The Cowshed is located in the Badfontein Valley between Lydenburg and Machadodorp. The picturesque farm offers individually decorated vintage style accommodation. Each holiday home offers a living area with a TV, a fully equipped kitchen and a veranda where one can relax after a busy day. Barbecue facilities are available. There is also a Luxury Tent with a wooden deck overlooking the mountains and the dam below. A selection of activities are offered in the area, such as cycling, fishing, hiking and horse riding. Dullstroom is a 45-minute drive away and Sabie is 80 km from the farm.

Couples particularly like the location — they rated it 9.6 for a two-person trip.

Distance in property description is calculated using © OpenStreetMap

Property highlights

Top location: Highly rated by recent guests (9.2)

Free private parking available on-site


Availability

Select dates to see this property's availability and prices

Room type
Number of guests
 
Bedroom 1:
2 single beds
Bedroom 2:
2 single beds
Bedroom 3:
2 single beds
Bedroom 4:
2 single beds
Bedroom 5:
2 single beds
Bedroom 6:
2 single beds
Bedroom 7:
2 single beds
Bedroom 8:
2 single beds
Bedroom 1:
2 single beds
Bedroom 2:
1 double bed
Bedroom 3:
2 single beds
1 large double bed
Bedroom 1:
2 single beds
Bedroom 2:
2 single beds
Bedroom 3:
2 single beds
Bedroom 4:
2 single beds
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Property practices

This property has told us they implemented certain practices across some or all of these categories: waste, water, energy and greenhouse gases, destination and community, and nature.
Guest reviews

Categories:

Staff
9.8
Facilities
9.3
Cleanliness
9.8
Comfort
9.3
Value for money
9.3
Location
9.2
Select topics to read reviews:

See what guests loved the most:

  • Van
    South Africa South Africa
    The decor was beautiful and the ambiance is fantastic.
  • Paul
    South Africa South Africa
    Really great location, beautiful farm and farm house and the facilities are all great. Loads of space and comfort.
  • Minnaar
    South Africa South Africa
    Diana was a wonderful hostess with great communication before our arrival. She was incredibly accommodating to my last minute requests and made our stay even more worth while! The Farmhouse is beautiful and has anything and everything you would...

Host Information

Company review score: 9.8Based on 15 reviews from 1 property
1 managed property

Company information

We,Diana & Ann are sisters and work together to ensure your experience at The Cowshed is a happy & memorable one. When we have time, we enjoy family get togethers, a lazy lunch in Dullstroom, walking the dogs and reading a good book.

Property information

Deep within the folds of the Steenkamp Mountains lies one of Mpumalanga’s best kept secrets, The Cowshed, a bastion of traditional country living and an idyllic pastoral retreat. Located on the family farm of Wilsonia,The Cowshed provides visitors with the opportunity to enjoy the finer elements of country living - lazy days, pristine views, fresh air and a variety of outdoor activities such as birdwatching, hiking and mountain biking. With an emphasis on comfort and African chic, The Cowshed embodies the very essence of South African farm life. In the valley, serenity is a way of life, not just wishful thinking. We have four vintage renovated houses on the farm! Choose between The Cowshed, The Boarding House,The Farm House and The Mountain House...or book all four. All the houses have fully-equipped kitchens, DSTV, fireplaces and outdoor barbeque areas. We supply, tea, coffee, sugar, milk and homemade rusks. The tented camp, offers a peaceful getaway from city life. A gas geyser supplies hot water & a stove top in the kitchenette, whilst hurricane lights cast a romantic glow at night. We currently offer only self-catering options. Meals can be arranged by special request.

