“At night, you can hear the lion roar and when the hyenas hoot and laugh, our dogs get very agitated,” laughs Natalie Groenhof, one of the managers of Stellenhof Farm Stay.
This amazing dairy farm shares a fence line with the Addo Elephant National Park and is so close to this world famous game reserve that guests are entertained by animal calls at night.
Not only is Stellenhof Farm Stay conveniently close to the Addo Elephant National Park, but it is also on the same public road as Schotia Safaris.
The magnificent farm house at Stellenhof was built during the late 1800s by a Mr Dougal McBean, who was a perfectionist in every way – this is clearly visible in the layout and design of this beautiful building.
In 1999, the Groenhof family arrived from Holland and bought the property and turned it into a guest house.
On a recent weekend, I visited Stellenhof from Port Elizabeth and was advised to enter the Addo Park through the southern gate and then turn left when I reached the R336, which runs through the game reserve and brings you to Stellenhof’s gate. Very convenient!
My girlfriend and I were warmly greeted by Natalie, and with a mug of coffee in hand on this cold day, we toured the grounds. The focal point of the guest house is clearly the swimming pool with the three guest house rooms and the dining area opening onto the recreational area. Natalie assured us that the swimming pool is a must in the hot Addo summers.
The dining area is spacious and has its own deck with a braai and pizza oven. Stellenhof only serves breakfast so for guests not wanting to eat at the surrounding restaurants these facilities are very useful.
The gardens below the farmhouse are spectacular with massive lawns, huge shady trees, a permaculture garden and various ponds – a child’s delight. Natalie pointed out the resident woodland kingfisher and spotted eagle owls.
What is most eye catching about Stellenhof Farm Stay are the Earthbag Dome suites. These unusually constructed and shaped buildings are designed to store heat in winter and be cool in summer. With their high ceilings, state-of-the-art bathrooms and outdoor showers they are pretty awesome.
I stayed in the Blue Room with its King size bed, fresh, crisp linen neat bathroom. Some of the rooms have air-conditioning and all have DSTV, ceiling fans, tea and coffee facilities and a bar fridge.
Breakfast is both English and Continental and delicious. I can’t wait to return!
For more information or for online bookings, visit www.stellenhof.com or call 042 233 2423
