About Schoone Oordt Country House
Schoone Oordt Country House is located in the historic town of Swellendam, at the foot of the Langeberg Mountains.
A beautiful Victorian house dating back to 1853, it is a convenient halfway stop between Cape Town and the Garden Route. The house is set in landscaped gardens and has been lovingly restored by its current owners as an upmarket guesthouse.
Schoone Oordt Country House is a beautifully restored guesthouse with friendly staff, an inviting atmosphere and good-quality accommodation. It offers a convenient base to explore Swellendam and the surrounding area.
Accommodation
10 rooms
Children
Good for all ages
Open
All year
Traveller reviews of Schoone Oordt Country House
27 real, un-edited reviews from Expert Africa's travellers.
Arrived 15 Jan 2025, 1 nights
"Warm welcome from Joanie "
Overall rating: Good
Arrived 28 Jan 2024, 1 nights
"Schoone Oordt Country House review"
Overall rating: Excellent
Arrived 6 Mar 2020, 2 nights
"Schoone Oordt Country House review"
Overall rating: Excellent
Arrived 1 Feb 2020, 1 nights
"Schoone Oordt Country House review"
Overall rating: Excellent
Arrived 17 Aug 2019, 1 nights
"Too good for one night"
Overall rating: Excellent
Arrived 28 Jun 2019, 1 nights
"Schoone Oordt Country House review"
Overall rating: Excellent
Arrived 12 May 2019, 1 nights
"Schoone Oordt Country House review"
Overall rating: Excellent
Arrived 25 Oct 2018, 2 nights
"Lovely building"
Overall rating: Excellent
Arrived 28 Mar 2018, 2 nights
"Lovely country house"
Overall rating: Good
Arrived 28 Mar 2018, 2 nights
"Schoone Oordt Country House review"
Overall rating: Average



















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Schoone Oordt Country House: Our full report
Schoone Oordt Country House is located in the historic town of Swellendam, at the foot of the Langeberg Mountains.
A beautiful Victorian house dating back to 1853, it is a convenient halfway stop between Cape Town and the Garden Route. The house is set in landscaped gardens and has been lovingly restored by its current owners as an upmarket guesthouse.
We believe that Schoone Oordt was once used as the first girl's school in Swellendam. Over the years it has had a few owners, each adding or changing aspects of the house. In 1983, the property was declared a national monument and in 2003 it was bought by Richard and Alison Walker who, after almost five years of restoration, have given it a new lease of life.
The main house is a beautiful imposing double-storey Victorian building. Both the upper and lower verandas at the front have intricate filigree wrought-iron work, known locally as ‘broekie lace (translated as ‘knicker lace’!). Inside the manor house, the original wooden floors, doors and staircase, along with other features, have been restored, and can be seen throughout. This includes the comfortable lounge and bar, with sofas, chairs and restored antique furniture, which has the original beamed ceiling as well as an open fireplace.
To the side of the house is a lovely light and spacious conservatory restaurant overlooking the garden, with large windows that open up on a warm day. This is where breakfast is served, as well as afternoon tea and cakes, and dinner on request. Antique furniture sits alongside separate tables and chairs for dining, and plants add to the feel of a conservatory.
Outside, Schoone Oordt has a saltwater swimming pool in well-kept gardens, which lead down to a river. There are also two friendly dogs.
The ten rooms at Schoone Oordt are set in a pretty courtyard garden, with white roses and a couple of fountains. There are standard and ‘deluxe’ rooms, as well as a honeymoon suite and a family cottage. Each room has air conditioning, underfloor heating, a fireplace, a minibar with fresh milk and complimentary bottled water (with other drinks on request), tea/coffee facilities, satellite TV and a DVD player. The en-suite bathroom has a roll-top bath, twin basins and a separate shower. Extra touches include fluffy towels and dressing gowns, slippers and complimentary toiletries.
- Two standard rooms are located above the deluxe rooms and are accessed from the back. Both have a balcony overlooking the courtyard below. These rooms can be interleading, so make an affordable option for a family or friends travelling together, but they can also be used independently.
