Unwind, Reconnect, and Rediscover. Where Memories are Made and Moments are Treasured.
Welcome to Katrinasrust Farm, your picturesque country estate getaway.
About Katrinasrust Farm
Katrinasrust Trout Farm has been in the Brewer family since the 1940s, originally belonging to Tim Brewer's grandfather, Vernon. In 1990, Tim, who had previously been working in exploration geology, returned to Katrinasrust with his wife, Lesley-Anne, and their three children including their daughter, Alice, who was only a year old. Tim came back to help his father, Eric, run the trout business. You'll see his memorial bench at the Island Dam. Up until recently the farm produced in excess of 50 tonnes of fish per annum and largely dealt in live deliveries of trout to the local Machadodorp area and Mpumalanga province. More recently, however, the emphasis has gone over to recreation. Taking on this new direction for the farm is us, Alice and Graeme. We moved back to Katrinasrust at the end of 2018 from working in the bush, also where we met. Our vision for Katrinasrust is to create a space that enchants guests. To create a home away from home for you to relax and really spend quality time with family and friends while exploring the natural beauty that the farm has to offer. We hope that we get the chance to share this magical place with you.
Our Vision
Our vision for Katrinasrust is to create a space that enchants guests, providing a home away from home where they can relax, unwind, and connect with nature. We strive to offer a unique and unforgettable experience, allowing our guests to create lasting memories with family and friends.
Accommodation
We offer four beautifully appointed cottages, each with its own unique character and charm. Our cottages are fully self-catering, serviced daily, and include firewood. We also provide a communal Wi-Fi area near Nightjar, Wisteria, and The Oaks, as well as uncapped Wi-Fi in Sugarbird.
Our Cottages
Each of our cottages has its own unique character and charm. Here's a brief overview of what you can expect:
Nightjar:
Nightjar is the original dome on Katrinasrust Country Estate. A unique, intimate escape for two people, Nightjar offers guests the chance to explore Katrinasrust while still enjoying ultimate privacy. Tucked away at the base of a koppie, you feel nestled in the bush while also enjoying long distance views of the mountains. With no cell signal or Wi-Fi in the cabin it creates an environment that immerses you in the sounds of nature that surround you.
Nightjar sleeps two, in a unique dome-shaped bedroom. The property has a small, fully-equipped kitchen and indoor living area with an open fireplace for those cold evenings or rainy summer days. There is a covered stoep and deck with a KolKol wood-fired hot tub, to soak up the stars in the evening or use as a plunge pool when it’s warm.
Sugarbird:
Sugarbird is the latest addition to the Katrinasrust portfolio, and it's been worth the wait. Situated next to the river, under a canopy of beautiful Ouhout and Pin Oaks, this unique two-sleeper haven is quiet and peaceful, ideal for a couple looking to get away from the chaos of the city life and take an immersive break into nature.
You'll be spoilt with the resident Kingfishers flying past and the occasional Knysna Turaco hopping around in the trees above, not to mention the sounds of the river running past while you spend the evening soaking up the stars in the KolKol wood-fired hot tub.
Wisteria Cottage:
Nestled in a beautiful English-inspired garden that was designed and lovingly tended to by Avril Brewer for many years, Wisteria Cottage is the original farmhouse on Katrinasrust. The cottage recently underwent a renovation, completed in December 2019, which has produced four bathrooms and five bedrooms of a very luxurious standard, as well as a beautiful living and dining room space that leads out onto the garden. The cottage boasts a spacious mud room for all kinds of fishing and outdoor gear, all modern appliances in the cozy farm-style kitchen and an outdoor braai and pizza area.
With a number of small, private spaces scattered around the garden, Wisteria Cottage is the ideal getaway for families with adventurous children who can play safely within the boundaries of the garden as well as for those looking for a quiet spot to sit and read a book in the afternoon sun. With three bedrooms en-suite and two additional bedrooms sharing a bathroom, the space is also geared perfectly towards couples travelling together, as well as families with older children. With rambling roses and an abundance of wisteria, the garden is particularly beautiful in Spring and early Summer.
