About Us

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

Our guests do not get negatively affected by the electricity shortages (load shedding) happening in S.A, we have a fully equipped electricity generator. Our accommodation establishment is not affected by the drought, we do have alternative water resources.

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:

Breakfast Buffet

Start your day with a delicious breakfast at our buffet.

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

Luxurious Safari Tent With a Double Bed
3 Nights for the Price of 2

Get 3 nights for the price of 2 on selected weekend breaks

Luxurious Bedroom With a Double Bed
3 Nights for the Price of 2

Get 3 nights for the price of 2 on selected weekend breaks

Luxurious Bedroom With a Double Bed

Guest Reviews

See what our past guests loved about their stay! Their reviews offer insights to help you plan the perfect getaway.