- The six deluxe rooms, on the ground floor, are identical in style: spacious and quite modern, yet with touches that help to retain the Victorian feel of the original manor house next door. They are decorated in soft colours that offset their beautifully restored antique furniture. These suites are positioned around the rose garden and landscaped shrubbery and have their own private patios.
- The honeymoon suite has a private and very romantic feel. Set slightly apart from the other accommodation, it overlooks a small shady forest with the Koornlands River flowing nearby. It is much larger than the rooms, with a dark wood four-poster bed, dark antique furniture softened by cream and white linens and fabrics, a woodburning stove and a large bathroom.
- The family cottage is set in the garden, away from the rest of the rooms. A restored coach house, it has an upstairs loft area with two extended-length single beds for children and a main bedroom with an extended length king-size bed, as well as a small kitchenette.
Geographics
- Location
- Swellendam, South Africa
- Ideal length of stay
- Two nights is ideal to explore Swellendam and the surrounding area.
- Directions
- From the N2 take the Swellendam East turn-off. Drive downhill, across the three-way stop. Just after the Koornlands River Bridge, turn right just before the grass verge with ‘Swellendam’ written on it in white brick. Schoone Oordt Country House is on the hill on your right.
- Accessible by
- Self-drive
Food & drink
- Usual board basis
- Bed & Breakfast
- Food quality
- During our stay at Schoone Oordt in May 2014 we found the food to be very good.
Breakfast is a three-course meal, if you can manage it! After a buffet of cereals, fruit, fruit juice, yoghurt, freshly baked bread and muffins, our second course was either a pancake stack with strawberries, or eggs Benedict with either bacon or smoked salmon. The third course is a cooked breakfast of your choice. I ordered the eggs Benedict with smoked salmon, which was beautifully presented and very tasty, but I did not have the cooked breakfast afterwards! I remember the cappuccino being good, too.
Lunch is not served at Schoone Oordt as guests tend to be out exploring during the day, but afternoon tea and cakes are available in the conservatory.
Dinner - Dining style
- Individual Tables
- Dining locations
- Indoor and Outdoor Dining
- Further dining info, including room service
- No
- Drinks included
- No drinks are included at Schoone Oordt except for bottled water in the rooms. There is a minibar in each room which can be stocked with drinks at R16 for soft drinks, R18 for local beers and R120 for a bottle of wine. (The rate of exchange at the time of writing was R17 to the UK pound.)
Children
- Attitude towards children
- Schoone Oordt welcomes children of all ages.
- Property’s age restrictions
- There is no age restriction.
- Special activities & services
- Children receive their own welcome pack on arrival and a kiddies' menu is available. A childminder can also be arranged at additional cost (although don't expect them to be qualified to European standards).
Schoone Oordt has a special family package – stay for three nights or longer and children receive hot chocolate and marshmallows at bedtime, while parents benefit from two hours complimentary babysitting on one of the evenings. Also included is a morning or afternoon guided activity of up to three hours to a local attraction. - Equipment
- Cots and highchairs are available as well as childrens colouring books, DVDs and games.
- Generally recommended for children
- The owners have their own children so Schoone Oordt is very child-friendly. Children will love running around the garden and playing in the pool
- Notes
- Adult supervision is needed around the pool, but parents can relax here as younger children can be entertained by staff in the kitchen, baking cookies for example.
Communications
- Communications
- There are no direct-dial phones in the rooms, but the area has good cellphone reception. Free WiFi is available throughout the guesthouse and there is also a computer for guests to use.
- TV & radio
- All rooms are equipped with TVs with selected satellite channels as well as a DVD player.
- Water supply
- Mains
Health & safety
- Malarial protection recommended
- No
- Medical care
- There are doctors and a hospital in Swellendam.
Quadbike warning: quad-biking is sometimes available as an activity in this area. As with any potentially dangerous activity, it’s vital that you take responsibility for ensuring that you have adequate travel insurance prior to getting involved. Be aware that some insurances cover quad-bike activities only for bikes with lower engine ratings: check such clauses particularly carefully before you get on a bike. - Dangerous animals
- Low Risk
- Security measures
- There are, security gates leading to the property and the managers live on site. There are alarms in all the rooms and sensor lights around the property.
