Escape to a Karoo Village where time stands still for sale

Boutique Hotel

Escape to a Karoo Village where time stands still

Klaarstroom, Prince Albert, Western Cape, South Africa

NEGOTIABLE

7 500 000 ZAR

Agent: Cliff Jacobs - Managing Principal Estate Agent & CEO (Nat.Dpl.Hotel Man (UJ). M.P.R.E.)
Agent Cellphone: +27 (0) 84 413 1071 / +27 (0) 61 716 6951
Agent Office Number: +27 (0) 21 554 0283
Agent Email Address: cliff@exquisitehotelconsultants.com
Type: Boutique Hotel
Bedrooms: 8
Bathrooms: 8
Showers: 8
Parking: 20
Yield: Not Disclosed

Klaarstroom

Klaarstroom is a village in Prince Albert Local Municipality in the Western Cape province of South Africa.

It is situated at the northern end of Meiringspoort, about 60 km east of Prince Albert and 95 km north-west of Uniondale. Originally named Pietersburg, its present name, Afrikaans for 'clear stream', probably refers to waters flowing from the Swartberg into the lowlands.

Prince Albert

Prince Albert is a small town in the Western Cape in South Africa. It is located on the southern edge of the Great Karoo, at the foot of the Swartberg mountains. In recent years the moniker the "Franschhoek of the Karoo" has been used to describe the town's appeal to the art community and wealthier South Africans, many of whom have become residents of the town.

History

Prince Albert was founded in 1762 on a farm called Queekvalleij. Originally known as Albertsburg, when it obtained municipal status in 1845 it was renamed Prince Albert in honour of Queen Victoria's consort, Prince Albert of Saxe-Coburg. Prince Albert was historically part of the Cape Colony.

During the latter part of the century, a nugget of gold was discovered on a farm in the area. Due to the fact that a similar occurrence had led to the Gold Rush in the Witwatersrand, this new discovery precipitated a similar population boom. However, the gold yield turned out to be minimal. Prince Albert became a British garrison during the Second Boer War in 1899. The town was the site of several clashes between the British and the Boers during this period.

Economy

The town has a GINI coefficient of 0.56 ,and a Human Development Index of 0.68. Around 20% of the town's working age population is unemployed. The total size of the town's GDPR in 2015 was R418 million (roughly equivalent to US$34.3 million). The three largest economic sectors by value in the town's economy being government services (21%), agriculture (19%), and retail and tourism (15%). Agriculture provides about one third of all jobs in the town with retail and tourism being the second largest employer by sector accounting for 18% of all jobs provided.

The town hosts a number of private art galleries and relatively large community of artists. Since the mid-1990s the town has experienced an economic boom which has been driven by the increasing number of artists and retirees moving to it.

Points of interest

Prince Albert has a small local population, mainly engaged in farming and tourism. The village has thirteen National Monuments.

Contact agent

Key features

About us

Our vintage and quaint hotel originally opened its doors in 1874 and still retains many original Victorian features, while offering guests access to a charming swimming pool and bar.

The village is steeped in history and remains one of the few remaining authentic Karoo villages. With its unique natural beauty and abundant nature, this UNESCO World Heritage area fits perfectly with our ecotourism brand.

The hotel is the only hotel in the picturesque and historical village of Klaarstroom, in the Prince Albert District. Nestled in the Karoo, guests can truly immerse themselves in the splendour of the Swartberg Mountains, the unique fynbos, and the old-world charm of this hidden gem. The Karoo is famous not only for its hospitality, but also for its spectacular night sky and cycle routes, making it the perfect year-round destination.

The hotel’s structure is still largely as it was originally built in 1874, with minor changes made when it was operated as a general dealership and private residence, mid-century. The new owners have taken care to restore it to its former glory as much as possible, complete with vintage and antique furniture. Most rooms and general areas still have the original wooden floors, doors and sash windows.

