shepherd's hut in Philippolis

The Stalletjie was featured on Spasie, a DStv-series about SMALL buildings that have been given a (second) life in innovative ways. Until recently the building that dates from 1920 was still occasionally used as a stable. Your canine companions are welcome—there is the kraal area as well as a fenced yard where they can play. There is a ceiling fan and two external doors, one of which has a mesh door that can be secured open. With electricity outages solar lights are available. The space This freestanding little building (7 x 3 m) consists of a bedroom with a double bed, a kitchenette, a spacious bathroom with a shower, and the kraal forms a sheltered courtyard with a stoep and a built-in braai area. An effort was made to change the original structure as little as possible. This was made easier because there were very few structural problems. There were hardly any cracks, the beams and corrugated iron roof are still in excellent condition, and the internal wall was retained — which is why the bedroom and the spacious bathroom are almost the same size. The feeding troughs have been converted into a stand for the toilet and storage space for toilet rolls, as well as a comfortable bench in the shower. The iron partition between the dairy cows is now a grab rail in the shower. The Stalletjie has no steps — an advantage for those who have difficulty walking. The kitchenette consists of a bar fridge, basic crockery and cutlery, a kettle, and a microwave. In winter, a hot shower and an electric blanket ensure that you stay snug in this little house. What more could you ask for? Come stay over in a renovated Stalletjie that has been given a second life. This cottage forms part of Philippolis Groenhuise, a collection of restored historic Karoo guesthouses in Philippolis. If your preferred cottage is booked, send us a message — we may have another Groenhuise cottage available. Guest access Please keep dogs on a leash when outside the cottage’s enclosed garden, as there may be farm animals and wildlife on the property, including sheep, horses, meerkats, and blue cranes. Other things to note The walls are solid and thick, and one feels protected from the elements. This feeling is enhanced by a very old mulberry tree where, as children, we used to pick leaves for our silkworms. It is also possible to rent only the bathroom and kraal and park your caravan here by the mulberry tree.