- Fire safety
- Each room has a fire extinguisher and these are also strategically placed around the buildings.
Activities
Extras
- Disabled access
- On Request
- Laundry facilities
- Laundry is available at an extra charge.
- Money
- At the time of our visit in May 2014 electronic safes were about to be installed in the rooms. No currency exchange is possible, but there are many banks and ATMs in Swellendam.
- Accepted payment on location
- All major credit cards are accepted as well as cash in SA rands.
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Schoone Oordt Country House's location
Look closer at the environment and surroundings of Schoone Oordt C. House.
Other lodges in Swellendam
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Bontebok National Park
Part of the Cape Floral Kingdom protected area, Bontebok is South Africa's smallest National Park and home to around 200 bontebok as well as many other bird and mammal species.

Hideaway Guesthouse
The Hideaway Guest House is a delightful little owner-run guesthouse in the historic town of Swellendam.
When to go to Swellendam
Our month by month guide: What it's like to visit Schoone Oordt C. House in Swellendam
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
South Africa in January
January is considered one of the best months to travel. In Cape Town the weather is hot and generally dry. The Garden Route is also excellent at this time of the year but has a more temperate climate, with slightly lower temperatures and rain can fall at any time of the year. In the Kgalagadi temperatures often top 40°C and short, sharp thunderstorms are also fairly frequent. Wildlife tends to disperse, although birding is excellent.
As this is the high season in the Cape there are numerous events, festivals and outdoor activities to attract visitors. Accommodation books up quickly and it may be necessary to book at least a year in advance. Reservations will often be needed for restaurants and visitor attractions too.
- Hot, largely dry days with clear skies – except on Garden Route
- Wildlife disperses in the Kalahari but birding excellent
- Events, festivals and outdoor activities staged for the high season
- The high season in the Cape, accommodation can cost up to 50% more
- Pre-booking of activities & attractions is essential
Our view
Fantastic: the very best time to visit
Weather in January
South Africa in February
In February conditions are largely the same as in January, although temperatures can be slightly higher, especially in the interior. The wind in Cape Town starts to ease off. Although the Garden Route can experience some rain, the days are pleasantly warm and largely dry.
The Kgalagadi remains very hot, but the birding is still excellent. Wildlife viewing can be tricky especially if there has been some rain, as the resulting long grass can obscure the animals.
For visitors it’s still the high season, but with the local school holidays over and residents back at work, it is less busy than December and January. Accommodation costs remain high and it’s still advisable to pre-book certain activities and restaurants.
- Hot, largely dry days with little cloud
- Wind starts easing in Cape Town
- Slightly less busy than December & January
- Accommodation costs remain high, activities still best pre-booked
Our view
Fantastic: the very best time to visit
Weather in February
South Africa in March
March is still a very good time to visit. Conditions remain dry and very warm in Cape Town, although temperatures start dropping off towards the end of the month. The wind has usually died right down.
The Kalahari remains very hot and in years of good rains vegetation is at its most lush – making wildlife viewing tricky.
Typically, the crowds dwindle, but it can get very busy if Easter falls in March. It is also worth bearing in mind that during major events in March, including the Cape Town Cycle Tour, Cape Epic Mountain Bike Tour, The Cape Town Carnival and the International Jazz Festival, accommodation can get very full.
Attractions remain busy but booking is less essential.
- Temperatures start falling towards the end of the month
- Cape Town hosts a number of world class sport and cultural events
- Wildlife in the Kgalagadi disperses, game viewing more challenging
- Crowds diminish as the high season comes to an end
- Accommodation can get busy during major events
Our view
Fantastic: the very best time to visit
Weather in March
South Africa in April
April is South Africa’s “shoulder” season and is often the most pleasant. Not too hot, not too cold, some rain but not masses. In Cape Town and along the Garden Route days are usually sunny, warm, windless and largely dry, although in Cape Town the chance of rain increases from the end of the month.
