Schoone Oordt Country House

Schoone Oordt Country House is a charming country hotel in Swellendam South Africa, possibly the best of Swellendam accommodation, with 11 luxury bedrooms set in lush gardens, an intimate Conservatory restaurant, a sparkling saltwater pool and a passion for people, family, food, wine and the environment.  The emphasis here is on unpretentious, unaffected luxury, elegance, quality and obsessive attention to detail.

There is something quite magical about this striking Victorian Manor House.  She has been lovingly restored over many years by Richard and Alison Walker and is passionately run by Ian Clulow and a wonderful team of 25 passionate and committed people.  As a result, she has been instilled with charm and grace and she adores welcoming guests.

 Her extensive grounds house eight luxury rooms, a quaint, private family cottage, a newly added (huge) family suite and a romantic and secluded honeymoon suite set in abundant gardens and sheltered by aged oak trees.  Each luxury accommodation has conceded to every modern convenience whilst unique, restored (mostly by Richard) antiques, retain the Victorian feel of the Manor House and a bygone era.

The Manor House itself boasts the most exquisite light and airy Conservatory, which Richard built in true English style, a cosy fire-lit bar and lounge, an intimate dining room and a typical country kitchen.  The warmth of the original wooden floors, ceilings and doors coupled with many quirky antique pieces creates a wonderful welcoming ambience and guests are encouraged to ‘kuier’* here.

Meals are made with love and served with true Schoone Oordt flair and style.  The freshest best quality produce from small local suppliers is sourced as organically and ethically as possible, as well as fresh herbs and occasional veggies from the garden.  Breakfasts are traditionally a gourmet affair and our small hotel has developed quite a reputation for them.  Complimentary afternoon tea with home-baked savoury and sweet goodies is served overlooking the garden on sunny summer afternoons.  In winter, complimentary snack platters and a warming welcome drink are offered on arrival.  Intimate, delicious dinners are served in The Conservatory where guests can enjoy a carefully prepared, sophisticated South African menu with wines sourced from the celebrated verdant regions surrounding Swellendam, Robertson and Hermanus.  Well known Chef Jason Whitehead has upskilled and empowered our loyal and hardworking kitchen ladies to take The Conservatory Restaurant to the next level  and we are now beyond doubt, one of the finest of Swellendam Restaurants.

Schoone Oordt Country House has been created with a vision for entertaining and we love intimate weddings.  Choose from the sun-drenched Conservatory overlooking the grounds or the cosy, slightly more formal dining room in the grand old house.  She is truly an extraordinary venue for an exclusive occasion filled with laughter and love...

The Swellendam area offers guests the opportunity to truly rest, to disconnect and reconnect with loved ones (and nature) as well as offering an abundance of activities if so choose.  Hiking, horse-trails, bike-trails, trail-runs, watersports as well as visits to the nearby Nature Reserves.   A trip down to the coast at the De Hoop Nature Reserve for seasonal whale watching.  A short journey over the Tradouw’s Pass to Barrydale as well as a day trip wine-tasting in the Robertson Wine Valley or down to Malgas.  All not to be missed.  Along with a nine-hole golf course, quaint coffee shops, the renowned Drostdy museum, berry & lavender-picking, good restaurants and a feast of art, Swellendam spoils its visitors for choice. 

Schoone Oordt Country House is a gracious old dame with heart and soul and she invites you to visit... soon...

*  Lovely Afrikaans word for visiting, drinking, eating, chatting, gossiping and enjoying time with people you love.