By Roxanne Reid
Prince Albert in the Karoo has grown a lot in the last decade or two. Now it’s known less as the town named after Queen Victoria’s husband than for its olive festival and local markets, its artistic refugees escaping Big City life, its renovated old houses and Karoo stoepies. Next time you visit, you might want to stay at the Dorpsplaas Cottage in Prince Albert.
Prince Albert in the Karoo has grown a lot in the last decade or two. Now it’s known less as the town named after Queen Victoria’s husband than for its olive festival and local markets, its artistic refugees escaping Big City life, its renovated old houses and Karoo stoepies. Next time you visit, you might want to stay at the Dorpsplaas Cottage in Prince Albert.
We recently drove over the Swartberg Pass to Prince Albert – something you really have to do at least once if you haven’t already – and lucked out when we discovered the Dorpsplaas Cottage.
Neat as a pin, it’s a comfy place to spend a few days while you explore the village. In an old cottage overlooking a beautiful garden on a boutique olive farm, it’s perfect for self-catering, with a lounge/dining room and a small but well-equipped kitchen that includes a two-plate hob, mini oven and microwave oven. The bedroom has a double bed and there’s a huge shower in the en suite bathroom. The cottage is right on the edge of town so you’re in walking distance of the main road and all its restaurants, coffee shops and galleries.
Neat as a pin, it’s a comfy place to spend a few days while you explore the village. In an old cottage overlooking a beautiful garden on a boutique olive farm, it’s perfect for self-catering, with a lounge/dining room and a small but well-equipped kitchen that includes a two-plate hob, mini oven and microwave oven. The bedroom has a double bed and there’s a huge shower in the en suite bathroom. The cottage is right on the edge of town so you’re in walking distance of the main road and all its restaurants, coffee shops and galleries.
The living room has everything you need for a comfy stay and there's a small kitchen too
Owners Linda and Andre Jacquet have provided touches that make it feel like home – or even better. There’s fresh farm yoghurt and milk in the fridge, and delicious rusks and granola in a jar for your breakfast. An informative book on the dining room table lists many things to do and places to eat in the village, together with hints at some of their personal favourites.
It was cold when we visited, so the down duvet, electric blanket and under-tile heating in the bathroom were welcome touches. There’s a fireplace and TV in the living room, as well as shelves full of books to keep you entertained in cold weather.
It was cold when we visited, so the down duvet, electric blanket and under-tile heating in the bathroom were welcome touches. There’s a fireplace and TV in the living room, as well as shelves full of books to keep you entertained in cold weather.
Crisp white sheets, a rocking chair, a few books and a visit from the resident teddies
The well cared for Dorpsplaas Cottage in Prince Albert is a lovely home from home for a few days
For hot Karoo summer days there’s a ceiling fan in the bedroom and you’re welcome to use the swimming pool. The garden landscaping provides your own private patch of greenery where you can relax while you cook on the kettle-braai. Charcoal and firelighters are supplied, as is firewood for the indoor fireplace. Mosquito-netting on all the windows and safe off-street parking are the cherry on the top.
The cottage is set in a lovely garden, and you get your own private patch of it
We only stayed two nights but could happily have stayed longer. If you’ve left your pets at home, you might enjoy a visit from Dorpsplaas’s resident dogs, cats and chickens.
Copyright © Roxanne Reid - No words or photographs on this site may be used without permission from roxannereid.co.za
Copyright © Roxanne Reid - No words or photographs on this site may be used without permission from roxannereid.co.za
