Successfully reported
The easiest way to find and book accommodation across South Africa!
+16

The Rest Farm

Self Catering

Review Summary

3.6 out of 5from 12 reviews for The Rest Farm
Cleanliness
2.8/5
Service
3.7/5
Location
4.4/5
Safety
4.3/5
Value for money
3.1/5
Clare T - Dec 2023
Overall rating
Cleanliness
2/5
Service
2/5
Location
4/5
Safety
4/5
Value for money
2/5
Clare T
With spouse/partner

Spacious and quiet, but don't recommend.

The cottage was spacious and the beds comfortable. It is rustic and farm style, but quite run down, with not much to do but chill in the shade. There is a koppie behind that you can walk up for a lovely view, not a marked hike. And you can visit the labyrinth. The owner was quite rude about people always getting lost - not surprising since the signage was facing the wrong way or not visible. They have tried to make it the accommodation Karoo quirky with mismatched crockery, but missed the plot with number of things being broken. A mouse/rat chewed its way into the back of the fridge and ate and pooped all over our food. They also have a lot of barky dogs, so if you take yours make sure they are well behaved and will just ignore this.

  Helpful      
Due to being a LekkeSlaap host, you're unable to mark this review as helpful

The Rest Farm 's response

The fridge has been replaced.

The Rest Farm
Andre S - Mar 2023
Overall rating
Cleanliness
4/5
Service
2/5
Location
5/5
Safety
5/5
Value for money
2/5
Andre S
With spouse/partner

Lovely hosts. As a SA braaier the braai facilities were bad. The portable braai is too heavy to move out of sun and rain.

No tongs, only a closable grid that loses smaller bits when turning. Also only hot water for 2 out 4 days stay. Don't mind rustic living but cost should determine better facilities mentioned. Would go back if hot water and braai are fixed.

  Helpful      
Due to being a LekkeSlaap host, you're unable to mark this review as helpful
Stefan F - Dec 2022
Overall rating
Cleanliness
4/5
Service
5/5
Location
5/5
Safety
5/5
Value for money
4/5
Stefan F
Family with teenagers

Ons kan nie wag om terug te gaan nie.

Ons kan hierdie plekkie nie genoeg aanbeveel nie. Die omgewing, die stilte, die rustigheid en gasvryheid van Paula en haar man is amper ongekend in vandag se tye. Die Sheppard Cottage beskik oor al die nodige en 'n mens kry die gevoel dat jy terug is by oupa en ouma op die plaas. Die plaasprodukte te koop is eerlik van die beste en dis veral die wors wat maar ekstra van ingepak kan word. Ons het die omgewing verken en was bevoorreg om reën te kon ervaar. Ongelukkig het die streek onder masiewe storms en verspoelings deurgeloop en was die roete tussen die plaas en Nieu-Bethasda nie regtig geskik vir selfs 'n 4x4 nie, maar 'n ompad kon wel gebruik word. Ons gaan definitief terug.

This review is being shown in its original language.
Translate to English.

We can't wait to go back.

We cannot recommend this place enough. The environment, the silence, the tranquility and hospitality of Paula and her husband are almost unprecedented in today's times. The Sheppard Cottage has everything you need and you get the feeling that you are back with grandpa and grandma on the farm. The farm products for sale are honestly some of the best and it's especially the sausage that can be packed extra. We explored the area and were lucky enough to experience rain. Unfortunately, the region went through massive storms and washouts and the route between the farm and Nieu-Bethasda was not really suitable for even a 4x4, but a detour could be used. We are definitely going back.

This review has been automatically translated using Google.
View original in Afrikaans.

  Helpful      
Due to being a LekkeSlaap host, you're unable to mark this review as helpful
Mario F - Oct 2022
Overall rating
Cleanliness
2/5
Service
3/5
Location
4/5
Safety
4/5
Value for money
4/5
Mario F
Family with young children

Mooi omgewing.

Behalwe vir die klankie in die kombuis en gebreekte glas in die erf, het ons die natuurskoon en plaasomgewing waardeer. Geen selfoonontvangs. Wifi laat data-teksboodskappe toe.