In the Kgalagadi the rainy season is typically over and migratory birds are starting to make their journey back up North. Vegetation remains lush but wildlife viewing starts picking up towards the end of the month.
The region is still relatively busy (especially of its still Easter) but it gets quieter towards the end of the month thus availability improves. Accommodation rates start to decrease, and it becomes less important to book restaurants and attractions in advance.
- Temperatures still warm and very pleasant, with little wind.
- Rain starts easing in the Kalahari and migratory birds start to depart
- Less busy, especially towards the end of the month - busy over Easter
- Accommodation frees up and prices start to come down
Our view
A very good time to visit
Weather in April
South Africa in May
May marks the start of the dry season in the Kgalagadi. Days are warm and dry with almost zero rainfall. Night-time/early-morning temperatures can drop towards 0°C. Wildlife viewing is at its peak as animals concentrate around the few remaining water sources.
Days can still be warm and sunny in Cape Town and on the Garden Route, but the weather becomes a lot more variable. May heralds the start of the rainy season in Cape Town and the winelands. Night-time temperatures rarely drop below 10 degrees in the coastal areas.
With far fewer tourists, accommodation prices are at their lowest. There is rarely any need to pre-book activities, but reservations are still advisable at some of the top restaurants.
- Higher chance of rain in Cape Town & the Winelands
- Day time temperatures drop significantly
- Wildlife viewing peaks in the Kgalagadi
- Low season so rarely busy & very few crowds
- Low season rates at the hotels & lodges
Our view
A good time to visit, with pros & cons
Weather in May
South Africa in June
Winter is now in full swing. Maximum temperatures in Cape Town rarely reach 20°C and the rainy season is well under way. Outdoor activities therefore become limited, but a number of high-quality indoor events are organised.
The Garden Route has, in general milder weather and less rain than Cape Town.
June sees the arrival of the first whales which migrate to the South African coastline to give birth.
In the Kgalagadi, daytime temperatures are warm but nights and early mornings are bitterly cold. Wildlife viewing is excellent as animals are drawn to the few remaining permanent water points.
Overall tourist numbers are at their lowest, as are the costs of flights and accommodation.
- Cold & wet weather in Cape Town, Kgalagadi warm days but cold at night
- One of the best months for wildlife viewing in the Kgalagadi
- Whales start arriving to have their calves
- Low visitor numbers & no crowds
- Accommodation & flight prices remain low
Our view
A good time to visit, with pros & cons
Weather in June
South Africa in July
The winter weather continues with very cold nights and early mornings in the Kgalagadi and virtually no rainfall. Vegetation here is really thinning out now and water even more scarce – so wildlife is easy to spot.
Despite the winter and local school holidays, Cape Town remains a great place to visit. On a wet and cold day, the Two Oceans Aquarium, Zeitz Mocca (art museum) and the Cape Town Comedy Club all make for great days out, as does a trip to the wine country or the annual Oyster Festival at Knysna.
By mid-July most of the whales have arrived to give birth. Hermanus is the best place to see them.
At the height of the low season, so accommodation and flight prices remain low.
- Generally cold & wet in the Cape, but good quality indoor events
- Very good wildlife viewing in the Kgalagadi
- Oyster festival in Knysna
- Local school holidays can make places a little busier than usual
- Accommodation and flight prices remain low
Our view
A good time to visit, with pros & cons
Weather in July
South Africa in August
While August experiences mostly wintry weather it does mark the very beginning of spring with temperatures starting to rise. Visitors are drawn to the West Coast and Namaqualand to see the wildflowers, which start blooming in late August and can be seen until mid-September. Whales are still in abundance now too.
The Kgalagadi is now very dry and wildlife vieiwng is still good. Temperatures start climbing towards the end of the month.
Despite the weather , visitor numbers can be high as the northern hemisphere schools close for their summer holidays. It may be a good idea to book certain attractions and restaurants in advance.
Simlarly, although accommodation prices are still low, flight prices can be a little higher than in previous months.
