Sadly many foreign visitors miss this fascinating area of South Africa. It's not on the obvious tourist routes but it offers everything - the magnificent scenery of the inappropriately named Valley of Desolation and the surrounding Karoo which is quintessential Africa; fascinating history from world famous fossil beds to the conflicts of the Anglo-Boer war; and, charming small towns and... More

We were two couples and stayed at Abbotsbury for 4 nights. We had the Pepper Tree suite and the Garden Suite wich both were clean, spacious and had a wonderful view on the mountain opposite the farm. Abbotsbury is about 30 km away from Graaf Reinet, on a sheep and goat farm in a Great Karoo valley. Absolutely tranquill, with... More

About 30 km along the N9 from Graaff-Reinet toward Mittleburg, you find the sign “Abbotsbury”. Following an unpaved road for about 3 km you arrive at a little paradise: a very nice place to stay, far away from busy places and hurried people, surrounded by an amazing garden in a wonderful desert area. We stayed at “Abbotsbury” for two nights.... More

We stayed at Abbotsbury for two nights. The plan was to see another side of South Africa away from the usual tourist trail of the Garden Route so we had driven up from Port Elizabeth into the relatively arrid landscape of the Karoo. What we found at Abbotsbury was a green oasis nestling in a valley between two large hills.... More

Very little to add to the many glowing reports except to confirm them. We stayed in the old cottage (parents + kids) and the room attached to the main house (grandparents) and all were lovely (just watch your head on ceilings if you are over 6' - but thats part of the charm) More

We had read various reviews and thought we knew what to expect - but it was better! The Garden Suite is lovely - private, spacious and quiet. Sue's meals were wonderful - kudu pie, chicken pie, bobotie, springbok - our intentions to go out to eat did not last long. Service is impeccable but not intrusive, setting is magic. More

What a fantastic place!! So beautiful and peaceful. Located outside Graaff Reinet, down a dirt road it's very secluded. It was such a beautiful sight. You drive down a dusty road through a dry landscape and all of a sudden there is this green oasis. We stayed in the Garden Suite, which has a large lounge with dining area, a... More

Oh my word Sue is an absolute compliment to Africa for finer than the farm you will not find The olde worlde furnishings, the food (to die for) one could go on and on and end up writing a book, thank you so much Sue well worth every cent. God Bless. We are coming back one day so stay there More

You know how sometimes you want to keep a secret because you find a place so special that you fear once it is known the world will beat a path there and you'll give up your opportunity to go again without lengthy booking times? I know - it's a selfish thought (*sigh*) and so in the spirit of community I... More