This review is being shown in its original language.
Translate to English.

Nice environment.

Apart from the clinking in the kitchen and broken glass in the yard, we appreciated the natural beauty and farm environment. No cell phone reception. Wifi allows data text messaging.

This review has been automatically translated using Google.
View original in Afrikaans.

  Helpful      
Due to being a LekkeSlaap host, you're unable to mark this review as helpful
Zayne U - Sep 2019
Overall rating
Cleanliness
5/5
Service
5/5
Location
5/5
Safety
5/5
Value for money
4/5
Zayne U
With spouse/partner

All the peace and quiet we needed in a beautiful setting.

We had a lovely stay at The Rest. The setting of the farm is beautiful and it's very peaceful and quiet. Paula and family and inviting and friendly hosts who ensured we enjoyed our stay. Our dogs had so much fun on the farm with the farm dogs that they didn't want to leave!

  Helpful      
Due to being a LekkeSlaap host, you're unable to mark this review as helpful
Annette L - Mar 2019
Overall rating
Cleanliness
3/5
Service
4/5
Location
4/5
Safety
4/5
Value for money
4/5
Annette L
With spouse/partner

Totaal afgesonder in die natuur.

Hier moet jy net die pragtige natuurskoon geniet! Ver van naaste dorp so neem alles saam. Die huisie het alles in wat jy nodig het. As dit bewolk of koud is, geen warm water aangesien dit solar-geiser het.

This review is being shown in its original language.
Translate to English.

Totally secluded in nature.

Here you just have to enjoy the beautiful scenery! Far from nearest town so take everything with you. The cottage has everything you need. If it is cloudy or cold, no hot water as it has solar geyser.

This review has been automatically translated using Google.
View original in Afrikaans.

  Helpful      
Due to being a LekkeSlaap host, you're unable to mark this review as helpful
Talita N - Dec 2018
Overall rating
Cleanliness
1/5
Service
5/5
Location
5/5
Safety
5/5
Value for money
3/5
Talita N
Family with young children

Baie mooi, maar vuil.

Die area was pragtig en baie rustig, maar die huisie binne was baie vuil. Soos jy op die bank sit kon jy sien onder die kaste en tafels was jare laas skoongemaak. Die water in die geiser was seker jare laas uitgetap, die reuk was ondraagbaar toe ons dit die eerste keer gebruik. Maar daarna geen probleem. Die beddens was darm mooi skoon, maar die plek het erg geruik na motgif. Die gasvrou was dierbaar en die mense baie tegemoetkomend en vriendelik. Die area is so stil en rustig. Ek sal nie sommer weer daar gaan oorslaap nie, maar ek sal graag weer die area wil besoek in die toekoms.

This review is being shown in its original language.
Translate to English.

Very beautiful, but dirty.

The area was beautiful and very peaceful, but the cottage inside was very dirty. As you sat on the sofa you could see that under the cupboards and tables had not been cleaned in years. The water in the geyser had probably not been tapped for years, the smell was unbearable when we first used it. But after that no problem. The beds were pretty clean, but the place smelled badly of moth poison. The hostess was lovely and the people very accommodating and friendly. The area is so quiet and peaceful. I wouldn't just stay there again, but I would like to visit the area again in the future.

This review has been automatically translated using Google.
View original in Afrikaans.

  Helpful      
Due to being a LekkeSlaap host, you're unable to mark this review as helpful

The Rest Farm 's response

Thank you for your feedback Talita. The cottage is regularly given a thorough spring clean. We did have some staff issues in December which may have resulted in some dust under the cupboards. The cottage is in regular use so the water in the geyser is constantly in use. The water is pumped from an underground stream, in the drought the water may have a slightly stronger smell but it is still safe for use. The drought means that there is much more dust around at this time of year than usual which means that even a thorough clean the day before can mean that within some hours there is dust on the surfaces again. I think the smell you refer to may have something to do with the carpet, we will remove it and replace it.

The Rest Farm
Jaco G - Sep 2018
Overall rating
Cleanliness
1/5
Service
3/5
Location
5/5
Safety
5/5
Value for money
1/5
Jaco G
With friends

Pragtige omgewing maar slordige verblyf.