Klaarstroom is also home to famed South African screenwriter and director, Koos Roets and his partner, Eunice Visser. More than five films and series have been shot in this quaint village and Koos and Eunice work tirelessly to preserve Klaarstroom’s heritage and architecture.

Location & Accessibility

Situated at the northern end of the breathtaking Meiringspoort, at the foot of the Swartberg Mountains, Klaarstroom is an easy 90 minute drive from George Airport, and only 60km from Oudsthoorn, where the famous Cango Caves are.

All the roads leading to Klaarstroom, as well as the main road in Klaarstroom where the hotel is situated, are tarred, making it very easy to access for busses and self-driving guests.

Klaarstroom has only one general dealer where guests can buy most necessities, but De Rust, only a 24 minute drive away, offers more shopping and dining options. Oudtshoorn would be the best option for avid shoppers. There are also many attractions to visit like the Cango Caves, olive and wine estates, a museum, art galleries, ostrich farms and a wildlife ranch.

For self-driving guests, Beaufort West is an hour and a half away, where the road joins the national road again, heading north to Johannesburg.

To the southwest, Cape Town is a 6-hour drive away, but we rather suggest a road trip along the famous Route 62, stopping over at the various attractions along the way. Or driving through Prince Albert and then joining the N1 towards Cape Town. Guests can overnight at the beautiful and historic Lord Milner Hotel in Matjiesfontein, off the N1, which is just over a two-hour drive from Klaarstroom. Airport pick-ups from George can be arranged, however, ample prior arrangement is necessary.

Rooms

Befitting of the hotel’s heritage, all our rooms boast vintage and antique furniture. We have recently upgraded each room with new, luxurious linen and amenities, to ensure guests’ utmost comfort. All the rooms have coffee & tea stations, as well as hairdryers and bathroom amenities.

Room 1

Double ensuite room, situated at the front of the hotel with views over the Swartberg Mountains.

Room 2

Twin ensuite room, situated at the front of the hotel with views over the Swartberg Mountains.

Room 3

Large, double ensuite room, situated at the front of the hotel with views over the Swartberg Mountains. It has a quaint electric fireplace, seating area and air conditioner.

Room 4

Double ensuite room and our family room, close to the outside lounge at the back of the hotel. It has a sleeper couch with an additional pull-out mattress, ideal for two smaller kids. This room also has an air conditioner/heater.

Room 5

Twin/family ensuite room with a seating area, and a sleeper couch ideal for a smaller child.

Room 6 & 7

Twin ensuite rooms, situated at the side of the hotel, with a private outside seating area, and an air conditioner/heater.

Room 8

Twin ensuite room, situated at the side of the hotel, with an electric fireplace.

Honeymoon Cottage

Double room, with an electric fireplace in the room. The ensuite bathroom has a bath and shower. Situated apart from the hotel in the garden, overlooking the hotel, gardens and pool. Features a kitchenette, with a private patio and seating area.

The team

Aside from our dedicated management, the hotel has a team of support staff, many of whom are born and bred ‘Klaarstromers’.

Amenities

Our sustainable travel ethos means that we always strive to offer guests ultimate luxury while leaving as little impact on the environment as possible. We avoid single-use plastic where possible and encourage guests to make use of our glass water bottles, to refill when needed. All tap water is drinkable - we use our own filtered, borehole water that is of high quality.

Our bathroom amenities are meticulously sourced, offering a luxurious product that is biodegradable, ensuring we do not compromise the delicate ecosystem, in which we live.

The Fat Fig

Our restaurant is in the original restaurant area of the hotel, with original wooden flooring, large sash windows, and high ceilings. There is additional seating on our outside deck with panoramic views of the Swartberg Mountains, ideal for early morning coffee or sundowners while watching Klaarstroom life passing by on the main road.

The back of the hotel also features an outside, covered dining area, facing our gardens and swimming pool. The outside area is the heart of the hotel, where guests love to congregate around the fireplace or the outside bar area. It is the ideal spot to enjoy a drink on warm days while watching kids play in the pool. Or in cold winter months, cosy around one of the fireplaces.

