was nice and cool in the summer heat, excellent outside area with braai and shade

Stayed in December 2022

Very friendly people, very clean farm house. Loved the peaceful tranquility of the mountains.

Stayed in January 2023