The 10 Best Places To Stay in Tulbagh

A visit to Tulbagh, the fourth-oldest town in South Africa, presents the possibility of time travel, sleeping in dwellings that have a long history. Some of those beautiful buildings on Church Street – South Africa’s “national monument mile” – can be rented by visitors, and their contemporary interpretations are something to see. If country living is more in your lane, you’ll find a delightful mix of old and new cottages and cabins, with glorious views. Here are our picks.

Ballotina

Attributed to architect Louis Michel Thibault, who also designed Groot Constantia, this 1814 Cape Dutch house has an interesting history – it’s been a home, school and restaurant, and is now transformed into a luxurious self-catering gem by a Swedish couple with a global background in design and hospitality. The sense of space is wonderful, the ceilings lofty (sporting Burmese teak rafters), the detailing beautiful and the colour palette dramatic. The interior is lovely (dripping in chandeliers and with a library lounge for quiet repose), but the garden might steal your heart… ponds, fountains, lawns and impeccably trimmed hedges accented by a stunning collection of large handmade ceramic pots by Belgium’s Atelier Vierkant (their first installation in South Africa). The dining area under the wisteria cries out for enjoying wine with platters of local produce; the boma firepit is a wonderful spot for braaiing and stargazing; and there’s a big pool (heated on request).

The lodgings

• two bedrooms in main house (king beds)
• one bedroom (queen bed) in a separate “cottage”, with a lounge (with sleeper couch)
• three bathrooms, one ensuite, with bath and/or shower
• fully equipped kitchen with SMEG coffee machine
• open-plan lounge and dining area with fireplace
• separate library lounge
• furnished dining courtyard and verandah
• boma braai area and firepit (wood supplied)
• swimming pool and loungers
• air-conditioning and underfloor heating
• Sonos sound system

Things to do

• swimming in the pool
• shops, delis, restaurants and museums close by
• wine route

Good to know There is housekeeping three days a week.
Child friendly? Yes (from 7 years old)
Pet friendly? No
Wifi? Yes
Sleeps 6 + 2 children
Cost From R6 500 per night
Where to find it 43 Church Street, Tulbagh
MAKE A RESERVATION

Tulbagh Mountain Bungalow

Open the blue front door of this modern, timber-and-stone chalet in the Witzenberg Game Park and enter a beautifully decorated, colourful space. But it’s the view that’s truly gasp-worthy – thanks to large glass stacking doors and a deck out front, you have a magnificent panorama of the fields, green valley and mountains. Lie in a lounger and watch nearby springboks and zebras grazing by day; light up the braai or cosy fireplace by night.

The lodgings

• one bedroom (queen bed), plus sleeper couch
• ensuite with shower 
• fully equipped kitchen with gas stove and dining table
• open-plan living room with fireplace
• smart TV with Netflix
• furnished deck with table and loungers
• braai area (with complimentary bag of firewood)
• air-conditioning and ceiling fans

Things to do

• walking and hiking
• picnics by the stream
• swimming in the private plunge pool
• wildlife spotting
• wine route

Good to know There is also a two-bedroom log cabin on the property.
Child friendly? Yes
Pet friendly? Yes (R200 per pet per stay)
Wifi? Yes
Sleeps 2 adults + 2 children
Cost From R2 450 per night
Where to find it Witzenberg Game Park, Boontjiesrivier turn-off (R46), Wolseley
CHECK AVAILABILITY + BOOK DIRECT

Firemasters House

If you fancy immersing yourself in Tulbagh’s history, right in Church Street, this 18th-century Cape Dutch house will do so in style. It has been immaculately renovated, retaining its heritage features but also updated with more contemporary styling and furnishings. Colourful walls, gleaming wood floors, reed ceilings and artistic touches give it the feel of an Old Master’s painting. With its dream kitchen, a dining pergola for alfresco feasts and a boma for fireside gatherings, it’s a splendid spot for entertaining and gathering. There’s also a garden filled with fruit trees and the historic firemaster’s veggie patch.

