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The Retreat at Groenfontein
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Photos: The Retreat at Groenfontein

About this place

The Retreat at Groenfontein is a Victorian farmhouse set on a 560 hectare farm in the beautiful Groenfontein Valley Conservancy, bordering the 129,000 hectare Swartberg Nature Reserve in the Klein Karoo. It lies off Route 62, 19 km north east of Calitzdorp and 59 km north west of Oudtshoorn, at the end of a lovely winding gravel road. The house, filled with yellowwood and mellow Oregon pine, has a lounge and dining room, each with its own ceramic fireplace to keep them cosy on chilly winter evenings, leading onto a wide verandah overlooking the sweeping gardens and the majestic Swartberg mountains.

Rooms are spread between the main house and the gardens: the converted milking sheds hold the family suites, the old weaving sheds and creamery have become characterful garden rooms with fireplaces and mountain views, and the main house offers queen and twin rooms opening onto the patio. Rates are per person sharing, room only, with breakfast and a three course dinner available from the kitchen. There is a swimming pool in the garden, wifi across the property, a library and lounge, and the surrounding conservancy is walking and birding country under big Karoo skies. Pets are welcome by prior arrangement. The Retreat is a BirdLife South Africa affiliated property.

Amenities

Bed linen

Daily housekeeping

Outdoor furniture

Heating

Garden

Outdoor dining area

Get to know where you stay

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Availability

Any available room

6 rooms, sleeps 2 to 4

Check-in

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Check-out

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November 2026

December 2026

A night is shown as unavailable only when every room is taken.

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Where you'll sleep

6 room types, sleeps 2 to 4

Garden Family Suite (Milking Shed)

King (convertible to twins) plus 2 singles · 4 guests · 2 bedrooms · 1 bathroom

Large family suite in a converted milking shed, with a verandah and mountain views. The main bedroom has a king-size bed (convertible to twins) combined with a lounge area and a cosy fireplace; the second bedroom has two single beds. One bathroom and a separate toilet. Rates are per person sharing, room only; children 0-2 and 3-9 welcome at reduced rates.

R 2,880 a night
Garden Room (Weaving Shed 6)

King, convertible to twins · 2 guests · 1 bedroom · 1 bathroom

Garden room in a converted weaving shed with a private verandah and wonderful mountain views. King-size bed (convertible to twins), a sitting area with a fireplace, and an en-suite bathroom with a shower. Per person sharing, room only; adults only.

R 2,660 a night
Garden Room (Weaving Shed 7)

King, convertible to twins, plus alcove single · 3 guests · 1 bedroom · 1 bathroom

Large garden room in a converted weaving shed with a king-size bed (convertible to twins), a lounge area with a cosy fireplace, a romantic Victorian bath and a magnificent mountain view. An alcove holds a single bed for a third adult. Per person sharing, room only; adults only.

R 2,660 a night
Standard Queen Room

Queen · 2 guests · 1 bedroom · 1 bathroom

Room in the main house with a queen bed and an en-suite bathroom with shower, opening onto a patio with garden furniture. Per person sharing, room only; adults only.

R 2,020 a night
Standard Room (Creamery)

King, convertible to twins · 2 guests · 1 bedroom · 1 bathroom

Characterful room in the converted creamery adjacent to the main house, with a king-size bed (convertible to twins) and a lounge area with a sofa and fireplace. Opens onto a patio with garden furniture. Per person sharing, room only; children welcome at reduced rates.

R 2,020 a night
Standard Twin Room

Twin beds · 2 guests · 1 bedroom · 1 bathroom

Room in the main house with twin beds and an en-suite bathroom with a bath and overhead shower, opening onto a patio with garden furniture. Per person sharing, room only; adults only.

R 2,020 a night

Nature

What lives at The Retreat at Groenfontein

These are records, not promises. Wild animals and birds move, so sightings are never guaranteed.

