A portfolio of quality establishments brought to you by the owners of Kuilfontein Stable Cottages
A Collection of Exceptional Karoo Stays in Colesberg
Charm, history, comfort and genuine country hospitality.
Welcome to the Kuilfontein Collection, a portfolio of quality accommodation establishments brought to you by the owners of Kuilfontein Stable Cottages. Situated in the heart of the beautiful Karoo near Colesberg, our collection offers a variety of unique places to stay, each with its own character, atmosphere and charm. Whether you are looking for a comfortable overnight stop between Johannesburg and Cape Town, a peaceful family getaway, a pet-friendly retreat or an exclusive country home for a special gathering, the Kuilfontein Collection offers accommodation to suit your needs. Set against the vast landscapes, open skies and tranquil surroundings of the Karoo, we invite you to slow down, reconnect with nature and experience warm, personal hospitality.
Kuilfontein Stable Cottages
Historic Charm, Comfortable Accommodation & Country Hospitality
Kuilfontein Stable Cottages is a historic family-owned establishment in Colesberg, conveniently situated with its entrance directly off the N1. The farm has been in the same family since 1875, spanning six generations, and offers travellers a memorable place to rest while journeying between Johannesburg and Cape Town. Established in 1995 by Penny and Leigh Southey, the business is now run by their daughter, Lexi, and her husband, Grant Stocks. Alongside their farming enterprise, they are dedicated to creating a welcoming experience where personal attention, thoughtful details and warm hospitality make every guest feel at home. The picturesque white-gabled stables, once used for racehorses, have been transformed into tasteful guest accommodation that blends Cape heritage influences with comfort, sophistication and traditional Karoo character.
Comfortable Rooms with Character
The accommodation includes two luxury units, one suite and five standard rooms. Each room has its own personality, with family antiques, crisp white cotton percale linen, mohair blankets and feather pillows adding to the comfortable, welcoming atmosphere.
The rooms include:
Room 1
Danny Boy: Standard room with twin beds.
Room 2
Equilateral: Standard room with twin beds.
Room 3
Wotwonit: Standard room with a queen-size bed.
Room 4
Non U: Standard room with a king-size bed.
Room 5
Fearless Streaker: Standard room with twin beds.
Room 6
Klaserie: Large suite with a king-size bed and en-suite shower.
Room 7
Luxury Blue Room: Luxury room with a queen-size bed.
Room 8
Luxury Red Room: Luxury room with a queen-size bed.
Children aged six and older are welcome at the Stable Cottages. Families travelling with younger children and guests with pets can enjoy the more flexible accommodation at The Paddocks.
Farm-Fresh Dining & Karoo Flavours
Enjoy homemade breakfasts and delicious three-course dinners featuring fresh farm produce and famous Karoo lamb. Dinner is available on request, with dining and bar facilities exclusively for Stable Cottage guests.
The Pub, Sundowners & Starry Skies
Enjoy local wines, craft gin and beer in the cosy pub, or relax beside the fireplace in winter. Evenings are perfect for sundowners beneath the spectacular Karoo night sky.
Farm Life, Nature & Outdoor Activities
Explore the working farm, spot wildlife and enjoy swimming in a freshwater spring, hiking, cycling, boules, photography and birdwatching, with around 250 bird species recorded in the area.
Weddings & Special Occasions
The charming converted shearing shed accommodates up to 70 wedding guests, with on-site accommodation for up to 38. Additional accommodation is available in nearby Colesberg.
Community Support & Giving Back
Kuilfontein supports the Karretjie Mense through charitable initiatives providing food, clothing, school uniforms and other essentials. Donations are welcome.
The Paddocks
Peace, Privacy & Family-Friendly Self-Catering
The Paddocks is a natural extension of the Southey family's Colesberg farm and forms part of the Kuilfontein Collection. Set amid the beautiful Karoo landscape, this converted barn offers a peaceful retreat with stunning views, generous living spaces and the freedom to enjoy a self-catering holiday. Ideal for families, guests travelling with pets and those seeking a little extra space, The Paddocks provides a relaxed atmosphere where you can unwind after a long journey or enjoy a longer countryside escape.
Spacious Accommodation for Families
The Paddocks offers four family units, each featuring:
- Two bedrooms and two bathrooms.
- A spacious living room.
