De Oude Kraal Country Estate is based on a 2000Ha working sheep farm owned by a 6th Generation family where dedication and excellence is a way of living.
The concept of De Oude Kraal comes from the native Koi Tribe, they used the natural rocks from the area, to build the “kraal” (animal enclosure) that kept their livestock safe from predators.
This Free State Historical guest house is a natural extension of the “Kraal” concept, in that you experience the tranquillity, security, and serenity of De Oude Kraal Country Estate & Spa. The Main House has its historical origin in 1885, where the restaurant is now located.
Our stay was short and extremely sweet:) We loved the fact that our little Jack Russel Flowki could stay with us as he is part of the family and goes where we go. Our room opened up onto the higgled where Ostriches came to visit us for morning coffee and Sable grazed in the background while the Marino sheep bleeped their way through the day.
The bathroom was one for the books for sure, and I (Bianca) am pretty sure I could have spent my entire stay in there, but De Oude Kraal had so much to offer so that wouldn’t have worked 🙂
The colors of winter in South Africa were out in full force with soft camel khakis grass and baby blue skies for miles met the eye. Marie Antoinette part-owner and inspired chef showed us around the farm, feeding the sheep and game as we went while her 4 year old playfully chatted to us in her sweet tutu. She took us to the top of the farm viewpoint (also where her husband proposed) and it was spectacular.
We were treated to a spa morning to remember by 2 ladies that made our day. De Oude Kraal spa is by far the most unique and beautiful spa we have had the pleasure of being pampered in. The spa is set around a natural dam which is enclosed by massive bluegums (Eucalyptus) throwing much-needed shade during the summer months. The spa is a multi-storied space where you are taken through doors that lead over bridges with running water and downstairs to private wet rooms and saunas. The lunch area at the spa overlooks a pool you can lounge in after your massage taking in the tranquility of it all.
The food at De Oude Kraal is something to behold. We knew going in that we were in for a treat by all the Dinners Awards hanging on the wall but we were both still blown away by the full-flavored, textured, and downright beautiful plates that were put in front of us. The dining experience is relaxed as you sit in the old farmhouse amongst hundred-year-old portraits of the family while being warmed by the fire. The staff are friendly and helpful and made us laugh with their wit and relaxed welcoming style. You feel like you have gone to your cousin’s farm…that very wealthy cousin we all have and can do pretty much what you want.
HONESTLY DON’T VISIT THE OUDE KRAAL AND NOT HAVE DINNER – YOU ARE MISSING OUT!
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