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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
ABOUT

THE OLD
DAIRY
COTTAGE

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OUR SERVICES

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Parking

 Free, safe, covered

parking available.

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Free WiFi

For your convenience, complimentary WI-FI is available

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DSTV/TV

Flat screen TV & DSTV hospitality package

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Laundry

Service available by arrangement

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Housekeeping
Cottage serviced weekdays (not available weekends / public holidays)
OUR SERVICES
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SEE & DO

THINGS TO DO & SEE

Birdwatching

Spot interesting birds as you stroll through the garden.

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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

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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)

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Meet the locals

Pop in at a local stock fair or visit the annual agricultural show

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Enjoy the surrounding attractions

Hiking, walking, mountain biking

& flyfishing

Annual Bedford Open Gardens

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Visit the Museums

Pay a visit to the Somerset East Museum or the Walter Battiss

Art Museum. 

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Location

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.

Contact
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