Schaftplaas, old world charm and farmstyle hospitality in a rustic tranquil environment on the West Coast Way Foodie Route

Schaftplaas – 1, 5 hours from Cape Town’s CBD in the Cape West Coast

Have you ever been kissed by a horse?

I am risking my reputation here, but I was kissed by 9 horses and I liked it.

I also have countless blurred photos of horse nostrils, lips and eyes, as while trying to video the horses coming in from the field, each one had to come and sniff or nudge my phone.

Welcome to Schaftplaas, a farm that has transitioned from wheat, potatoes, cattle and sheep to a tranquil place to escape from the city and more.

Love and Marriage

“Love and marriage, love and marriage, go together like a horse and carriage” do you remember that song?

Well Schaftplaas has horses and a carriage too, and they specialize in events, and weddings in particular.

It all started back in 2009 when owner Alet discovered a passion and talent for event planning after a friend decided to get married on the farm.

Fast forward 9 years and the farm now has its own chapel for indoor weddings and Japie se Gat for outdoor ceremonies. The large lounge / dining area with the huge fireplace and the cozy pub and dance area are linked by a Bedouin tent, creating a vast indoor outdoor entertainment area.

With space to accommodate 200 guests, no neighbours to complain about the noise, the wedding receptions can go on all night.

A horse and carriage ride around the farm, and the old buildings, trees and fields create unique settings for the bride and groom to pose for their wedding photos.

Schaftplaas has various wedding and event packages that include them doing and supplying everything required for a memorable day.

Connect with family and friends of all ages.

Schaftplaas is also ideal for special birthdays or family celebrations where you can party, sleep, play with the kids and spend time just chatting and relaxing in this peaceful spot on the West Coast.

Lose the stress by walking the labyrinth in front of the cottages or take a stroll through the veld and just enjoy being one with nature.

Let the kids groom and ride the horses supervised by one of the staff and get some horse love and kisses when you go to the gate to wait for the horses to be brought in from the fields in the evening.

Have a swim in the reservoir, test your skills at target shooting or just chill and watch the youngsters ride their bikes, play with the geese and run free on the farm. No screens needed here.

Location.

Schaftplaas is situated between the R45 and the R27 near Langebaan on the West Coast.

GPS coordinates: 33° 1’7.81″S   18°10’7.89″E

The Accommodation.

In 2018 four beautifully appointed cottages were built, styled to maximize the relaxing way of farm life and “stoep sitting”. The cottages are self-catering, spacious and all have well equipped kitchens, charming bathrooms and a large covered verandah with couches and a table and chairs for outdoor living.

Braai facilities and a labyrinth in front of the cottages are what make Schaftplaas ideal for lazy days, conversations and connecting with friends, family and nature.

The four cottages can sleep twelve people, and each room has a story.

The Gert Ox Room. Gert, or Oompie as he was fondly known, was living and working on the farm when Alet and her husband bought it. Gert became part of the family, teaching the kids to ride horses, helping on the farm and only taking instructions from Alet’s husband. Gert was a jack of all trades and the room is decorated with tools and a few fascinating old photographs including one of Alet’s mother driving the combine harvester.

The OemaToi Room is named and styled after the matriarch of the family, Mrs. Du Toit. This beloved mother and grandmother was a grand old dame and a real lady, always decked out in her hat, gloves and fine clothing.

The Susie Q Room is in remembrance of the much loved American Saddler Mare who lived and died on the farm at the age of 42. Suzi Q was a dainty show horse, well known all over the West Coast, and many kids learned to ride on her back.

The Supreme Dream or Honeymoon Suite. This is also named after an American Saddler, a stallion called Supreme Dream but usually known as Naughty, who sired many offspring when Schaftplaas was a breeding farm.

Camping.

The farm has 10 fully furnished tents available for hire, and the campsite can accommodate 100 people with their own tents. The Ablution Block has been updated from the donkey boiler and bucket and rope showers to a modern 4 toilet, 3 shower facility.

Activities on the farm.

Birding.

If you are lucky you might see a Secretary bird. Blue Cranes, gulls, Blacksmith Plovers, Sugarbirds, Guinea Fowl and Egyptian Geese are abundant on the farm.

Wildlife.

If you wake up after midnight and go and sit quietly on the stoep, you could spot the delicate duikers, steenbok and other antelope sneaking into the gardens to snack on the plants around the labyrinth.

Tortoises wander around the grounds, bat eared foxes live in the bush and ostrich are often seen out in the fields.

Photography.

Amateur photographers and professionals with models will love this venue for snapping pics or doing a formal photo shoot. Rustic buildings, old implements, huge skies and dramatic landscapes make for inspiring shots and great memories.

Top Attractions near Schaftplaas.

Start your day with a long lazy breakfast, visit some local attractions and come home for a lekka braai.

Langebaan with its beaches, lagoon, golf course, shops and restaurants is just 15 minutes drive away, and the West Coast National Park can be easily accessed from Langebaan.

The West Coast Fossil Park is a 5 minute drive to the story of life in the area 5 million years ago. Find out how the fossils of penguins, mammoths, whales and short necked giraffe all came to be in the same place.

Visit Hopefield just 10 minutes up the road and learn all about bees at Simply Bee, buy some honey and great skin care products while you are there and grab a snack or some fresh produce at the Moose Café opposite the church which houses a world renowned organ.

Facilities available at Schaftplaas Weddngs, Events and Accommodation:
• Accommodation  • Child-Friendly  • Pet-Friendly  • Bar  • Fireplace • Wheelchair Accessibility •  Conference Facilities  • Wedding and Function Venue  • Tractor and Horse Rides (on request)  • Fynbos and Farm Walking Trails • Fat Bike Trails

Find Schaftplaas on the West Coast Way Foodie Route

Open 7 days a week | Booking Essential
Distance from Cape Town: 130km
Where: R45, Langebaanweg, Langebaan
Contact: +27 (0)83 284 6737 | [email protected]  | www.schaftplaas.co.za

The Roaming Giraffe is Di Brown. Travel writer and blogger, mother, grandmother, avid reader, tourism professional, learner photographer, social media influencer, Twitter fan and lover of Instagram.

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