Verkykerskop Country Village & Farm Retreat

Verkykerskop Plaasdorp (Country Village) lies nestled amongst the table topped sandstone mountains of the Klein Drakensberg escarpment in the eastern Free State province of South Africa. Where five roads from all directions meet, the farms Verkykerskop and Aansluit were the logic point of contact during the Boer War, and the subsequent establishment of a police outpost, one room school, grain mill, blacksmith shop, post office, and auction kraal brought about the birth of this village. The village remained unchanged for a century until city folks, Matt Hoffman and Beth Hillary, yearning for their roots, bought the village and started reviving it to its yesteryear glory. An old farm shed now serves as a performance and wedding venue, and together with the Boeresaal, has hosted regular festivals with performers such as Chris Chameleon, Valiant Swart, Ollie Viljoen, The Parletones, Jannie du Toit, Karen Zoid, Frank Opperman and Sean Else. The well-known de la Rey musical by Bok van Blerk and the movie Platteland were shot in the area. Original homesteads as well as the old school and blacksmith shop were converted into guest houses and cottages. The old general dealer was revived into a pub, tea garden, antique shop and Smileys Restaurant. New facilities that were added include the Central Motel, a deli butcher shop, agricultural shop with fuel, and the modernization of the police station. Matt subsequently convinced his friends Louis Grobler, Chris Cameleon and Tony Pitout to join him in buying the 700 hectare farmland surrounding the village on which the original Aansluit Landgoed was rebuilt as a working farm and conservation area, boasting antelope, Nguni cattle, and the Aboukir Arabian Stud. Our accommodation at Verkykerskop is three star graded and covers the full spectrum including camping, farm and village cottages, guest houses, and the fully en suite Central Motel. (On the Safarinow platform, only Afsluit Guesthouse and Old School Cottage are listed - the other accommodation in the village managed by Matt Hoffman are to be booked directly with them. We cater for quiet farm stays, family get togethers, tour bikers, mountain bikers and other adrenaline junkies, as well as for weddings and corporate conferences. With over 30 km of trails on the estate we offer horse and mountain bike rides (bring your own bike), as well as fishing and wetland birding. We welcome you with your pets, including your horse. Its this winning combination of country village and outdoor living that makes this destination so unique. Our country hospitality and the pleasures of farm life will surely see you return.

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Reviews

"Fireplace"

06 November 2017

"Awesome little place... Warm and friendly people... I really enjoyed the stay"
"Back to the past"

03 October 2017

"Quaint self-catering unit with candles and paraffin lamps and gas to cook on. Loved the tranquility and staying in a historical house. It's small but adequate. Our dogs loved the country walks on the farm."
"Heerlike Wegbreek saam met goeie vriende"

27 September 2017

"Ons het ons kuier op die plaas ontsettend baie geniet. Die huis is goed toegerus met wat 'n mens ookal kan nodig kry. Baie dankie vir die gasvryheid."
"Star gazing"

22 May 2017

"Kaggel skep heerlike warm atmosfeer. Uitsig is uitstekend.Badkamer, veral die bad, kort ernstige aandag asook die linne (stukkend). Geen opwaslappe ens. in kombuis. Skoon, 'nuwe' seep in badkamer sal welkom wees."
"Besoek aan Old School Cottage"

15 July 2016

"Was baie lekker behalwe vir die volgende:<div>1. Net 2 handoeke vir 4 mense</div><div>2. Te min komberse vir Winter. Daar was net 1 ekstra kombers.</div>"
"Old School Cottage"

14 September 2015

"<div>Goeiedag Louis, Baie dankie vir die lekker naweek wat ons by die Ou Skooltjie kon spandeer. Dit was baie lekker om terug in die ou tyd in te kon gaan en dinge te kon herleef. </div><div>Nogmaals baie dankie. Ons sal vir seker weer julle kom besoek.</div><div></div><div>Groete</div><div>Andre en Junida</div>"
"Afsluit"

25 May 2015

"What a lovely farmhouse. We really enjoyed our stay and the live music across the road."
"Easter Weekend getaway"

10 April 2015

"The feeling of isolation was great. Enjoyed an amazing relaxing few days. The sunday buffet at Smiley's restaurant is good + well worth a visit"
"Unknown treasure"

06 October 2014

"If you're looking for something 'off the beaten track' and have that adventurous spirit then definitely head for Verkykerskop and stay at the Afsluit Guest house. The old yellow stone farm house is beautiful and the remoteness has a real appeal for those wanting to get away from the big city lights. The guest house is very comfortable, and the old victorian bath just great after a long drive! Head over the road for a drink and a pizza at Smiley's restaurant and take in the old feel of the general trading store!"
"Great getaway"

29 December 2013

"We enjoyed the Old Skooltjie tremendously and enjoyed a stay without electricity away from the buzz of the city. The dogs had a whale of a time and the fresh farm air did all of us a world of good. Thank you to all for the unsurpassed hospitality!"
"Weekend break from the city"

12 February 2013

"Just what we wanted. Had a lovely weekend in the 'Ou Skooltjie Cottage'. Revived the Soul. Will go again soon. Loved its country charm."
"Amazing breakaway"

28 August 2012

"A wonderful weekend in the country in a way we never expected."
"Skoolhuisie verblyf"

16 May 2012

"Not being into 'Top Billing Bling' this is the kind of place that touches my heart. Was everything I could have asked for."
"Fantastic!"

23 May 2011

"Die "old school cottage" is die beste plek om weg te kom uit die stad se gejaag, die ou tydse atmosfeer en plaas geluide en ruimte maak dit absoluut die moeite werd! Dit was wonderlik! The 'old school cottage' is the best place to get away from the busy city. The old fashioned atmosphere and farm sounds and space makes this absolutely worth it! It was wonderful!"
"It was great!"

02 May 2011

"We stayed at the old school house. It was really so quaint and lovely! Loved the old stove as well as the paraffin lamps. The friendliness of everyone in the town was awesome. We were doing a quad trip that had taken us nearly all day and we were freezing. They were so welcoming at the shop. Thanks to all at Verkykerskop. We will be back."
"Wonderful atmosphere"

02 August 2010

"Great people and a wonderful atmosphere."
"The quaint little cottage"

20 July 2010

"We had a lovely, pure farm, cold experience. Found the cottage so cute and quaint, great hospitality, clean air, great view of the mountains. Nice place to just chill!"