We pride ourselves on our kitchen garden, from where we get most of our fresh, organic veggies for salads and garnishing. Our garden also has peach, apricot, pear and olive trees, and, of course, a large fig tree in the front garden, from which our restaurant gets its name.

The Fat Fig restaurant menu can be forwarded to guests once the accommodation has been finalised. The restaurant and bar are open 7 days a week to the public and we offer weekly Sunday lunches. Booking is essential. Late arrivals or early departures can arrange for meals ahead of time.

Hotel Bar

The bar is conveniently laid out so that the guests can sit outside and order a drink, or relax inside the lounge areas. A TV is available by the bar/lounge area outside. The main lounge has a fireplace and is situated close to the bar. Our Art Deco lounge has a beautiful view of the front of the hotel and front stoep.

Swimming Pool

Our swimming pool is situated at the back of the hotel and is fenced for guests’ safety. It is conveniently close to the outside dining area enabling guests to relax while their kids play safely in the pool. It is the ideal spot to cool down on hot summer days.

Fire Pit

Our newly built half-moon fire pit is at the back of the hotel, conveniently close to the outside dining area and bar. It’s the perfect place for sundowners, or to relax around with friends on cooler evenings. Braai packs are available to guests should they wish to cook their own food. Side dishes are available on order from our restaurant.

Activities

Walking

Klaarstroom is a picturesque village with charming historical buildings. Guests can enjoy walking safely around, often meeting locals on the road who are always willing to share a story of the village’s history. There is a path leading from the back of the hotel to the ‘koppie’ behind the hotel that offers beautiful views over the village and area. For avid hikers, there are a number of trails in the area.

Cycling

There are various cycling routes in the area and maps of the cycle routes are available at the hotel. Meiringspoort is a short distance away, offering a picturesque excursion for cyclists to enjoy.

Meiringspoort

The historic and beautiful Meiringspoort is the gateway to De Rust and Oudtshoorn. Guests can take a leisurely drive and stop at the various picnic spots along the poort. One stop has a stunning waterfall, where many locals and visitors like to cool down in hot summer months. All the stops have very well-maintained ablution facilities, with friendly staff on hand. The landmark town of Prince Albert boasts many restaurants and points of interest. It is a short 37-minute drive away, ideal for day trips from Klaarstroom.

Cango Caves

Situated just outside of Oudtshoorn, the Cango Caves is a firm favourite with guests. Visitors flock from all across the globe to see these awe-inspiring caves. Definitely a must-see on your visit.

Wine tasting

There are various wine farms around the Prince Albert and Oudtshoorn areas, including Karusa Wine Estate, Grundheim, and Domein Wines. There are also various olive farms where guests can enjoy tastings.

4x4

A short drive away from Klaarstroom is the Swartberg Mountain Pass, which is very popular with bikers and 4x4 enthusiasts. For an unforgettable day trip, travel from the Prince Albert side of the pass, through to Oudtshoorn, with a couple of stops along the way, before heading back to Klaarstroom through Meiringspoort. The Swartberg Mountain Pass is popular in winter as it is one of the very few places in South Africa where snow can be seen.

WiFi and general Information

The hotel rooms are not fitted with TVs but there is Wi-Fi available in all our lounge areas, our restaurant and our bar. Cell reception can be sporadic in the area, especially during loadshedding.

What to pack

The Karoo has a dry climate and can see extremes in weather. Summers often get very hot, reaching the high 30 degrees Celcius, and winters can reach below 0. In winter, guests may still experience warm, sunny days, so we suggest packing lighter clothing, as well as your winter togs. Nightime in summer can cool down a bit. If you intend to enjoy evenings spent in our gardens, observing the endless stars in our low light pollution skies, we advise packing something warm to wear. There is now malaria in the area.