- A kitchenette for self-catering.
- A private patio with braai facilities.
- A smaller, more budget-friendly unit is also available, offering the same self-catering convenience.
The combination of space, privacy and practical facilities makes The Paddocks an excellent choice for families travelling together, including those with younger children or pets.
Self-Catering with Delicious Extras
Guests can prepare their own meals in the comfort of their accommodation. For added convenience, homemade meals can also be arranged, along with braai packs containing meat, firelighters and wood, as well as seasonal salads or vegetables from the garden. Menus change according to availability and the season, allowing guests to enjoy fresh, satisfying food with a local touch.
A Convenient Karoo Stopover
Located directly off the N1 between Cape Town and Johannesburg, The Paddocks offers a convenient and restful stop for road-trippers. Its peaceful setting, family-friendly accommodation and pet-friendly approach make it an inviting alternative to a conventional overnight stop.
Penleigh House
A Private Country Home for Families & Friends
Penleigh House is a charming, stand-alone three-bedroom country home situated on the grounds of Kuilfontein Farm. Combining relaxed luxury with rustic Karoo beauty, it is ideal for families, friends or couples travelling together who value privacy, space and time to reconnect. The home features elegant, timeless décor, light-filled interiors, comfortable bedding and generous living areas. A fully equipped farmhouse kitchen makes preparing meals easy, while the spacious lounge and dining area invite guests to gather, relax and enjoy one another's company. Outside, a private garden and shaded veranda provide the perfect setting for sundowners as the Karoo sky changes colour and the stars emerge. Guests can wake to birdsong, take peaceful walks or simply enjoy the stillness of the countryside.
Exclusive-Use Self-Catering Comfort
Penleigh House offers exclusive use of the property and is fully self-catering. The house is serviced daily, allowing guests to enjoy the convenience of a private home with added comfort and care. Guests also have access to the farm's swimming pool, tennis court and the warm hospitality for which Kuilfontein is known. Conveniently located just off the N1, Penleigh House is suitable for a stopover or a longer escape. A minimum stay of two nights is required.
Middlewater
An Iconic Karoo Farmhouse for Getaways & Gatherings
Middlewater is a historic Karoo farmhouse dating back to the 1800s and is a distinctive addition to the Kuilfontein Collection. Thoughtfully restored, this iconic home combines historic character with spacious communal areas and private corners, making it ideal for family gatherings, holidays with friends or a peaceful retreat from city life. Situated on a sixth-generation sheep farm spanning more than 4,000 hectares, Middlewater offers guests the opportunity to experience the tranquillity and expansive beauty of the Great Karoo.
Historic Character & Spacious Accommodation
The farmhouse features four large en-suite bedrooms, a generous kitchen, dining room, sitting room, small library and a large traditional stoep overlooking the ever-changing Karoo landscape. Designed for exclusive use, the home provides the freedom to cook together, share long meals, enjoy quiet conversations and spend quality time with loved ones.
Outdoor Adventures & Relaxation
Guests can explore the extensive farm on foot, enjoy mountain biking along winding farm roads or simply relax beneath the vast Karoo skies. A natural swimming pool offers a refreshing escape on warm days, while the expansive lawn is a wonderful place to admire the spectacular stars after sunset. Middlewater is fully self-catering and serviced daily. A minimum stay of two nights is required, making it ideal for those who want time to settle in and truly enjoy the surroundings.
A Convenient Location Between Cape Town & Johannesburg
The Kuilfontein Collection is conveniently located near Colesberg, with easy access from the N1. Whether you are travelling across South Africa, planning a family holiday or looking for a quiet countryside retreat, the collection offers a variety of accommodation options to suit different needs and travel styles. From the historic charm and dining experience of Kuilfontein Stable Cottages to the family-friendly freedom of The Paddocks, the privacy of Penleigh House and the heritage of Middlewater, each establishment offers a distinctive way to experience the Karoo.
Warm Hospitality, Lasting Memories
At Kuilfontein & The Paddocks, our connection to the land and our family heritage is at the heart of everything we do. We believe that genuine hospitality lies in the thoughtful details, welcoming spaces, good food and opportunities to slow down and enjoy the moment. Whether you are stopping overnight, exploring the Karoo or gathering with the people who matter most, we look forward to welcoming you and making your stay memorable.
