Hillside Farm

Accommodation

Hillside Accommodation

Hillside Farm is ideally located for weary travellers to break their journey or for a family to experience Free State farm life.  The farm is situated 135km south of Bloemfontein, roughly halfway between Bloemfontein and Colesberg, only 1km from the N1, and out of sight of the main road, behind a koppie

Hillside Farm GUEST

Our Accomodations

The original bedroom and lounge, built in 1929, have retained a strong sense of history through the use of authentic building materials.

The cosy lounge beckons you to enjoy a glass of sherry in front of the fireplace whilst the enormous main bedroom allows you to marvel at the night sky

In keeping with the original farmhouse, parquet flooring, slate tiles, and homely furnishings envelop guests in comfort and timeless quality.

The former Hillside Primary School, which was used in the 1980’s and 90’s has been converted into guest accommodation. The setting is simple and rustic. 

One Family | Four Generations | Over 100 Years

Barts, who started farming at Hillside in 1909, planted hundreds and hundreds of trees, and constructed stone walls around the farmhouse garden.

Len and Denise were pioneers in veld management and had the existing farmhouse built during the wool boom of the 1960’s. Denise was a well known agricultural journalist, and a very keen gardener.

Des and Wyn, both veterinary surgeons by profession, brought Thoroughbred Horses to the farm, which were Des’ joy and passion. They also made a concerted effort in re-establishing and improving our Red Angus stock.

Currently Ian and Kate, and their three sons, Joshua, Luke and James have the privilege, and the challenges that come with it, of living at Hillside. Ian has undertaken ambitious renovations and extensions to the main house. Restoration of some of the old buildings, as well as improvements to staff housing have been carried out under Ian’s meticulous planning, care and direction. This is an ongoing process.

One Family | Four Generations

Meet our dedicated team

Theunis Kruger

The day-to-day farming responsibilities are managed by Theunis Kruger, or Kierie, as everyone calls him. He was born and raised on a farm in the area. The combination of his experience, knowledge and hands-on approach to management are valuable in our farming enterprise. The loyal and hardworking team of staff strengthen his hands daily. Theunis and Hantie's home is always a welcome haven to family, friends & all sorts of animals!

Paulina Chapie

These sisters are indispensable in running the guest accommodation. They have been living and working on the farm for many years. As our own children have grown up and become more independent, Paulina and Lydia’s focus has increasingly moved towards facilitating the accommodation of visitors.

Lydia Chapie

In addition to their responsibilities of preparing for, meeting, greeting and ensuring our guests are comfortable and served with tasty home cooked meals, they also see to the needs of their own children and Lydia is studying towards her matric qualification.

What we offer

Explore | Adventure | Play | Farm | Enjoy

Swimming Pool

The swimming pool is being converted to a natural pool, please bear with the team while they navigate these previously unchartered waters! We apologise in advance for any unforeseen detours, ie. murky water or amphibian swimming mates!

Cycling & Walking

Hillside Farm offers outdoor activities in an environment of rugged beauty and working farm life ambiance. Guests are welcome to explore the farm on foot, amble around the garden, take a stroll to the family cemetery, peek into the vegetable garden, go birding or enjoy a traffic free jog. There is something for everyone, whether just an overnight stop or a longer getaway. .

Tennis Court & Cricket Net

Past the vegetable garden, a tennis court and cricket net invite you to get your blood flowing after your car journey. Guests should bring their own racquets and/or bat.

Our Menu

We also offer a delicious selection of home cooked meals to enjoy in the comfort of your croft. Taking a seasonal approach, our home cooked fare is varied and promises a well satisfied palate.

Continental Breakfast

Every day, a complete continental breakfast is prepared in each lodging, providing a nutritious and satisfying beginning to your day. You can choose from cereals, yoghurt, fresh or stewed fruit poached in rooibos tea, cheese and preserves, fruit juice, and freshly baked muffins. Enjoy a selection of rooibos, Five Roses Ceylon tea, or filter coffee.

Star Gazing

Seated comfortably on your verandah or atop a picnic blanket on the lawn, witness a clear night sky that astounds those who take the time to observe the wonder of innumerable stars.

Meals | Menu

We provide a tasty array of home-cooked meals as an optional extra, allowing you to savor them in the comfort of your croft. Please note that these options may vary based on availability.

Select from Lamb curry – mild heat. A yoghurt-based dish with potato, chickpeas, lemon & almonds, accompanied by basmati rice. Lamb curry – medium heat. A tomato/coconut milk blend with lentils and carrots, served with basmati rice.
Butter chicken, paired with basmati rice. Basil pesto pasta salad, featuring fresh & crunchy greens and topped with either cheese or crispy bacon. Traditional Bobotie, served with basmati rice & a small salad. Lasagne, accompanied by a salad. Hillside chicken & salad wrap. Kiddie meals are available upon request.

All of the above come with dessert.

About Hillside Farm

100 Years and 4 Generations of Dedication

Bertram Corrie Howell (Barts) first arrived on Hillside farm in 1909, which has been managed by the family for over 100 years since. The generational legacy, as timeless and abiding as the seasons themselves, imparts a distinctive sense of kinship and love for the land.  Today, farming operations are overseen by Ian and Kate McLachlan (4th generation) with the lively involvement of their three young sons, Joshua, Luke, and James.

In the meantime, Ian and Kate, farm manager Theunis Kruger, and their team at Hillside, cultivate a strong sense of guardianship over the land and farm, which makes a meaningful difference to the welfare of the community.  There is a dedication to service, the land and its people, rooted in having worked together through the years, that imparts not just a shared history, but a valued present and a hopeful future.

Here are what some of our guests have had to say

Sharing Our Good Life

“Len’s Cottage had been highly recommended by good friends. It is every bit as good as they said it was! “

Jeremy & Jill

“We could so totally stay another day/week here! Thanks for sharing this soulful place of yours”.

Fran & Marion

“Truly a little bit of Heaven on Earth. Such a warm welcome. Delicious meals. 10*. Thank you!”.

Des & Helen

“We could not start our holiday in a better place & space. Admired the old roses in front of the cottage. Enjoy your wonderful farm. Thank you – all perfect!”

Marius and Lenette

“A wonderful discovery en route from Gauteng to the Cape. Superb accommodation, delicious fare all hosted by a very special, warm family. Thank you for your hospitality”.

Ken & Rosalie

“Accommodation, location, staff, food, bird life, night sky all 5 star. Thank you. We’ll be back!”.

Div & Kathy

“A lovely attack on the senses from the birds, the garden, the food, the history and legacy and hospitality to the setting, which all leave a fine imprint of the sense of a special place “.

Dawie and Jacoline

“Wonderful hospitality and delicious food make this a gem we are pleased to have discovered”.

Jack & Wendy

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