We offer a working farm stay, tranquil country gardens and a sense of history. Enjoy a luxurious, fresh, country cottage with all the modern conveniences.
ABOUT
The Old Dairy Cottage is situated on a tranquil working farm with an intensive irrigation / sheep enterprise and is conveniently located 4km from the nearest town of Somerset East on the R63. The property is accessed from the R63 via a short ground road which is suitable for sedans.
The farm features serene country gardens and green pastures, with rural charm, peace and relaxation in abundance. There are dogs, cats, sheep, chickens, ducks and honey bees on the property. Guests are invited to wander through the park-like garden with its beautiful trees, vast flower beds and rich bird-life or stroll along the farm lanes.
From the Homestead garden, there are sweeping views across the irrigated pastures towards Avon Head and the Boschberg, providing perfect opportunities for sundowners and beautiful photographs, especially at sunrise and sunset.
Gardiol has fascinating links to the Craib and Hofmeyr families, with their legacy of excellence in the fields of medicine and ministry. The name of the farm can be traced back to the French Huguenot Jean Gardiol.
Gardiol is a perfect retreat for guests who partake in the scenic Somerset East Park Run and is within easy reach for day visits to three National Parks: the Addo Elephant National Park; the Mountain Zebra National Park (Cradock) and the Camdeboo National Park (Graaff-Reinet). It is also an ideal place to overnight when travelling between the northern /inland provinces and the Cape coastal areas such as St. Francis Bay and Plettenberg Bay. It is suitable for both business and leisure travellers.
“A haven of peace and happiness” - Doris Craib
OUR SERVICES
Parking
Free, safe, covered
parking available.
Free WiFi
For your convenience, complimentary WI-FI is available
DSTV/TV
Flat screen TV & DSTV hospitality package
Laundry
Service available by arrangement
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Housekeeping
Cottage serviced weekdays (not available weekends / public holidays)
THINGS TO DO & SEE
Birdwatching
Spot interesting birds as you stroll through the garden.
Soak up the peace of a
country farm
Put your feet up, read, pack a picnic, wander through the park-like garden,
stroll the farm lanes, savour the sunsets and the night skies, watch the lambs frolicking
Join the Somerset East Park Run
Picturesque and scenic.
Every Saturday at the foot of the Boschberg.
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National Parks
Do a game drive at:
Mountain Zebra National Park
(Cradock)
Addo Elephant National Park
Camdeboo National Park
(Graaff-Reinet)
​
Meet the locals
Pop in at a local stock fair or visit the annual agricultural show
​
Enjoy the surrounding attractions
Hiking, walking, mountain biking
& flyfishing
Annual Bedford Open Gardens
​
Visit the Museums
Pay a visit to the Somerset East Museum or the Walter Battiss
Art Museum.
​
LOCATION
From Cookhouse / Port Elizabeth R63
As you approach Somerset East, about 7km from town, you’ll pass the Glen Avon turning; you’ll then cross the Little Fish River Bridge (unmarked). Go up the hill and be on the lookout for a small little green sign on the right which says Gardiol. Turn off sharp right at the sign and then sharp right again immediately. The lane swings left and becomes gravel … follow for about 200m and you’ll see the white entrance pillars on the left. Proceed to the gate.
From Somerset East
R63 to Cookhouse … about 4km from town (Gill College), look out for a big clump of Blue Gum trees on the left. Do not take the left turning at the paintball sign. Just a bit further is a little green sign which says Gardiol. Turn sharp left at the sign and then turn right immediately. The lane swings left and becomes gravel … follow for about 200m and you’ll see the white entrance pillars on the left. Proceed to the gate.