Your hosts Margot and Chris Hayward welcome you to Karoo Secret, the beautifully restored manager’s cottage on a 4th generation working farm in the heart of the Great Karoo on the legendary Plains of the Camdeboo in the Aberdeen district. Land of big skies, remarkable sunsets and where life is lived to the timeless rhythm of the Karoo.
The farm is ideal for cyclists with safe district and jeep track roads. There are also various hiking/running trails available. Karoo Secret is located at the farm Rooidraai, a working sheep farm where Chris also does herding sheepdog training. We are a recognised accommodation with BIRDLIFE SA and have allocated bird routes. Karoo Secret’s “Secret House”, sleeps up to 6 guests in en-suite rooms, or 9 guests with a shared bathroom. The homestead has full kitchen facilities, a spacious lounge and dining room, and a spacious ‘voorstoep’. There is also a storage facility for bicycles etc.
This beautiful period house in the Aberdeen district of the Eastern Cape Karoo, was built in the 1950’s for the then farm manager, “Oubaas”, Mr Weyers and his wife. They also had a son, Ferdie. The original homestead had no electric power, therefore paraffine lights were used. The Weyers’ had an old wood stove to cook on. One can still see the relic slab of concrete on the floor in the Springbuck room, which was the original kitchen. There was only one bathroom in the centre of the house. This had a bath, basin and toilet. The water was heated by the old fashioned “Donkey system”. This was an outside fire pit which had to be manually stocked with wood. The outside shower gives you an idea of this donkey system. The bathroom has since been converted to a more modern open plan kitchen. We removed a wall of the old “Voorkamer” (evidence can be seen on the floorboards) to make a bigger open plan lounge /dining room as you see now. All the rooms were painted in interesting colours. Some were bright blue, yellow and green! Luckily fashions have changed!
Our rooms are decorated with furniture, each piece with a little secret story attached, to add to the charm of each room. Our light fittings in our kitchen and living room feature original ox yokes used on Margot’s family farm. Trunks and suitcases in the various rooms are memorabilia from boarding school days. This family only lived in this house for 10 years. The need for a manager grew less and the Weyers’ left. Oubaas’ house lay vacant until the present day. Karoo Secret became a dream for Margot once her children were out of boarding school. The sad empty house was waiting for the right year for Margot to realise her dream. With the multi-capable Chris, who sees a chance to take any new venture to another level, we began to tackle the house and ‘wake’ Sleeping Beauty from her dormant state. Thus began ‘the Kiss of Life’. The peace and serenity found on our front stoep, together with the stunning view of the Sneeuberg range, is our Secret. Watch the mountains for the range of colours, from sunrise to sunset. Treat yourself on the “voorstoep”.
The second guest House, “Lark Cottage” (a converted farm school building), can sleep four guests, in two separate self-catering units. Through an interleading door, the two units can be converted into a family-sized unit for four. Each unit has solar power, a gas stove, geyser, and braai facility. Pre-ordered braai packs can be arranged, complete with Karoo Lamb, and boerewors. An evening braai on the verandah will allow you to unwind and relax, after a long day. You may see a shooting star making its way across the spectacular night sky. We hope that this experience will become a piece of the Karoo that you will treasure! For birding fans, Karoo Secret has become a hot-spot with many popular species. The Sclater’s Lark is a rare bird, and a special one to see.
Various activities are available on the farm, from cycling, walking, enjoying sundowners, and a dip in the ’Karoozie’ pool, to simply experiencing Karoo farm life. These will surely bring you away from your busy everyday life, to one of relaxation and restorative peace. There are many attractions nearby, from a day visit to the Camdeboo National park on the outskirts of Graaff-Reinet to a meander down historic streets of historic Graaff-Reinet.
Also the nearby is the Karoo National Park outside Beaufort West.
Contact Details
Contact: Margot Hayward
Contact Number: 082 819 4232
Address: Rooidraai Farm (off the R61)
Aberdeen District. 6270
Great Karoo, Eastern Cape
Rates
Rates on application. Rates may vary and reduced rates may apply to additional persons. All rates are indicative only, may be seasonal and are subject to change without notice. Pets are welcome by PRIOR arrangement.
Bank deposit (EFT), Mastercard, Visa
Accreditations
Maps & Directions
Room & Unit Features
- Electric blankets or hot water bottles
- En suite bathrooms
- Fans, kitchen fully equipped
- No smoking in the house
- Pets are welcome by PRIOR arrangement.
On Site Features
- Birding routes
- Braai / barbeque area
- A Karoozie( A dip pool) at each house Walking routes
Activities / Additional info
- Farm stay self-catering
- SA recommended Birding site
- This is a working farm
- Child and pet friendly
- Cycle tracks