Tradouw Guesthouse

We spent time unwinding in the garden, with wide open views and a calm atmosphere that made it easy to recharge. The rooms at Tradouw Guesthouse were comfortable and stylish, and the whole place felt quiet and charming. Donna looked after us attentively from the moment we arrived, making us feel welcome throughout. Thank you, Donna, for such a special stay. I’d happily recommend this Barrydale guesthouse for a peaceful getaway.

Dinner at Mud was a pleasant walk away, and we enjoyed that. Back at the guesthouse, we spent a lovely evening with drinks on the private patio of Garden Room 4, then browsed the many books. The antiques and Karoo memorabilia are a treat, especially the old gramophones and Underwood typewriter. The old place has the character of a longtime friend, a little worn but full of stories. It’s genuine and warm, without fuss or frills. Barrydale has more going on than you might expect.

The courtyard was made for family gatherings, with a great outdoor kitchen for preparing food and eating outside, plus plenty of fridges to keep the beer cold. It was an ideal spot for braai diplomacy. The garden rooms gave us somewhere to retreat when the relatives’ karaoke got to be too much. Fibre internet meant I could work remotely without dropped calls. A brilliant base for a family reunion, and my favourite way to experience Barrydale.

Room 6 felt like a private hideaway, with its own patio looking out over a huge garden. The bed was so comfortable it made leaving home seem like a questionable idea. This place is a welcome oasis in the Karoo dust, with the old fashioned hospitality you didn’t realise you’d missed. The hosts gave us great recommendations, and the eateries are all close by. There’s tea and coffee in the room, and shared kitchens with fridges where you can keep your wine cold.