The Rest Farm het baie potensiaal met geringe verbeteringe. Die skottelgoed was vuil en die braaigeriewe sleg. Daar is nie plek om buite te sit nie, en slegs 2 ou tuinstoele vir 'n huis waar 6 mense bly. Stel voor hulle bou 'n boma om buite te kan sit en die natuurskoon te kan geniet. Die erf kan ook opgeruim word.

This review is being shown in its original language.
Translate to English.

Beautiful surroundings but sloppy accommodation.

The Rest Farm has a lot of potential with minor improvements. The dishes were dirty and the braai facilities bad. There is no place to sit outside, and only 2 old garden chairs for a house where 6 people live. Suggest they build a boma to be able to sit outside and enjoy the scenery. The yard can also be cleared.

This review has been automatically translated using Google.
View original in Afrikaans.

  Helpful      
Due to being a LekkeSlaap host, you're unable to mark this review as helpful

The Rest Farm 's response

We have now built a small veranda area. Please note your booking was for three people in this house and there was sufficient seating for you. If you request extra seating for visitors for the other cottage we can provide it for you no problem.

The Rest Farm
Pierre L - Jul 2018
Overall rating
Cleanliness
3/5
Service
4/5
Location
5/5
Safety
5/5
Value for money
4/5
Pierre L
With friends

Nêrens anders sal jy die sterrie sien soos hier.

Dit is 'n baie ou Karoo huisie, maar toe die koue gebyt het en die sneeu begin val op die berge, was dit die Bosca houthert wat tot ons redding gekom het. Baie skoon en netjies, maar soos oral in die Karoo, moet mens vooruit kan dink in die winter. Pype vries, maar net 'n paar skeppe sneeu in die ketel op die houtstoof maak van als 'n ware Karoo winterservaring. 'n Plek wat min sal sien en ervaar in hul lewe. Dit is hier waar die stilte raas en die sterre uitbrand soos kole in die lig.

This review is being shown in its original language.
Translate to English.

Nowhere else will you see the star like here.

It is a very old Karoo house, but when the cold bit and the snow started to fall on the mountains, it was the Bosca wood deer that came to our rescue. Very clean and tidy, but like everywhere in the Karoo, you have to be able to think ahead in winter. Pipes freeze, but just a few scoops of snow in the kettle on the wood stove makes for a true Karoo winter experience. A place that few will see and experience in their lifetime. It is here where the silence rages and the stars burn out like embers in the light.

This review has been automatically translated using Google.
View original in Afrikaans.

  Helpful      
Due to being a LekkeSlaap host, you're unable to mark this review as helpful

The Rest Farm 's response

Thanks for your lovely review. You definitely got the cold snap!
Great hosting you.

The Rest Farm
Robin B - Mar 2018
Overall rating
Cleanliness
3/5
Service
5/5
Location
5/5
Safety
3/5
Value for money
4/5
Robin B
With spouse/partner

Karoo tranquillity, peaceful break-away into nature.

Ian and Paula are charming and hospitable hosts right down to the fresh farm baked bread left in our Garden Cottage at no charge. The Rest is a operating farm off the beaten track and certainly on a road less travelled. 27 km off the N9 and 15 km from dorp of Nieu Bethesda. If you're looking for the bright lights and hurly burly, then look elsewhere, but if you're looking for the brightest stars and freshest Karoo air then you'll probably love this place like my wife and I do. We'll certainly be going back.

  Helpful      
Due to being a LekkeSlaap host, you're unable to mark this review as helpful

The Rest Farm 's response

Thank you, and we hope you do come back.

The Rest Farm
Mignon S - Jan 2018
Overall rating
Cleanliness
2/5
Service
1/5
Location
1/5
Safety
1/5
Value for money
1/5
Mignon S
Family with teenagers

Afgeleef.