- Temperatures start rising – but still potential for cold & wet weather
- Wildflowers on the West Coast & in Namaqualand
- Good wildlife viewing in the Kgalagadi
- Whales continue to attract visitors
- Can get busy due to northern hemisphere school summer holidays
Our view
A good time to visit, with pros & cons
Weather in August
South Africa in September
Good wildlife viewing in the Kgalagadi continues and daytime temperatures increase quite dramatically. Mornings and evenings are still on the chilly side, but not as cold as they are in June, July and August.
The 1st of September is officially the start of spring in Cape Town. Days become warmer but not quite warm enough to enjoy the city’s beautiful beaches. Venues all over Cape Town play host to various artists during the Cape Town Fringe Festival.
Rainy days are fewer, but night times can still get chilly. Many hotels are still charging low season rates making September great value for money.
Elsewhere, Hermanus hosts the popular annual Whale Festival, and in the West of the Cape, wildflowers continue to bloom until the middle of the month.
- The start of spring; temperatures start rising
- Whale festival in Hermanus
- Cape Town Fringe Ferstival attracts a wide range of artists
- Wildflowers blooming well until the middle of the month
- Good wildlife viewing continues in the Kgalagadi
Our view
A very good time to visit
Weather in September
South Africa in October
The weather starts warming up nicely, Cape Town experiences pleasant days, with much less rain, nights can still be quite cool, but not cold. Some days are now warm enough to enjoy the beach. This is one of the best months to visit the Cape Region.
October is one of the hottest months in the Kalahari. Water remains very scarce, so the wildlife viewing is still very good. Towards the end of the month the odd spectacular thunderstorm is possible with much lightning and thunder. Migratory birds start to arrive, and resident species gear up for the breeding season.
The whales are still present with Hermanus and False Bay the best places to see them.
- Days start warming up; fewer rainy days in Cape Town
- Very hot in the Kalahari – thunderstorms season starts
- Migratory birds start arriving & resident birds start breeding
- Whale watching still excellent in Hermanus and False Bay areas
- Start of the high season, getting busy and accommodation prices rise
Our view
A very good time to visit
Weather in October
South Africa in November
By November Cape Town is experiencing summer conditions with hot, clear days and warm, pleasant evenings. It’s a great month to enjoy the beaches before the peak holiday season in December. There are no real downsides to visiting in November and you may even get a few accommodation specials before prices go up for the festive season. Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens begins their summer outdoor concerts with local and international artists performing.
The Kgalagadi remains hot but thunderstorms are a bit more regular. With the rains, water sources become more plentiful and wildlife disperses but this is when herbivores such as Springbok start lambing. Photography improves as conditions become less hazy.
This is the last month for regular whale sightings – they tend to migrate back down south by early December.
- Summer now in full swing, with temperatures often reaching 30°C
- Rainy days scarce; evenings warm & very pleasant
- Antelope start lambing in the Kgalagadi; wildlife generally dispersed
- Last month for regular whale sightings
- Good time to visit Cape Town before the peak holiday season
Our view
Fantastic: the very best time to visit
Weather in November
South Africa in December
December is usually Cape Town’s hottest month when temperatures frequently breach 30°C. You can expect hot and cloudless days, and almost no rain but December does see the occasional very windy day.
The Kalahari is still hot, but temperatures are not quite as high as previous months. With the rainfall the bush transforms into various shades of green. Wildlife disperses as water become more widely available.
The Garden Route enjoys warm to hot days with rain at any time but usually not over an extended period.
Mid to late December becomes incredibly busy with concerts, festivals and various outdoor activities in Cape Town. Hotel prices rise, tourist attractions and beaches are crowded and most popular sites and restaurants need to be booked in advance.
- Long, hot sunny days
- Kgalagadi bursts into life as rainy season kicks in
- Wildlife viewing a bit trickier as wildlife disperses
- Cape Town buzzing with concerts, events, festivals etc
- Peak season: attractions get very busy & accommodation costs rise
Our view
Fantastic: the very best time to visit
Weather in December

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