The Oaks:
The Oaks, the original fishing cottage on Katrinasrust, is nestled beside ancient oak trees in a private garden, ideal for families with children and dogs who want to explore in a safe environment. With a shaded pergola for outdoor dining on sunny summer days and a cozy fire in the lounge for warmth in winter, it is the ideal getaway for those looking to escape to some peace and quiet in a rustic cottage. Having recently undergone a slight facelift, The Oaks still has the quaint feeling that those visiting time and time again have become used to but offers a few more modern comforts too. The most recent addition to The Oaks is a beautiful courtyard deck that includes a KolKol wood-fired hot tub, ideal for stargazing on cool nights or to be used as a splash pool on hot days.
The cottage sleeps 8 comfortably in four rooms, three double and one twin, and is serviced daily by a housekeeper. Bathrooms are shared and include one full bathroom (bath, shower, loo and basin, a seperate loo and an additional seperate shower with basin). The kitchen is fully equipped and additional outdoor cooking facilities include a braai, fire pit and pizza oven.
Pet-Friendly
We welcome pets of all shapes and sizes at Katrinasrust Farm. Our cottages are pet-friendly, and we provide a few guidelines to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable stay for both our human and furry guests.
Things to See and Do
Katrinasrust Farm offers a wide range of activities and experiences, including:
- Fishing: Flyfishing is included in all bookings, and guests can enjoy fishing in our dams and river.
- Hiking: Explore the farm on foot, taking in the breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and countryside.
- Birding: Discover the diverse birdlife on the farm, including Fish Eagles, Kingfishers, Weavers, and Cuckoos.
- Photoshoots: Capture special memories with your family, friends, loved ones or pets in our beautiful surroundings.
- Pet Portraits: Commission a custom pet portrait to treasure the memory of your furry friend.
- Handmade Pens: Create your own handmade pen using wood from the farm.
- Guided Birding Trips: Join our expert guides on a birding trip to explore the farm's diverse birdlife.
- Engagements: Make your proposal extra special with a romantic getaway to Katrinasrust Farm.
- Weddings: Host your dream wedding at Katrinasrust Farm, surrounded by breathtaking natural beauty.
- Accommodation: Enjoy a relaxing stay in one of our beautifully appointed cottages.
Meet The Team
La and the late Tim (1955-2024)
Owner, Director, Mentor and general wealth of knowledge on absolutely everything Katrinasrust. Also neighbour to Sugarbird.
Graeme
Trout farmer, builder, carpenter, plumber, electrician, beekeeper, photographer, author and apprentice. Graeme has taken on the role of
Jack of all Trades.
Alice
Reservations agent, web designer, marketer, accountant, baker, chicken whisperer, decorator and photographer... all in training.
Housekeepers
These lovely ladies will take great care of you when you stay in one of our cottages or cabins. They do sometimes switch cottages if we need them to but you'll get to know them over your stay and we're sure you'll be sad to say goodbye when you leave.
Sannah
Wisteria Cottage Housekeeper
Sibongile
The Oaks and Nightjar Housekeeper
Phindile
Sandstone Housekeeper
Cynthia
Oldwood and Sugarbird Housekeeper
Ethel
The Oaks and Nightjar Housekeeper
The Farm Team
These are the guys that keep the farm looking ship shape. They maintain the grounds, are responsible for the building and renovating that happens on the farm and they also look after the animals and the land by doing jobs like dipping cattle and burning fire breaks.
If you visit us during the week there's a pretty good chance you'll bump into at least one of them on your adventures on the farm, be sure to say hi, they're a friendly bunch!
Thobisi
Builder, Lumberjack, assistant Fish Baliff and Mechanic
Tom
Mechanic, Builder, Driver, Maintenance Guru and Cool Guy
Siswe
Lumberjack, Painter, Invasive Plant Destroyer and Maintenance assistant
Henry
Gardener, Lawnmower Operator and Herdsman
Victor
Fish Bailiff and assistant Beekeeper
Guest Reviews
Don't just take our word for it - here's what some of our satisfied guests have to say:
"Such a spectacular spot for a weekend escape from the crazy of everyday life." - Jen King
"This place is a treasure! Incredible experience, highly recommend!" - Allison Ingham
"Take me back to a place where the only thing to do in the afternoon is to choose between a walk in a forest or to sit under an Old Ouhoud tree" - Amanda Ritchie
"Blissful! What a heavenly two weeks, thank you! Can't wait to return" - Cullinan Family
"What paradise it is here, an absolute treat" - Diana
"Might just be the most beautiful place in the world" - Dani Jaff-Klein
"We had an awesome stay, best of all was having our 3 German Shepherds with us! They loved the big yard." - Lizl Hesom