The lodgings

• three bedrooms (king beds) with private patios; master suite with lounge
• three ensuite bathrooms with shower
• kitchen with airfryer and Nespresso machine
• lounge
• separate dining room
• two courtyards, one with a jacuzzi and loungers
• pergola with kitchenette and dining table
• Weber braai plus boma with firepit
• swimming pool
• Sonos sound system
• air-conditioning
• pool house with kitchenette, including fridge, and separate bathroom

Things to do

• swimming and hot-tubbing
• walk to shops, delis and restaurants
• guided tours of Tulbagh
• wine route

Good to know There is housekeeping two days a week. A private chef can be hired for an additional fee. Jacuzzi can be heated in winter at an extra charge of R250 per day.
Child friendly? Yes
Pet friendly? No
Wifi? Yes
Sleeps 6
Cost From R5 600 per night.
Where to find it 34 Church Street, Tulbagh
MAKE A RESERVATION

Nibbana Farm

Surrounded by the towering mountains of the Witzenberg Valley, with the Tulbagh winelands right on your doorstep, this 190-hectare farm is a sumptuous retreat with a luxe edge, curated with a decorator’s eye for gorgeous interiors. Couples will love the secluded and romantic Karoo Cottage; the Blue Cottage (with antique brass four-poster bed) and open-plan studio-style Red Cottage, which share a hot tub, wood-fired pizza oven and firepit. For families, there’s spacious and modern Stable Cottage sleeping six, with a large sheltered stoep, a swimming pool and wood-fired hot tub – and open-plan Stable Studio next door offering a convenient add-on for two extra guests. There’s also a beautiful Manor House with four bedrooms, a dining room, separate lounge, verandah and pool deck, and its own lush garden with a hot tub. Adding to the charm is the stone-walled Secret Garden, an oasis of oak trees, succulents, a bubbling stream, flowers, sculptures, hammocks and rock swimming pools so enchanting you’ll want to stay put. 

The lodgings

• Manor House (exclusive use) with four bedrooms (three kingsize and one twin) and three bathrooms
• Karoo, Blue and Red Cottages, each with one ensuite bedroom (kingsize bed)
• Stable Cottage with three ensuite bedrooms (kingsize or twin beds)
• Stable Studio, open-plan space (kingsize or twin beds) with ensuite bathroom
• master bedroom with fireplace (Manor House + Stable Cottage) 
• bathrooms with bathtub and/or shower
• fully equipped kitchen (Manor House, Karoo Cottage, Stable Cottage + Stable Studio)
• kitchenette and access to pizza oven and firepit (Blue and Red Cottages)
• lounge with fireplace (plus dining room with fireplace in Manor House; kitchen with fireplace in Stable Cottage)
• furnished terraces, firepits and built-in braais (Manor House, Karoo Cottage, Stable Cottage + Stable Studio)
• wood-fired hot tub/plunge pool (all cottages)
• swimming pool (Manor House, Stable Cottage + Stable Studio)

Things to do

• farm walks, including to a private waterfall  
• swimming in the pools or two nearby dams 
• catch-and-release fishing
• horse-riding nearby
• hiking and mountain-biking trails
• wine route

Good to know There is a minimum two-night stay.
Child friendly? Yes
Pet friendly? No
Wifi? Yes
Sleeps 2 in cottages + Stable Studio; 6 in Stable Cottage; 8 in Manor House
Cost Blue or Red Cottage: From R2 600 per night in summer
Karoo Cottage or Stable Studio: From R3 600 per night
Stable Cottage: From R8 650 per night
Manor House: From R11 000 per night
Where to find it Boontjiesrivier Road, Wolseley
CHECK AVAILABILITY + BOOK DIRECT

Pineapple House

Named for the detail on its ornate gable, this Cape Dutch home (a national monument, built in 1790) has been exquisitely restored. The house radiates character, with atmospheric interiors and refined furnishings that feel plucked from an Old Master’s oil painting. The lush, layered landscaping – verdant palms, sculpted hedges and flowering vines – creates a private paradise that seamlessly blends with the home’s classic indoor-outdoor design. Modern comforts abound: ensuite bathrooms off each of the three bedrooms, a charming kitchen with a Smeg stove and dining space, and a gas braai and heated pool in the secluded garden courtyard. African-inspired art and accents lend a soulful sense of place.