Ek sou voorstel dat daar 'n standaard aan akkomodasie gestel word. Afgeleefde beddegoed, huis wat saamgevlans is vir ekstra inkomste is 'n absolute nee. Ek kan verstaan dat dit goedkoop was maar goedkoop moet tog nie vervlenter beteken nie. Ek was uiters teleurgesteld in die afstand, want ek het geensins kans gesien om heen en weer te ry dorp toe nie. Ons het ons kuier kort geknip. Ek het die gasvrou ingelig watse tipe vakansie ek na soek, en dit nie gekry nie. Geen water, geen swembad - padda dam met dooie haas in. Daar is een koei op die plaas wat gemelk word, as dit gemelk word. Geen koelte by die huis nie, en geen veiligheid nie. Ek sal dit in die land vir niemand voorstel gesien in die lig van plaasaanvalle nie.

This review is being shown in its original language.
Translate to English.

Abandoned

I would suggest that a standard be set for accommodation. Dilapidated bedding, home that has been cobbled together for extra income is an absolute no. I can understand that it was cheap but cheap doesn't have to mean shabby. I was extremely disappointed in the distance, as there was no way I could drive back and forth to town. We cut our visit short. I informed the hostess what type of holiday I was looking for, and did not find it. No water, no pool - frog pond with dead rabbit in it. There is one cow on the farm that is milked, if it is milked. No coolness at home, and no safety. I would not suggest this to anyone in the country in light of farm attacks.

This review has been automatically translated using Google.
View original in Afrikaans.

  Helpful      
Due to being a LekkeSlaap host, you're unable to mark this review as helpful
Roecha D - Dec 2017
Overall rating
Cleanliness
3/5
Service
5/5
Location
5/5
Safety
5/5
Value for money
4/5
Roecha D
Family with young children

Droom wegbreek.

Fantastiese ondervinding. Ek het as enkelouer met 3 kinders (15, 12 en 5) gegaan en bo en behalwe die sein, het ons 'n fantastiese 2 aande beleef. Die stilte het ons na plekke geneem waar ons nog nooit was, die natuurskoon het my kinders in bewondering gehad en vol vrae. Paula het met ons aankoms aangebied om vir ons Herderspastei te maak, onvergeetlik om tradisioneel te eet so tussen erens in nerens met 'n kaggelstofie om jou warm te hou! Die moeite werd vir die wat van stilte, kalmte, natuurskoon hou en totaal en al wil afsluit van die te-vinnig-bewegende lewe waarin ons onsself so kan vasvang!

This review is being shown in its original language.
Translate to English.

Dream break away.

Fantastic experience. I went as a single parent with 3 children (15, 12 and 5) and apart from the signal, we had a fantastic 2 nights. The silence took us to places we had never been before, the scenery had my children in awe and full of questions. On our arrival, Paula offered to make us Shepherd's pie, unforgettable to eat traditionally so in the middle of nowhere with a fireplace cloth to keep you warm! Worth the effort for those who like silence, calmness, natural beauty and want to completely disconnect from the too-fast-moving life in which we can trap ourselves like this!

This review has been automatically translated using Google.
View original in Afrikaans.

  Helpful      
Due to being a LekkeSlaap host, you're unable to mark this review as helpful

The Rest Farm 's response

It was lovely to host you. We hope to have you back one of these days.

The Rest Farm
From
R700
per night (sleeps 5)
From
From R700
per night (sleeps 5)
From
R700
per night (sleeps 5)
Make a Booking
  • Capacity: 10 people
  • Check-in: 11:00 to 19:00
    Check-out: 12:00
  • Address: The Rest, Nieu Bethesda, 6286, Eastern Cape
  • All ages welcome
https://travelground.imgix.net/AAEAAQAAAAAAAAAAAAAAJDM3NzU0N2Y3LWUzMDAtNGIzYi1hYzEyLWMxZTNkZTA5ZjY4Yw?w=1440&h=960&fit=crop&auto=enhance,format,compress&q=80 From R700 per night (sleeps 5) 12 5 1 4 The Rest Nieu Bethesda 6286 Eastern Cape 021 201 8900 11:00-19:00 12:00 -31.788826202638 24.661290481448
SUBSCRIBE TO GET AWESOME ACCOMMODATION SPECIALS!
SUBSCRIBE FOR AWESOME SPECIALS!