Vensterklip is a farm but not just any old farm. The name ‘Vensterklip’ means stone window. The farm offers accommodation including camping, a restaurant called The Tin Restaurant and The Vensterklip International Bar.
Located on the West Coast Way Wild Route
There’s something nostalgic and romantic about the zigzag pattern of corrugated iron (or sinkplaat as it is commonly known), even more so when coupled with old stone buildings, gaily painted blue doors and wooden benches.
This is the scene that greets you once you have entered Vensterklip. Chickens called after disciples allow themselves to be picked up; an old wagon with touches of blue stands guard in front on the lawn. Big corrugated iron doors open up to allow fresh air and light into The Tin Kitchen. Vintage farm implements are dotted about. An idyllic setting for a weekend away, it seems.
Accommodation is available in Louw’s Manor (a beautifully restored farm house), Scott House, Pelican Cottage, Fish Eagle Cottage and Klein Bonteheuwel cottage – some with views of Verlorenvlei – and at private camp sites as well as caravan campsites.
The Tin Kitchen, a weekend restaurant, open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, is situated in a 300 year old barn. They serve comfort food including seafood from the local area. Elands Bay is just a hop away after all. Meat is locally sourced, they grow their own vegetables. On Friday nights pizzas are served.
The bar is cheekily named The International Bar. Notwithstanding the name, this is where all the local guests feel at home.
Regular live music events and art exhibitions are held at Vensterklip. If The Tin Kitchen or The International Bar does not tickle your fancy on a particular day, or night, there’s always the enclosed lapa for a lekker kuier. Whatever you do at Vensterklip, come to chill!
Amidst chilling – whilst taking in the scenery – you could also do some hiking (in the private nature reserve), bird watching (at Verlorenvlei wetland), fishing (also at Verlorenvlei), kayaking (Verlorenvlei again) and swimming (in Vensterklip’s pool).
At Vensterklip they like you to have fun. Horse trails can be organised. They’ve been known to host weddings, birthday parties, team building groups and informal get-togethers.
Vensterklip also offers the farm as a destination to shoot a movie or TV series should you want to feature rustic old buildings, windmills, tractors, horses and vintage horse carts. Oh yes, and those friendly chickens.
Where to stay and eat:
Vensterklip Guest Farm & Restaurant
Vensterklip offers blissful country breakaways in a 300-year-old barn restaurant, farmstead accommodation and camping on the banks of the Verlorenvlei.
Louw’s Manor:
Beautifully restored historic farmhouse with large stoep overlooking Verlorenvlei. Kitchen, large living-dining room, and 3 bedrooms: 1 bedroom with double bed and en-suite bathroom with shower; 2 bedrooms each with one double and one 3/4 size bed; shared bathroom with bath and shower.
Maximum guests: 6 adults or 8 adults and children
Minimum guests: 4 adults.
Robertson House:
Beautifully restored historic farmhouse with 3 bedrooms, double beds and en-suite bathrooms, air-con, large fully equipped communal kitchen with built-in braai area, lounge area and large closed-in stoep. Ideal for a family booking. This accommodation may be shared with other guests.
Scott House:
A beautiful private cottage situated 100m up the hill with stunning views of Verlorenvlei. Large stoep, living and kitchen area, double bed, bathroom with bath and shower. Maximum guests: 2
Pelican Cottage:
Historic cottage adjoining Pelican Cottage, with two 3/4 size beds, air con, bathroom with shower and kitchen area. Small stoep and braai area, but no views. Maximum guests: 2
Fish Eagle Cottage:
Historic cottage adjoining Fish Eagle Cottage, with two 3/4 size beds, air con, bathroom with shower, kitchen area, small stoep and braai area, but no views. Maximum guests: 2
Left Break Cottage:
A charming modern self-catering cottage situated 100 meters up the hill comprising of 3 bedrooms, 1 with double bed and en-suite with bath and shower, 1 with 2 single beds and en-suite, 1 with 2 bunk beds, air-con, Large entertainment area with indoor and outdoor braai area. Maximum number of guests 6
Flip Flop:
An upmarket Back Packers, 100 meters up the hill with 4 single beds, air con, shower, toilet and washbasin. Self-catering, indoor and outdoor braai and large enclosed stoep area. Maximum number of guests 4
Bloodvoet:
A Back Packers paradise, behind Flip Flop with 4 single beds, shower, toilet and washbasin. Self-catering, indoor and outdoor braai and large covered stoep area. Maximum number of guests 4
Campsites:
Vensterklip offers a variety of private campsites with braai facilities that can accommodate small, medium and large caravans.
The Tin Kitchen
The Tin Kitchen serves delicious home cooked food in a 300-year-old barn and shady garden. All their pork, beef and lamb is locally sourced. They also offer spectacular seafood such as crayfish and calamari. Their homemade chips are second to none. Friday night is their stone baked pizza night.
The restaurant is open at weekends:
Friday, Saturday & Sunday: Breakfast 09.00 – 12.00, Lunch 12.00 – 15.00
Friday & Saturday: Dinner 18.00 – 22.00
Times may vary over long weekends and peak seasons.
They will open for our in-house residents by prior arrangement.
Find Ventersklip on the on the West Coast Way Wild Route.
Open 7 days a week
Distance from Cape Town: 220km
Where: R366, Elands Bay
Where: R366 Elandsbay
Contact: +27 (0)22 972 1340 | [email protected] | www.vensterklip.co.za
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