Olive Stone Farm is a small, charming farm located in the center of Montagu town in the Western Cape. The farm is characterized by its architecture, welcoming warmth, beauty, and attention to detail. This farm has been lovingly transformed from what was once simply a piece of land populated with olive trees into a working farm and offers off-the-grid self-catering cottage accommodation. The cottages are built out of stone that was sorted and collected from farms outside Montagu and was carefully designed and built by Andrew and Elaine Hare. A hand-packed stone barn and animal kraal, a thriving vegetable garden and natural stone swimming pools all adds to its character. It is home to chickens, ducks, sheep, and even a tamed guinea fowl or two. Each 46-square meter cottage is very private and built between the olive trees and the Langeberg mountains. For those hot summer Karoo days and nights, the cottages have rock plunge pools, sun loungers, sun umbrellas, and ceiling fans inside the cottages. For the cold winter months each cottage has a wood fired hot tub, electric blankets on the beds, a mobile gas heater, panel heater and an indoor fireplace. The cottages have king sized beds, hot inside and outside showers and the self-catering kitchens are fully equipped with all you need. The gas oven and stove allow the cottage to be as off-grid as much as possible (no microwave). Batteries and inverters offer back up power sources. Free limited Wi-Fi is available. Parking available at each cottage. Olive Stone Farm produces its own delicious olive oil, bottled olives, vegetables (guests are welcome to make use of the vegetable and salad garden) and proper free-range eggs. In autumn the Mission and Frantoio olives are hand-picked and pressed to produce oil that is soft on the palate and sweet to the taste. Parking at your cottage. Credit card facilities available. Children only allowed with prior arrangement. Well behaved pets only allowed at owner’s discretion.

So where do we come from and why are we here? For six long years we travelled around the Western Cape to search for a home to suit the needs of our family. One of the requirements was for our children to go to high school from home. With the future in mind, finding a sustainable business was also important. Our previous home in Swartwater, Limpopo had an excellent primary school, but the high school was 200km from our farm. Boarding school was not an option for us as a family. Parents play such an important role in the lives of their children, sculpting them into responsible human beings and adults. Long story short, we drove into the town of Montagu one late afternoon. The town was sunny and pleasing to the eye and the people in the little shops were friendly and accommodating. By now Johan was an expert at finding available properties. He immediately searched for properties in Montagu and lo and behold, Olive Stone Farm was on the market. This olive farm had only been on the market for a week or two. When neighbors asked the previous owner what he knew about us, his answer was; “All I know is that they drive a Ford!” Our why was to be close to our kids during their teenage years. Our why was to be able to live on a farm but still appreciate the luxury of a town close by. Our why was to be able to share this beautiful and unique piece of land and its produce with guests from all over the world. And our why was to work with our kids in a sustainable family business where much can be taught and learned. And THAT is our why.

Due the nature of its position right off the main road, Olive Stone Farm is within walking distance to all Montagu town has to offer – restaurants, galleries, shops, the local Saturday market, bars and other tourist attractions. A hand drawn map is offered to guests upon meeting to familiarize the guests with the town. Activities in the area range from the more strenuous hiking and mountain-biking to gentle walks, wine-tasting and simply soaking up the small-town atmosphere. Montagu offers visitors activities to suit all preferences, whether it be high-energy, or more tending to the slower enjoyment of life. Mountain bike routes, rock climbing, hiking routes, bird watching, nature garden, hot springs, Breede River Cruise, visit the Guano cave, Montagu Saturday market, Museums, Montagu Tractor trip and Potjiekos, Museum Art Gallery, The Old English Fort and day tours can be organised with an accredited Tour Guide. Montagu also has a Tennis, Bowls and Golf club.Each cottage has a wonderful view of the surrounding mountains. Parking is available at each cottage on the property. Shops, delicatessens, bakeries, cafes, supermarkets and restaurants are all within walking distance of the cottages. These cottages are a place to relax, read your books, play some board games, suntan, or partake in the many hikes that Montagu has to offer. Guests can be accommodated on the farm in either Olive Cottage (super king or twin bed), Stone Cottage (king or twin bed), or Farm cottage (super king or twin bed). All rooms are non smoking but you are welcome to smoke on the patio. Outside you will find a braai area and sun lounges, an umbrella and seating on the veranda. Each cottage has a wonderful view of the surrounding mountains.