The lodgings

• three bedrooms (king beds) with a private terrace
• three ensuite bathrooms with shower, plus Africology products
• fully equipped kitchen with Nespresso machine
• living room
• pergola for outdoor dining, with Weber braai
• plunge pool with loungers
• garden
• Bluetooth speaker
• air-conditioning and ceiling fans

Things to do

• dipping in the pool
• short walk to restaurants, delis and museums
• guided tours of Tulbagh (extra cost)
• guided hikes (extra cost)
• wine route

Good to know There is twice-weekly housekeeping. A chef can be hired for an additional fee. The splash pool can be heated in winter at an extra charge of R250 per day.
Child friendly? Yes, from 8 years old
Pet friendly? No
Wifi? Yes
Sleeps 6
Cost From R5 500 per night (minimum two-night stay)
Where to find it 30 Church Street, Tulbagh
MAKE A RESERVATION

Bergsicht Country Cottages

Tucked away on a fruit farm in the Tulbagh valley, these self-catering cottages (each uniquely decorated, with its own personality) ooze comfort and rustic charm. With mountain vistas and surrounding orchards, Bergsicht has all the makings of a simple yet magical countryside escape – complete with wood-fired hot tubs, sweeping views and a sought-after sense of tranquillity.

The lodgings

• four Couples Cottages: Lady Red, Angelino, Southern Belle and Laetitia
• two Family cottages – African Delight (sleeps 3) and Ruby Star (sleeps 4)
• queen-size bed with electric blanket
• ensuite with shower, plus outdoor showers at Angelino and Lady Red
• fully equipped kitchenette
• open-plan living area with fireplace
• covered verandah or deck with dining table and loungers 
• built-in braai (plus firepit boma in Laetitia)
• wood-fired hot tub
• small garden
• air-conditioning
• sound system
• complimentary firewood bundle

Things to do

• picnicking
• walks on the farm
• hot-tubbing
• wine route

Child friendly? Only in family cottages
Pet friendly? No
Wifi? Yes
Sleeps 2 per cottage; 3 – 4 per family cottage
Cost From R2 000 per night (minimum two-night stay over weekends)
Where to find it Winterhoek Road, Tulbagh
CHECK AVAILABILITY + BOOK DIRECT

Dar El Qamar

One of Church Street’s grand gabled beauties (dating from 1796), and most recently an artist’s home and studio, Dar El Qamar has received a decor magazine-worthy revamp. It’s filled with midcentury modern and vintage finds, artworks, special touches and little luxuries – alongside original heritage features like wooden rafters and the hearth in the kitchen. Its name means “monastery of the moon” (the building started out as a monastery and mission school), and it is indeed a soul-stirring and tranquil sanctuary that promotes wellbeing (with yoga, a sauna and spa treatments). There are plenty of spaces to relax in, whether you want time alone or to socialise – and a house manager on hand to help guests with anything they need. 

The lodgings

• three bedrooms (one is a loft room) with king or queen beds
• three ensuite bathrooms with bath and/or shower
• fully equipped kitchen plus extra kitchenette
• lounge with fireplace and vinyl record player
• indoor dining area, plus outdoor dining
• two courtyards
• deck with plunge pool and sauna
• braai area and firepit
• yoga room and spa room (for massages)

Things to do

• swimming
• in-house spa treatments
• restaurants, shops and delis nearby

Child friendly? Yes (from 6 years)
Pet friendly? No
Wifi? Yes
Sleeps 6
Cost From R6 600 per night
Where to find it 26 Church Street, Tulbagh
MAKE A RESERVATION

Outpost Cottages at Bergsicht

Tucked away on a fruit farm just out of town, the four Outpost Cottages (set apart from the rest of the lodgings) offer a sleek, modern, adults-only update on a rural stay. Their urban-loft-style interiors are furnished in style, from the leather sofa and patterned rugs on screed floors to the fine linen and kitchen appliances. The open-plan design conveys a feeling of both light-filled space and intimacy, with an easy flow from inside to the gorgeous outdoors – complete with a wood-fired hot tub taking centre stage on the elevated deck. Bergsicht itself is a magical country escape, with mountain views, bountiful orchards, fragrant fynbos and sought-after tranquillity. 

