Stone House Lodge is a Hotels establishment in Still Bay, Western Cape, South Africa
Stone House Lodge, Stilbaai: a tranquil Farm Stay at the Gateway of the Garden Route
Situated at the entrance to the Garden Route, Stone House Lodge sits on a private 70-hectare olive and game farm near Stilbaai, in the Western Cape. This rural escape pairs expansive natural beauty with a relaxed, self-catering ethos, offering guests a peaceful base from which to explore the Goukou River, the Indian Ocean coastline, and the surrounding countryside. The farm features two guest houses—The Stone House and The White House—both equipped with WIFI and designed to maximise comfort while preserving a sense of place on the land.
Guests arriving at Stone House Lodge can expect scenery-rich interiors that emphasise open spaces and views. The main Stone House is a self-catering option with a wrap-around veranda that frames sweeping river and countryside vistas, while the White House presents a more modern twist on a classic farm dwelling, including a private pool and an artsfully arranged outdoor atrium. In both houses, rooms are arranged for easy, relaxed living, with bedding configurations and living areas that suit groups, families, or a getaway with friends.
The natural setting is a defining feature. A game-fenced farm fronted by a 400-metre river frontage provides opportunities to encounter wildlife such as bushbuck, duiker and grysbok, along with a variety of bird life. The upper farm area invites visitors to meander through olive groves and indigenous flora and fauna, with a large freshwater dam that draws anglers and tranquil wildlife alike. The combination of water, wildlife and olive cultivation makes Stone House Lodge a contemporary countryside retreat with a strong sense of place.
Olive cultivation is deeply connected to the property’s character. The Stone House Olive Estate showcases more than 5,000 olive trees, with varieties including Kalamata, Mission, Frantoia, Leccino and Coratina. The olives are hand-picked at optimum ripeness and pressed to produce Extra Virgin Olive Oil. This olive heritage is reflected in the lodge’s spirit—an enterprise rooted in land, harvests and a sustainable approach to farming alongside hospitality.
Love of the outdoors is echoed in the day-to-day activities available to guests. The farm encourages a range of experiences—from river-based pursuits along the Goukou to expansive dam vistas for fishing and boating, walking trails through canyons and olive groves, and wildlife watching in the game-fenced areas. For those seeking active adventures, the property offers water sports access via its private jetty and slipway, hiking routes to nearby canyons, riverine meanders, mountain biking on farm tracks, and opportunities to observe local fauna and birdlife. In-season, visitors can join in with farm life activities such as feeding young livestock or simply soaking up the ambience of a working agricultural landscape.
Location-wise, Stilbaai itself is a short journey away, offering a blend of coastal beaches, golf courses and tidal exploration. Stilbaai’s beaches—known for gentle waters and scenic bays—complement the lodge’s riverside character, providing nearby options for swimming, boating and seaside strolls. The area also presents a range of dining and leisure options within a short drive, all within a setting that emphasises nature, tranquillity and the slower pace of a farm stay.
Pricing and booking details are clearly outlined for prospective guests. The Stone House and White House each feature seasonally adjusted rates, with the Stone House priced to reflect its larger capacity and longer-stay flexibility, and the White House offering a more compact option. The Grysbok Cottage, a three-bedroom unit, is available as another family-friendly choice on the property. The listings note that the Stone House accommodates up to eight guests, with potential for ten, while the White House is configured for seven guests. A 50% non-refundable deposit secures a reservation, with the remaining balance due on arrival. Check-in is commonly at 2pm and check-out at 10am, with some flexibility upon request.
- Direct booking option via the official website with a dedicated reservations page.
- Seasonal pricing reflecting midweek, weekend and holiday periods, including December specials and longer festive stays.
Stone House Lodge also emphasises its farm ethos and family-friendly atmosphere. Guests will encounter a welcoming environment that blends agricultural life with comfortable hospitality. The on-site olive estate, combined with the dam, river and canyons, offers a multi-faceted backdrop for both quiet retreats and active family holidays. With a variety of accommodation options—Stonehouse, Whitehouse and Grysbok Cottage—the property can cater to different group sizes and preferences, all while keeping the focus on landscapes, wildlife and the timeless charm of a Western Cape farm stay.
Practical travel tips include planning a river and farm-focused itinerary that balances water-based activities with hillside strolls and wildlife watching. For those wanting to broaden the experience, Stilbaai provides nearby coastal scenery, golf, and beach activities at the coast, with Stilbaai's own characterful coastal life just a short drive away. Current booking information, seasonal rates, and special offers can be explored on the Stone House Lodge website, with reservations and further details available through the dedicated reservations page and the contact section for specific queries.
For more details and to arrange a stay, potential guests can visit the official site and explore the Stonehouse Lodge reserve options, along with information about the olive estate, farm life, and the range of activities available on and around the property.
