Osfontein Corbelled Guest House

Corbelled houses appear only in the Karoo in an attractive small area. These were the first houses built by the Voortrekkers in the early 1800s.

At Osfontein, guests will have the experience of staying in one of these rebuilt houses and, as it is built entirely of stone with a well-insulated roof, the house is warm in winter and nice and cool in summer. The house has four rooms, one of which is furnished with a double bed and the other with two single beds. The bathroom is equipped with a washbasin, a flushing toilet and a shower. Hot water is also available.

The house is self-catering with the necessary cutlery, bedding and towels being provided. There is an electric stove and a fridge with a freezer. Candles are used for lighting so as not to spoil the atmosphere of this unique experience. The original fireplace with a thick yellow wooden beam can also be found inside and now serves as a barbecue area. Fires can also be made outside and wood can be bought at the farmhouse for R20.

If anything is needed, the farmhouse is within walking distance and also has a swimming pool where guests can cool off. With all the wide open spaces guests can go for long walks or mountain biking.

Sitting outside, guests will see the incredible star-filled sky at night which adds to the unique experience of staying in the Karoo.

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Reviews

"Peace and quiet"

12 March 2020

"Lovely experience staying at Osfontein with friendly hosts"
"Karoo silence"

16 July 2019

"The Corbelled house was just perfect for the 3 of us. We had chilly weather , so spent our evenings inside around the cosy fire."
"History and warm hospitality"

09 July 2018

"We enjoyed the fact that we could emulate history by staying in a corbelled house. Perhaps a stay in spring/summer would have been more comfortable as the shower was never warm in the mornings and the evenings because of the cold outside temperatures. We loved the warm hospitality of the farmer who took the time to show us the different accommodation on his farm and who drove us to see his sheep dogs in action and the lamb which was born on one of the nights. Lovely people and lovely walks. The light snow which fell on our arrival added to the experience."
"weekend out"

05 April 2018

"what a good Experian's. So peaceful. the owner and his wife such beautiful people and friendly."
"Unique and peaceful"

09 January 2018

"The corbelled house is situated on a beautiful Karoo farm. A swimming pool is available to cool off in on a hot Karoo day. Natasha, our host, was very friendly. The corbelled house is a treasure in itself. Quaint and absolutely unique, it is a one of a kind experience to stay here. The house is wonderfully equipped with plenty of bed linen, towels, and kitchen necessities. Do yourself a favour and buy some of the best fire wood and skaaptjops on the farm. Definitely an experience worth your time!"
"The reason for a trip."

29 September 2017

"Osfontein corbelled house is a special and unique place. An old building from XIX century where you can feel the spirit of the old Karoo pioneers. Peace, calm and - good news!- no cell- phone signal. Totally recommended."
"Karoo Lamb Chops"

27 September 2017

"The Corbelled House is absolutely adorable and although we only stayed 1 night it was unforgettable. We bought some ready defrosted lamb chops from Natasha and cooked them to perfection in the amazing fireplace inside."
"Osfontein"

20 September 2016

"Very nice unique place to stay. In summer it must be fantastic. A definite for us again when passing by."
"Amazing experience"

24 May 2016

"Osfontein was ideally located for an overnight stay on our trip from the Karroo NP to the Tankwa NP. The added bonus was staying in the Corbelled House. What an unique experience. Will certainly consider staying there again should our travels take us in that direction."
"Osfontein Karoo"

31 August 2015

"We had a wonderful and fun stay The peaceful Karoo surroundings were good for our souls. Starfilled skies. Friendly hosts. Beautiful sunsets and long walks with the two special dogs who guarded us day and night. But best of all were the "skaaptjops" which we purchased from the farm. Thank you for a wonderful stay.<div>Margrit and Gerhard, Hubert and Ruth</div>"
"A unique place with history, hospitality and a sense of peace"

12 July 2015

"We loved it and will go back when next in the area."
"Supreme Relaxation"

13 January 2015

"There is a little bit of pure heaven in the Karoo, at a sheep farm called Osfontein. Sitting in the stillness of the vast expanse of the Karoo, outside Osfontein's magnificently restored Corbelled house, the wonders of creation become real and the exhausting pace of the world is shown up for the triteness it really is. Here is peace and tranquility, beauty and joy, nature in its very essence. Sparkling hosts make this the most pleasant overnight stay in a lifetime of such sojourns the world over."
"Wonderful experience"

02 November 2014

"Wish we had stayed longer. Hosts were fantastic and it would have been great to experience some of the farm as well."
"Pearl in the Karoo desert"

13 February 2014

"An unusual, but comfortable stay (cool without aircon!) in a historic corbelled house with amazing views all around and beautiful stargazing.A very recommended place for a stopover or a few days quietness. The hosts Stegmann and Natasha are very helpful and hospitable."
"Excellent"

03 February 2014

"Wonderful place to stay so different. Everything we needed. Fantastic hospitality including Jonas the sheepdog!"
"Korbeel huis"

11 January 2014

"'n Ondervinding wat elke mens behoort te ervaar. Dis ongelooflik om op die bed te le en op te kyk na bo. Ons kannie glo hoe hulle soveel jaar terug so iets kon bou nie. Dis heerlik koel daarbinne....geen nodigheid vir lugversorgers. Die eienaars is baie, baie gasvry....en kunstig."
"Very interesting"

28 November 2013

"A very interesting corbelled house concept, and a very hospitable couple who showed an interest in their guest, inviting me in for tea and a social chat."
"My favourite farm stay ever"

15 October 2013

"This historic stone cottage has been lovingly restored, with a bathroom cleverly added at the back in the exact same style. You have the comfort and convenience of hot, running water and electricity, while lighting is provided by well-placed candles. Hosts Natasha and Stegmann are warm and welcoming, the farm is beautiful, and you have the silence and magic of the Karoo on your doorstep."
"Back in Time"

20 September 2013

"Fantastic fantastic fantastic. Thanks Stegman & Natasha for a wonderful stay. Trust to see you again."
"Rate Osfontein Corbelled Guest House"

19 April 2013

"What an amazing experience the stay at the Corbelled guest house was! The friendliness of Natasha and Stegman, our hosts, just added to the experience. What a privilege to live a piece of our (South African) history!"
"Extraordinary"

27 January 2013

"What a wonderful place! Staying in the corbelled house is an extraordinary priveleg - an opportunity to experience a piece of unique South African architecture. The house is beautifully decorated, in keeping with the simple lifestyle of the early trekboers. Enough electricity to run a fridge and charge your cellphone along with romantic candlelight for illumination. Natasha and Stegman are very gracious hosts and catered for all our needs. We also loved the visits from their friendly sheepdogs. If you are in the Norther Cape, its worth making a detour to experience a stay at Osfontein farm. We were there for two nights, barely enough time to experience the beautiful sunsets and the quiet of the Karroo."
"Wonderful"

03 January 2013

"Had a great stay. Owners are very friendly and we had a great Karoo experience."
"Small piece of history"

02 January 2013

"We stayed at Osfontein on our way back home from the Western Cape. The beautiful scenery, Karoo night sky, full moon and great accommodation was absolutely wonderful. Our hosts greeted us with so much warmth we felt right at home. The house is really something to see! It is small but perfect for a couple or small family. No lights (only candles) which is absolutely wonderful and gives great ambiance to the house. Definitely worth a visit!"