Hamstead Farm Cottage – Tranquil Drakensberg Getaway
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- Escape to a unique, solar and wind-powered eco-cottage nestled on a working beef farm in the Southern Drakensberg. Directly facing a peaceful dam and boasting expansive mountain views, this cosy 80sq m split-level retreat is the ultimate destination for absolute peace and quiet. We proudly welcome guests of all backgrounds and persuasions to experience our slice of paradise.
The Space: Our cottage offers a true “far from the madding crowd” experience, located just a scenic 30-minute gravel road journey from Underberg village.
• The Wildlife: During the day, you might spot majestic eland or reedbuck grazing on the nearby hill. At night, listen to the calls of jackals, owls, and nightjars.
• The Atmosphere: Expansive views look out across the veld onto the “little berg” and the Drakensberg peaks beyond.
• Winter Comfort: A glass-fronted wood heating stove creates a beautifully warm, ambient atmosphere on chilly winter evenings.
• Summer Romance: Our private jetty stretching into the dam is the ultimate spot for sundowners on warm summer nights.
Guest Access
Guests enjoy full, exclusive use of the self-contained two-bedroom cottage and the immediate dam area. You are more than welcome to go for gentle, relaxing walks across the farm and the surrounding property.
Interaction with Guests
We love hosting! We have lived in this beautiful area for 40 years and are always happy to recommend or help you plan local adventures. There is usually someone around at the main farmhouse if you want to chat, ask for advice, or need a hand.
The area is a paradise for:
• Hiking & Mountain Biking
• Fly Fishing & Bird Watching
• River Tubing & Horse Riding
• Exceptional local restaurants & hotels
• Day trips up the iconic Sani Pass and into Lesotho (BRING PASSPORTS)
Other Things to Note
• Off-Grid Power Rules: The entire property runs completely off-grid on 220v solar and wind energy. Because of this, appliances with high-heating elements (like hairdryers and irons) can only be used by arrangement – during peak daytime hours when the sun is shining brightly or when the standby generator is running.
• Connectivity: Cellular reception is good right inside the cottage. While there is no in-room Wi-Fi, you are welcome to connect to the Wi-Fi up at the main farmhouse or to use our capped Wi-Fi mobile router.
Do we require a 4 x 4?
No, not unless we have torrential rain or meters of snow! However, reasonable clearance is preferable to low-slung sedans with low profile tyres (city cars).
Can we feed the horses?
Yes, my all means feed them carrots or apples. Do remember though that they are horses, not humans, so they can be unpredictable - don't walk behind them just in case!
How close is the nearest shop?
There is a Spar and an OK grocery in Underberg. Both are well stocked. We are happy to make purchases for our guests if we happen to be going into the village.
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