Old Mill Country Lodge
Restaurant & Seasonal Working Ostrich Farm
We are situated at the foothills of the Swartberg Mountains in Schoemanshoek, just 14 km on your way from Oudtshoorn to the World Famous Cango Caves.
We are only 3km from Cango Ostrich Farm, 8km from the World Famous Cango Caves, 9km from the Rust and Vrede Waterfall, 18km from the Swartberg Mountains, 100km from Prince Albert, 90km from “The Hell”, 15km from Oudtshoorn Museum, 10km from Cango Wildlife Ranch, Horse riding 3km and 350km from Cape Town.
Water and Electricity Amenities
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under 24 hr
surveillance -
MALARIA
FREE AREA
The History of Our Farm
The Oude Meul is one of the oldest farms in that valley. Schoeman Plat, bought the whole valley, in 1765, to farm. He had 16 children, so he could give everybody a piece of land to grow up and make such a living. Because the water was near the farmland, the first farmer could easily get water from the river to irrigate his crops.
After the Schoemans, the Spies bought land in the Klein Le Roux River. The Terblanche bought ground at Mattjies River, the section just left before you drive the Swartberg Pass. The Bothas at Boomplaas, the section next to the Cango Caves. From Matjiesrivier to Oudtshoorn is 40 km, just too far to do the whole trip with a horse, back and forth, in one day.
Schoemans (derived from Schumacher) & Spies (derived from Spiess) come from Germany. Although people came from Germany, all the people spoke Dutch here and consequently everyone learned the language in time. Similarly, the French Huguenots who fled here in 1688, for their freedom of their faith. A family of Scheepers fled at the time and hid at Schoemans farm. The Spies have small community’s , especially those in the Netherlands, of which they originally came.
The Schoeman who stayed here at De Oude Meul, soon saw an opportunity to build a stable and exchange horses here. So people could travel from Matjies River early in the morning, after two hours of horse rides and with fresh horses continue the ride to Oudtshoorn. Late afternoon, when they return, they used their horses again to tackle the next 20km. This old horse stable is still in its original condition. Old mud walls & yellowood barn.
The Old Mill has also emerged from distress. Because the farm is halfway between the Swartberg and Oudtshoorn, the Meule has been built here and farmers could grind their corn and maize for a part here. The Mill was built in 1850 and has been working for almost 100 years.
In 1836 the population in the provinces became too big and many family’s packed their wagons and moved out of here, to the plains. The Spies established into many cities, in the Free State and Transvaal, with German names, such as the places from which they came from Germany. The Schoemans went to Schoemansdal, where they started farming with tobacco. The Spies were the first tobacco growers (light dry) in the Cape. The Spies and Schoemans later opened tobacco factories here. The Cango Ostrich Farm is currently in the old Schoeman tobacco factory.
Here is an old cemetery still on our farm, with gravestones written in Dutch. The many piles in the cemetery are due to the black flu at the time. So many children died, parents could not afford tombstones for all.
Venue Rental
Host your dream wedding or a successful conference in our stunning venues.
We provide the perfect setting for unforgettable events, tailored to your needs.
Activities & Amenities
The establishment operates as a working ostrich farm during the season, providing guests with the opportunity to observe and engage with ostrich farming.
We also offer a big variety of activities:
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3 Swimming
pools
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Children's
play area
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Hiking
trails
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Fishing
Spots
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4x4
Route
À la Carte Restaurant
Enjoy breakfast, lunch & dinner just few kilometres from Oudtshoorn.
3 Nights for the Price of 2
Get 3 nights for the price of 2 on selected weekend breaks
3 Nights for the Price of 2
Get 3 nights for the price of 2 on selected weekend breaks
3 Nights for the Price of 2
Get 3 nights for the price of 2 on selected weekend breaks
Guest Reviews
See what our past guests loved about their stay! Their reviews offer insights to help you plan the perfect getaway.
EXCELLENTBased on 318 reviewsTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.Thenysia Krishna15/08/2024We loved our 2 bedroom apartment. So luxurious and conveniently situatedTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.Hanli Lee Rossouw30/07/2024The room was lovely and perfect for an overnight stay, offering comfort with a king-size bed and a warm comforter. Although my photos captured a beautiful blue sky, the weather was freezing and icy cold, with snow on the Matroosberge. Unfortunately, this prevented us from experiencing the outdoor activities and amenities such as the animals, grassy walking paths and pools. Despite the cold weather, the proximity to numerous tourist destinations like the Cango Caves and nearby wildlife sanctuaries made it a worthwhile visit.Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.Eliza Faul06/07/2024Great getaway just outside of Oudtshoorn, close to all the local attractions and an attraction in itself with a lovely restaurant and loads for the kids to do in a safe environment.Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.ronny wils07/11/2023Wat verder van het centrumTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.Saumik Samanta30/04/2023Perfect place for spending quality time with friends and family out from city life.