Still Bay
Western Cape
6674
South Africa
Stilbaai: where farmstead charm meets coastal adventures
Stilbaai, commonly known as Still Bay, sits at the start of the Garden Route in the Western Cape. It is a destination that blends tranquil rural scenery with access to the warm Indian Ocean, making it ideal for those seeking a relaxed coastal escape with plenty of outdoor activities. When planning a stay, consider choosing an accommodation that offers a sense of place—whether it’s a riverside lodge with direct access to water, a farm stay with room to roam, or a small guesthouse close to the beach and town amenities.
Accommodation in Stilbaai ranges from self-catering farm stays to country lodges and guesthouses, each with its own character. A farm-based option can be particularly appealing for families and groups, offering space to unwind, opportunities to observe wildlife, and a chance to partake in farm life. Look for properties that describe their surroundings clearly—river frontage, indigenous fauna, or nearby canyons can all add to the sense of immersion. On-site features such as private decks, fireplaces, and well-equipped kitchens help guests feel at home and reduce the need for extra planning.
Where to stay matters as much as what you do. If you prefer water-based activities, a lodge with its own jetty or access to a river can open up kayaking, fishing, or boat trips, while a location near the sea gives quick access to swimming and surfing. For those drawn to serene landscapes, a hillside or grove setting with panoramic views can be a restorative base for exploring Stilbaai’s coastline and hinterland. Check practical details such as check-in/out times, the maximum occupancy, and any in-house amenities (wifi, DSTV, private pools, or outdoor living spaces) to ensure your plans run smoothly.
Transport in Stilbaai is reasonably straightforward. Most visitors arrive by car, with the N2 corridor providing a long, scenic link from Cape Town and other regional hubs. A quiet rural road network leads to the town and nearby farms, so a car with comfortable seating for longer drives or day trips is advisable. If you’re staying on a farm or lodge, confirm how access works after hours and whether there is on-site parking or dedicated guest parking. For day trips to Stilbaai’s beaches or the town centre, having a small petrol budget and a basic map or GPS helps, especially when venturing into back roads or coastal viewpoints.
Best time to visit Stilbaai is influenced by water conditions and wildlife visibility. The milder shoulder seasons often bring calmer beaches and pleasant outdoor weather for long walks, boat trips, and riverside activities. Coastal scenery can be spectacular at sunset, so if your stay includes evenings on a veranda or a boat trip, plan at least one sunset excursion. If you enjoy fishing or water sports, check with your host about seasonal guides or equipment hire, as some properties partner with local operators for activities on the river or the nearby ocean.
Typical guest experiences in Stilbaai balance relaxation with discovery. A stay can include peaceful mornings by the water, birdwatching along the river canyons, or a family afternoon feeding farm animals. Evening entertainment might involve a braai (barbecue) on a veranda, a stargazing session, or a gentle riverside walk to enjoy the quiet after a day of exploring. For those who wish to explore beyond the property, Stilbaai offers beaches with blue-flag status, golf courses with sea views, and local sights such as natural fountains and tidal features. While not all experiences require a guide, some visitors enjoy arranged activities such as deep-sea fishing charters or guided river excursions to gain a broader sense of the region’s marine and estuarine life.
Dining and local flavour are part of the Stilbaai experience. In-town options range from casual eateries to spots serving seafood and light meals with a coastal ambience. The area’s restaurants typically focus on fresh local produce, with menus that may highlight seasonal seafood, dishes featuring local herbs, and farm-to-table concepts. If your accommodation offers dining recommendations, your host can outline seasonal favourites or wine- and food-pairing ideas to complement a laid-back break by the coast.
How to plan a stay effectively:
- Choose an area that suits your pace: riverside tranquility, hillside views, or town proximity for easy access to shops and beaches.
- Confirm essential amenities: reliable wifi if you need to work remotely, private outdoor spaces for al fresco dining, and convenient access to water activities.
- Check transport needs and parking arrangements, especially if you are self-driving to Stilbaai or exploring surrounding beaches and farms.
- Ask about activity options and seasonal availability, such as fishing, boating, hiking routes, or guided excursions.
- Book with flexibility where possible, noting check-in and check-out times, and any policy on deposits or cancellations.
For a concrete example of Stilbaai hospitality with a strong sense of place, consider Stonehouse Lodge, a private farmstead offering self-catering accommodation set on a working olive farm near the Goukou river. A stay here can combine rustic comfort with river views, wildlife on the doorstep, and on-site activities, complemented by the appeal of nearby Stilbaai beaches and town conveniences. More information and booking options are available at their website: https://www.stonehouselodges.co.za/.
Whether you seek a peaceful farm retreat, a coastal break with easy access to beaches, or a comfortable base from which to explore the Western Cape’s Garden Route, Stilbaai offers easy-going charm, natural beauty, and a welcoming sense of local hospitality. Plan thoughtfully, pack for varied weather, and you’ll enjoy a memorable stay in this understated coastal haven.
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