The Rose House is located on the R711 between Fouriesburg and Clarens in one of the most scenic parts of South Africa.
Many of the buildings are constructed from the beautiful sandstone blocks that are typical of the older buildings in the area. The Rose House, as the name suggests, is set in a beautiful garden. An avenue of trees connects the road to the house and a magnificent koppie looks down upon the home stead.
The farm has numerous large trees and the sun dappled lawns are a great place for kids to expend their energy.
This is a working farm with cattle and a vineyard. The vineyard is one of the highest in the country and the first to be established in the Eastern Free State.
Owners, Trish and John Critchley, have converted some of the farm sheds into self-catering cottages and have built two B&B cottages.
Trish says, “We are a great place from which to explore the Eastern Free State. There is a lot happening nearby and we also provide accommodation for some of the wedding venues in the region.”
My daughters and I spent a very pleasant night at The Rose House in one of the self-catering cottages. We explored the grounds, climbed the koppie and I tasted the wines.
Accommodation at The Rose House
This area can have cold winters and hot summers and John and Trish have made sure that The Rose House caters for both.
Each bed has an electric blanket in winter and each unit has a fire place well stocked with wood and with firelighters and kindling ready prepared to start the fire.
The thick walls and ample shade provided by the trees keeps the cottages cool in summer.
The two Garden Suites each sleep two adults with a choice of Queen Bed or Twin beds. There is a sitting area around the fireplace and panel heaters are available too. In summer, the best place to be is on the deck overlooking the garden and vineyard.
Both suites contain a bathroom with bath, shower, twin basins and toilet. There is a small fridge for ice and fresh milk is provided for the coffee/tea station.
Veg Garden Cottage overlooks rows of garlic, tomatoes, brinjals, sweet peppers, rhubarb and herbs in summer. The cottage has a Queen bed and a heater. The bathroom has a shower, basin and toilet. There is a little tea station on the trolley.
There are two Self Catering Barn Units that sleep four guests in two bedrooms. The main bedroom has a Queen bed and the other bedroom has twin beds. Each bedroom has its own bathroom with bath, shower, basin and toilet.
The bedding was fresh and crisp and I slept like the dead – a testament to both the comfort of the bed and the stillness of the surrounds.
Between the bedrooms is a kitchen, dining and sitting area with wood fire place. My daughters and I found the kitchen well equipped and the sitting area spacious.
The veranda outside the front door has braai facilities and the car port provides welcome shade in the summer.
Facilities and Activities
John planted two hectares of the farm in 2008 with Shiraz, Pinotage and Pinot Noir grapes.
“At close to 1700m above sea level, the vineyard is possibly the highest producing vineyard in the country and a truly cool climate terroir,” says John.
John adds, “The wine is named after the Southern Bald Ibis which is endemic to the montane grasslands of the Eastern Free State Highlands and relatively rare, like our wine.”
Wine tasting is available in the Rose Hip Restaurant for a nominal fee. I left my kids exploring the rest of the farm while I popped in a tasted the John’s wares.
I found the wines fruity and very pleasant, more akin to Italian wines than the French style wines of the Western Cape.
The Rose Hip Restaurant offers simple but tasty farm style food and the veranda overlooks the valley with its attractive farm land and, in the distance, the towering Maluti Mountains.
The restaurant is open for lunch Tuesday to Saturday. On the menu you will find soup of the day, starters and mains as well as dessert. Pizzas are served on Saturdays and tea, coffee and cake are served in the late afternoon.
The restaurant is licensed and has a small selection of beers, white wines and cool drinks and obviously their own BALD IBIS red wines.
Top Reasons for staying at The Rose House
- The scenery and gardens are magnificent.
- The farm style accommodation is very comfortable.
- Centrally situated for all the attractions in the area.
- Tranquil, peaceful and quiet – a great getaway from the city.
My kids and I have sung our praises of The Rose House to all who will listen.
To make reservation call 0721423183 or email critch@netactive.co.za. Find them on Google Maps by clicking here. Follow them on Instagram by clicking here.
