Schaftplaas Accommodation and Venue, Langebaan, Western Cape
Schaftplaas is a place where you can kick off your shoes; take in the beauty of nature and get down to the real old-fashioned way of living.
Schaftplaas is conveniently situated just a few kilometres outside of holiday-makers-heaven Langebaan, and just about an hour or so from Cape Town.
As you drive up the dirt road leading into Schaftplaas, you are greeted with beautiful trees and a sense that you have come home. The owners’ friendly dogs’ baljaar-ed around the car as Alet Krüger, our host, came out to welcome us with a homely smile.
Accommodation at Schaftplaas
We were given a tour of their cottages before being shown to our cottage for the evening. With names like Supreme Dream, Suzi Q, Oematoi and Oompie Gert Ox, they are deeply set in the ‘old way’ of South Africa.
The cottages are neatly arranged and have a unique and intriguing layout and décor. We must have spent at least 5 to 10 minutes just wandering around taking in the memorabilia and history that makes up each cottage.
Alet shared with us how Schaftplaas came to be this amazing country accommodation, rustic wedding and corporate venue it is today. Having lived on farms, Alet and her now late husband decided to buy Schaftplaas back in 1993, mostly to get away from the city, but also because of a love of the countryside.
While they advertise the venue for country-style weddings and corporate functions, Schaftplaas can be adapted to any form of accommodation need. Alet said they regularly host family and group retreats – including yoga escapes and fox-hunting groups.
Weddings and Corporate Functions at Schaftplaas
Equipped with a small 150-year old chapel that can seat 70 guests, and a lovely outdoor area called Japie se gat, Schaftplaas is a great location to tie the knot.
The boma-style space where the reception takes place can accommodate a Bedouin tent and can seat 200 with outdoor tables and chairs. For non-seated functions, the venue can accommodate up to 500. If you fancy an outdoor wedding, you can have your ceremony in the veld amongst their magnificent blue gum trees!
To add to the charm, Schaftplaas can provide a horse-drawn carriage to transport the bride to the wedding. You are really only limited by your imagination at Schaftplaas!
They have also built a name for themselves as a great place to host corporate functions such as team-building events and end-of-year functions away from the noise of the city. Even the ‘serious’ members of your staff will not resist the urge to let their hair down. Schaftplaas is open to accommodating whatever theme or style of corporate function you want.
If your guests or delegates are too tired to go home, Schaftplaas can accommodate them in four comfortable cottages that can sleep up to 14. They can also set up ‘glamp-style’ tents, which can accommodate up to 22 people. You are allowed to bring your own caravans and tents. Now that’s a way to spend a night in the countryside!
Function Planner Services
Alet does not only provide the venue and facilities, but she is also a capable functions planner for both weddings and other functions. She genuinely loves to help and take the stress off nervous brides or corporate functions planners. You can come out and enjoy the festivities, while she handles the rest.
Hospitality at its best at Schaftplaas!
It is rare to be so warmly welcomed and to really feel the love when you go travelling. It’s true, a 5-star resort is a nice experience, but you will not get that authentic personal touch that you will get at owner-run places like at Schaftplaas.
We ended our night off with a little drink down at the private bar. While out exploring we found Alet kuiering with a family celebrating their 16-year-old’s birthday, cowboy theme style. Covered hay bale seats and décor all made for an entertaining evening for them. We got to learn about Alet’s late husband’s involvement with horses and other intriguing stories of growing up on a farm.
Waking up on the Sunday morning to the rooster’s song and the buzz of a world just opening their eyes, we were pleasantly surprised to find two breakfast baskets waiting for us. Filled with a real farmers’ spread, we sat down and enjoyed the morning sun and all the goodness of homemade food thanks to Alet.
I can confidently say that we will be back to experience more of Schaftplaas and can recommend this venue to anyone.
Planning a wedding or function in the countryside? Get in touch with Alet at Schaftplaas Accommodation and Venue. Call on 083 284 6737 or email info@schaftplaas.co.za. Visit their Facebook page or visit Schaftplaas on the R45, Langebaanweg, 7375.
Enjoy reading this article? For more articles like this click here