Location

Groenfontein Farm, Calitzdorp District, Calitzdorp, 6660

Important information

Check-in and check-outIn 14:00 · Out 10:00

Check-in Time

14:00 - 18:00

Please arrange your arrival within this time window. If you need to arrive outside these hours, please contact the host in advance.

Check-out Time

By 10:00

Please ensure you check out by this time to allow for cleaning and preparation for the next guests.

Cancellation and changes50% refund 30+ days

Refund schedule

  • 50% refundcancel 30+ days before check-in
  • No refundwithin 30 days of check-in

Please note that some accommodations may have their own specific cancellation policies that differ from our standard policy. These will be clearly indicated on the accommodation's page or during the booking process.

For any questions regarding cancellations or to request a cancellation, please contact our customer support team.

Pet policyPets welcome

Pet policy

Pets are allowed (on request)

Please inform the host about your pets when making your booking.

Travel insuranceInformation only

Spekboom does not advise on, recommend, or sell insurance.

For information only: Expatriate Group provides travel, health and life cover for international travellers and can generate a quote online. Any policy is arranged and managed entirely by Expatriate Group.

See travel insurance quotes

Spekboom Tree (Pty) Ltd is not a financial services provider and does not provide, recommend, or arrange financial or insurance products or advice. Expatriate Group (ref 30286D) is authorised and regulated to provide any quote, advice, or policy. Spekboom introduces interested customers to Expatriate Group and may receive a commission if cover is taken out through this link.

Before you book

Payment terms

Payment is required at the time of booking to secure your reservation.

Cancellation PolicyStrict

  • 50% refundcancel 30+ days before check-in
  • No refundwithin 30 days of check-in

Note: The 2.5% conservation contribution, payment processing fees, and any applicable referral commissions are non-refundable in the event of cancellation. Conservation contribution fees (2.5%) support conservation and community projects in the destinations you visit. Payment processing fees are absorbed by Spekboom for completed bookings, but cannot be recovered once a booking is cancelled. Referral commissions, where applicable, are paid to the referring party upon booking confirmation.

Payout Protection: Guest payments are held until the free cancellation window passes. This protects guests who cancel within their cancellation window and ensures hosts receive guaranteed payouts after the cancellation period ends.

House rules

Guests are expected to respect the house rules of each accommodation. These rules will be provided upon booking confirmation.

Check-in & Check-out

Check-in from 14:00 • Check-out by 10:00

Liability

Spekboom acts as an intermediary between guests and accommodation providers. While we strive to ensure accurate information, we cannot be held liable for any discrepancies or issues arising from the accommodation itself.

By making a booking through Spekboom, you agree to our Terms of Service (Version 3.5). You acknowledge that: (1) the 2.5% conservation contribution and payment processing fees are non-refundable in the event of cancellation (Spekboom absorbs payment processing fees for completed bookings); (2) Spekboom acts as an intermediary platform governed by South African law. For the complete terms and conditions, please visit our full Terms of Service page.

Frequently asked questions

Where is The Retreat at Groenfontein located?

The Retreat at Groenfontein is in Calitzdorp, Western Cape, South Africa. The map on this page shows the area.

What are the check-in and check-out times at The Retreat at Groenfontein?

Check-in is from 14:00 and check-out is by 10:00. Contact the host directly if you need to arrange early check-in or late check-out.

Are pets allowed at The Retreat at Groenfontein?

Yes, The Retreat at Groenfontein is pet-friendly. We recommend confirming pet size and number with the host before booking.

How many guests can The Retreat at Groenfontein accommodate?

Each room sleeps between 2 and 4 guests. The rooms section on this page shows the limit for each one.

What causes does a booking at The Retreat at Groenfontein support?

A portion of every booking at The Retreat at Groenfontein contributes to BirdLife South Africa. See the property's causes section for how the funds are used.

How do I book The Retreat at Groenfontein?

Select your dates on the The Retreat at Groenfontein property page and submit a booking request. The host confirms availability, then you pay securely through Spekboom to complete the reservation.

Want to find out more?

Ask Dassie anything about this place or the area.

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