Olive Stone Farm is a small, charming farm located in the centre of Montagu town in the Western Cape. What the farm lacks in size and history it more than makes up for in its warmth, character, beauty and attention to detail. Owners Andrew and Elaine Hare have lovingly transformed what was once simply a piece of land populated with olive trees, into a working farm that is home to 3 wonderful guest
cottages, a hand-packed stone barn and animal kraal, a thriving vegetable garden, natural, stone eco swimming pools, cows, chickens and sheep, and even a tamed guinea fowl or two. The owner’s three dogs, Olive, Stone and Jesse, can also be spotted cavorting on the property, chasing the resident cats, Kitty and Cat. Olive Stone Farm produces its own delicious olive oil, bottled olives, butter, milk, cream (when available), vegetables (guests are welcome to make use of the vegetable and salad garden), lamb and eggs. Plans are also underway to host cooking classes in the large farm kitchen with its huge Aga stove using produce from the farm and from other local producers in the area. Due the nature of its position right off the main road (and the famous Route 62), Olive Stone Farm is within walking distance to all that the town of Montagu has to offer – restaurants, galleries, shops, the local Saturday market, bars and other tourist attractions. Activities in the area range from the more strenuous hiking and mountain-biking to gentle walks, wine-tasting and simply soaking up the small-town atmosphere. For more information see www.montagu.org.za. Guests can be accommodated on the farm in either Olive Cottage or Stone Cottage. Both cottages are entirely built from locally-sourced stone and offer guests a wonderfully comfortable getaway in the heart of the Karoo. The cottages both boast their own private, natural plunge pool, sun loungers, hot inside and outside showers, indoor fireplaces, braai facilities, percale linen, towels, basic locally-produced soaps and creams and a small but fully equipped kitchen. The kitchens do not have a microwave or kettle but rather a gas oven and stove-top to allow the cottages to be as off-grid as possible. Guests are guaranteed to fall under the spell of this sleepy Karoo town as they while away their afternoon lazing pool-side, or braaiing under the immense night sky. Elaine and Andrew’s hospitality and enthusiasm for their small working farm will ensure return visits to Olive Stone Farm.