Van Zijl Guesthouses
Van Zijl Guesthouses is an ideal stopover for tourists travelling north or south and should be visit...
Van Zijl Guesthouses is an ideal stopover for tourists travelling north or south and should be visited throughout the year and not just during flower season. These six guest houses are beautifully restored traditional sandstone buildings, typical of the architecture and stone masonry of Nieuwoudtville.
All guest houses are fully equipped for self-catering, although it is highly recommended that you indulge in the country cuisine served at Smidswinkel Restuarant. The restaurant is within walking distance of all the guest houses, so you are not inconvenienced by long drives for an excellent meal, local wine and good company. The restaurant and information centre is situated in a large sandstone building which, many years ago, was occupied by the last blacksmith in Nieuwoudtville. It offers traditional farm-style meals, and for the adventurous we will even prepare baked "skilpadjies" (liver) or a traditional sheep head.
Guests are invited to enjoy a traditional, yet exciting holiday with everything needed for true relaxation.
"It was a lovely stay in a spacious clean house with everything that we might need. The garden was tranquil and pretty with lovely indigenous plants and lots of birds. Lovely midweek or weekend getaway. Next time will make it during the flower season for added enjoyment."
"The front door lock should be replaced ."
"The cottage we stayed in was surrounded by a multitude of flowers and there were 5 resident peacocks to make you really feel in the country. The cottage had everything you needed for a comfortable stay."
"Heating of the units"
"I loved the location of Frikkie se huis. Maintenance could be improved. House seemed tatty as tiles were loose, bedding was dusty, curtains reeked of dust, there was a saucer of rat poison in plain view, spider webs in some corners. I did enjoy the garden and the peaceful environment. Loads of scrap on yard. Owner promised us half money back, still waiting."
"The food at the restaurant was amazing, thanks to Juliana, the lady in charge of the restaurant."
"outside patio was not cleaned and could not be used due to Common Peacock droppings"
"The house is quaint and characterful.However the bathrooms need serious renovation. The shower is pointing directly out of the door and either scalds one or freezes one while entering or exiting the shower, never mind wetting the whole bathroom floor"
"Everything we needed with lots of character! Quiet tranquil setting. The restaurant is very special and the staff friendly and efficient. Food was great, we'd like to go again ASAP"
"Ultimately we were happy with the accommodation offered to us after the double booking occurred. We can recommend Garsland to anyone who wishes to have a quiet and peaceful stay on a farm."
"Comfortable enough. Big concern was the kitchen sink did not drain & so had to do the washing up at the garden tap. The problem was reported & we were provided with the hand suction stick to sort it out ourselves which we could not do."
"We were told that we would have to climb steps to get to our accommodation. However, the steps were incredibly steep and far apart - we had to climb into the attic/loft. No one assisted us with our luggage. No problem once we were up there. We did not eat at the restaurant as we are non-smokers and smoking had apparently been allowed in it. Nevertheless, Niewoudtville is a beautiful place to visit."
"We stayed at Waenhuis during the flower season. It is situated at the entrance to the caravan/camping site, a few blocks away from the reception office. There is no TV (in our opinion unnecessary anyway)and the unit was well equipped, comfortable, cosy and warm, in spite of the cold weather. Food at the Smidswinkel Restaurant was generous, hearty and reasonably priced. Definitely recommended."
"The guesthouse was beautifully furnished but the reception by the owner was far from friendly."
"Have already sent in letter to complain there was no hot water geyser not turned on so we could not take a shower. Very poor management. Also fridge didn't have freezer compartment so couldn't keep our meat frozen. No TV. Wouldn't go there again."
"We thoroughly enjoyed our stay at Moreson and Mr Van Zijl could not have been more helpful or hospitable. The peacock was an elegant touch. Definitely to be recommended."