Back to nature Karoo farm stay
Just an hour from Graaff Reinet, Kliphuis is a cosy off grid nature retreat in the Karoo’s mountainous Sneeuberg Nature Reserve offering raw natural beauty and year-round pleasant weather.
Steeped in history, the Sneeuberg Nature Reserve was set up by Charlotte Daneel (former owner of La Grange Interiors in Franschhoek) and her partner Derk Blaisse to recreate the pristine environment found in this part of South Africa by the hardy, pioneering stock farmers who settled here over 200 years ago.
Sneeuberg is rugged, wild, dramatic and utterly silent. Perfect for off the grid romantic getaways, or an extraordinary base from which to explore an environment where indigenous fauna and flora are able to flourish. Already substantial numbers of springbuck, wildebeest and mountain zebra can be found roaming the lands here. The fences are down and the natural order of things is taking over once again.
And what is the best time of year to visit? Located at an altitude of 1700 meters, Sneeuberg Nature Reserve has a unique highland environment which tempers the brutal heat and freezing winters of the Karoo lowlands. Summers at Kliphuis are pleasant and dry, winters invigorating.
Each season has its own magic.
In summer, you can relax on the stoep, around a beautiful long, stone table which keeps your eye focused on the incredible views – an endless tract of land stretching to the mountains in the far distance.
Follow the tradition of life in the Karoo and fling open the windows every morning for the early morning breeze and shut them mid-morning for midday, when the sun is at its highest, to keep out the heat.
The old stone floors and thick farmhouse walls keep the interiors cool, perfect for padding about barefoot.
The lazy afternoons and long summer evenings are perfect for relaxed late suppers, lively conversations, and wonderful stargazing.
The newly renovated infinity pool, perched on the edge of the property, is invigorating for the peak of summer. There’s no better way to soak up the stillness of the region than watching the sun sink over the rugged terrain as you float in the water.
In winter, the days are warm and sunny, making them perfect for hikes and mountain biking along the river and mountain paths. Afterward, return for lunch outside, a lazy afternoon siesta, and sundowners by candelabras.
A stylish, secluded romantic getaway
Will a remote farmhouse be beautifully decorated? Well, rest assured Kliphuis certainly is. One of the hideaways featured in our beautiful Perfect Hideaways in South Africa coffee table Book 2, Kliphuis has elegant interiors with intricate stonework, reeded ceilings and wooden furniture which lends an authentic, organic character to this idyllic escape.
The unique home is kept warm and snug, with thick, fluffy white sheepskin rugs scattered across the floor, a large fireplace and three wood-burning stoves that ensure a cosy home away from home atmosphere.
Elements of wood, glass and stone are used throughout the home, creating a seamless blend with the wild, rugged nature that, through every door and window, stretches as far as the eye can see.
The soft off-white linens on the beds, create an inviting and peaceful space where comfort and rustic charm come together beautifully.
For those who enjoy the magic of a roaring fire, Kliphouse is equipped with a large fireplace, three wood-burning stoves and a Dover stove in the kitchen, all perfect for keeping the house warm and inviting during the cooler months.
How many guests does Kliphuis accommodate? The house comfortably sleeps eight guests, with a variety of room options to suit either a family holiday, or four couples who are comfortable with each other on a weekend getaway.
The master bedroom and the king bedroom are both en-suite, while a twin-bedded room and a king bedroom share a spacious bathroom.
What we love!
- The stunning views that stretch out from every door and window of the farmhouse, all invitations to unwind and leave the cares of the world behind.
- Seclusion, seclusion, seclusion. This is the major drawcard at Kliphuis. where you can enjoy peace, quiet, and stunning stargazing nights under the vast Karoo sky.
- All the fireplaces! Three wood-burning stoves and large fireplace, create a deliciously snug atmosphere. The crackling fires, the scent of wood and the luxurious linens combine to keep even the coldest Karoo winter nights at bay.
- In summer, the deep relaxation experienced when floating in the amazing infinity pool, watching the occasional clouds float majestically across an otherwise clear blue sky.
What you need to know…
- Watch out for the wildlife that roams freely across the reserve, as there are no fences to keep them out. However, as there are no predators on the reserve, there’ no need for concern.
- Graaff Reinet, the nearest town, is about an hour away, so be sure to bring anything you might need before heading out.
- Vehicles with low clearance are not suitable for driving to Kliphuis.
- From time to time, we hear about a rise in the number of snake and scorpion sightings at some of our game farms and lodges during dry seasons. If you plan to go walking we recommend ensuring you bring good walking shoes and socks, especially important for little ones, as well as long trousers for ticks.
- If Kliphuis is unavailable to book for your dates, browse our other Perfect Hideaways in Sneeuberg Nature Reserve, or in the Karoo, or our full collection of off grid hideaways.
Edited by Dawn Kennedy
In the press
- Kliphuis was featured in Country & Town House, highlighting its rustic charm, remote wilderness setting, and authentic Karoo character in Sneeuberg Nature Reserve.
PERFECT HIDEAWAYS in SOUTH AFRICA: Book 2
Kliphuis is one of the hideaways featured in our beautiful Perfect Hideaways in South Africa coffee table Book 2.
Book 2 celebrates our most treasured hideaways, each one embodying what it is that makes a holiday home ‘perfect’.
From bush to beach, from city to wilderness, PERFECT HIDEAWAYS IN SOUTH AFRICA is a collection of the most extraordinary havens offering unique experiences, architecture and interiors in exceptional destinations. Travellers today are embracing a new narrative for regenerative travel: how and why we travel, and how much time we choose to be surrounded by our family and closest friends, has become ever more important. But over the years, like that proverbial leopard, our Perfect Hideaways has not changed many of its spots.
PERFECT HIDEAWAYS IN SOUTH AFRICA is a tangible journey into the evolving landscape of our homes, mapping our ways back to the soul. Evoking a renewed vigour with the ways we wish to travel, yet retaining a nostalgic sentiment to simplicity.