The lodgings

• king-size extra-length bed
• bathroom with walk-in shower and bathtub with a view
• fully equipped kitchenette
• living room with sofa, dining table and fireplace
• covered deck with loungers and a built-in braai
• wood-fired hot tub
• air-conditioning
• bluetooth speaker
• complimentary kitchen essentials and bag of firewood

Things to do

• picnicking 
• walks on the farm
• hot-tubbing
• wine route

Good to know The cottages are set apart for privacy but are close enough to each other for a two-couple getaway.
Child friendly? No
Pet friendly? No
Wifi? Yes
Sleeps 2
Cost From R2 600 per night (weekdays); R 2800 per night (Friday – Sunday)
Where to find it Winterhoek Road, Tulbagh
CHECK AVAILABILITY + BOOK DIRECT

Machteld Smith House

The name is that of the original owner, a pioneering woman who in the 18th century was involved in the missionary service. The history is all around you in this 1796 Cape Dutch national monument on Church Street. It’s been a pub and art shop before its latest reincarnation as guest lodgings – which added a modern sensibility (and eye-catching ensuites) to its elegant centuries-old features (yellowwood ceilings and floors, deep shuttered windows, a gable and thatched roof). Both the antique-filled voorkamer and the kitchen (fitted with SMEG appliances) lead out – through folding glass doors – to a decidedly contemporary inner courtyard, plunge pool and outdoor dining. And with its wide front stoep overlooking a rose garden, it’s a tranquil taste of another time filled with little luxuries.

The lodgings

• three bedrooms (one four-poster king bed, two queen beds)
• three ensuite bathrooms with bath and/or shower
• fully equipped kitchen with drip coffee maker
• living room with fireplace
• satellite TV and sound system
• courtyard with dining table and Weber braai
• plunge pool
• ceiling fans

Things to do

• dipping in the pool
• short walk to restaurants, delis and museums
• wine route

Good to know Daily housekeeping is available at an extra fee. Plunge pool can be heated in winter at an extra charge of R250 per day.
Child friendly? Yes
Pet friendly? No
Wifi? Yes
Sleeps 6
Cost From R4 900 per night
Where to find it 40 Church Street, Tulbagh
MAKE A RESERVATION

Vrolikheid Landgoed

This picturesque fruit farm, just 7km out of town, has a distinctly romantic appeal, with its seven cosy, open-plan cabins made for couples. The views over the dam, evergreen trees and valley are the big draw – guests have likened it to Switzerland, especially when there’s snow on the mountains. These views and the starry skies can be enjoyed from not only your own hot tub but also a “forest” bathtub, outdoor shower, giant hammock and around the braai fire. There’s the simple pleasure of walks through the peach and plum orchards, and the opportunity to add a romantic touch with a basket of Lindt chocolates and Krone bubbly.

The lodgings

• seven cabins: Woodpecker, Barn Owl, Cape Robin, Hoopoe, Swallow, Kingfisher, Sunbird
• queen-size bed
• ensuite with walk-in shower, plus outside shower (except Kingfisher)
• fully equipped kitchenette, plus pizza oven
• open-plan living area with TV and fireplace
• furnished covered deck with built-in braai
• wood-fired hot tub
• outdoor bathtub (except Kingfisher + Sunbird)
• cargo-net hammock (except Kingfisher + Sunbird)
• air-conditioning and electric blanket
• filter coffee, tea, sugar, milk, rusks and olive oil provided

Things to do

• horseriding
• farm walks
• cycling (BYO bike)

Child friendly? No
Pet friendly? No
Wifi? Yes
Sleeps 2 per cabin
Cost From R2 750 per night (minimum two-night stay)
Kingfisher + Sunbird: from R2 300 per night
Where to find it Winterhoek Road, Tulbagh
CHECK AVAILABILITY + BOOK DIRECT

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