Neighbourhood information

The Cowshed is the perfect launching pad to explore the Badfontein Valley’s rich history. With breathtaking scenery as far as the eye can see, it’s almost impossible to imagine the area as anything other than an idyllic holiday destination. However, if you start to scratch away at the rustic charm and delve deep into the patina of the area, it soon becomes apparent that the quiet tourist spots of today were once bloody battlefields mired in political intrigue, feats of bravery and tragic loss of life.The area is also renowned for historical artifacts and archaeological sites which date back to the Iron Age, including the famed Lydenburg Heads. Horse riding trails for beginners and pros alike, can be organised through one of our neighbouring farms, giving visitors the perfect opportunity to explore the countryside. Rides generally last from one to two hours and can be organised through your hosts on the farm. The area is also well suited to long lazy walks, hanging out on the verandah, sipping coffee, reading books, and watching the resident herd of Nguni cattle grazing at your back door. Dullstroom and Pilgrim's Rest are within easy driving distance, both charming country towns

Languages spoken

Afrikaans,English

Property surroundings

Facilities of The Cowshed
Great facilities! Review score, 9.3

Most popular facilities
  • Free parking
  • Non-smoking rooms
Bathroom
  • Private bathroom
Outdoors
  • Outdoor fireplace
  • Picnic area
  • Outdoor furniture
  • Sun terrace
  • BBQ facilities
  • Terrace
  • Garden
Pets
Pets are allowed on request. Charges may be applicable.
Activities
  • Bowling
  • Cycling
  • Hiking
  • Canoeing
    Off-site
  • Windsurfing
    Off-site
  • Fishing
Food & Drink
  • Wine/champagne
    Additional charge
Internet
No internet access available.
Parking
Free private parking is possible on site (reservation is not needed).
  • Accessible parking
Reception services
  • Invoice provided
  • Private check-in/check-out
Entertainment and family services
  • Board games/puzzles
  • Babysitting/child services
    Additional charge
Cleaning services
  • Daily housekeeping
  • Ironing service
  • Laundry
Business facilities
  • Fax/photocopying
  • Meeting/banquet facilities
    Additional charge
Safety & security
  • Fire extinguishers
  • Security alarm
  • Key access
General
  • Grocery deliveries
    Additional charge
  • Designated smoking area
  • Non-smoking throughout
  • Heating
  • Packed lunches
  • Chapel/shrine
  • Non-smoking rooms
Languages spoken
  • Afrikaans
  • English

House rules

The Cowshed takes special requests - add in the next step!

Check-in

From 14:00 to 17:00

Guests are required to show a photo identification and credit card upon check-in

Check-out

From 08:00 to 10:00

 

Cancellation/
prepayment

Cancellation and prepayment policies vary according to accommodation type. Please enter the dates of your stay and check the conditions of your required room.

Children and beds

Child policies

Children of any age are welcome.

Children 18 years and above will be charged as adults at this property.

To see correct prices and occupancy information, please add the number of children in your group and their ages to your search.

Cot and extra bed policies

Cots and extra beds are not available at this property.

No age restriction

There is no age requirement for check-in

Mastercard Visa Cash The Cowshed accepts these cards and reserves the right to temporarily hold an amount prior to arrival.


Smoking

Smoking is not allowed.

Pets

Pets are allowed on request. Charges may be applicable.

The fine print
Need-to-know information for guests at this property

Guests are required to show a photo identification and credit card upon check-in. Please note that all Special Requests are subject to availability and additional charges may apply.

Please inform The Cowshed in advance of your expected arrival time. You can use the Special Requests box when booking, or contact the property directly with the contact details provided in your confirmation.

In response to Coronavirus (COVID-19), additional safety and sanitation measures are in effect at this property.

FAQs about The Cowshed

  • The Cowshed offers the following activities / services (charges may apply):

    • Cycling
    • Hiking
    • Bowling
    • Fishing
    • Canoeing
    • Windsurfing

  • Check-in at The Cowshed is from 14:00, and check-out is until 10:00.

  • The prices at The Cowshed may vary depending on your stay (e.g. dates you select, hotel's policy etc.). See the prices by entering your dates.

  • The Cowshed is 13.7 miles from the centre of Lydenburg. All distances are measured in straight lines. Actual travel distances may vary.

  • Room options at The Cowshed include:

    • Holiday Home
    • Tent

  • Yes, The Cowshed is popular with guests booking family stays.