Expect neither a palace nor ostriches when you visit Rietfontein Ostrich Palace along Route 62. Famed as the longest wine route in the world, Route 62 can be located in the Western Cape of South Africa. We spent one night at the guest house which is just outside Calitzdorp. Best known for Port, this is a lovely part of the world to visit.
Rietfontein Ostrich Palace
The original farm was founded in 1897 by the Potgieter family. They were the first to farm ostriches in the world, and the farm is still family owned. Breakfast and dinner (upon request) is served in the original barn, which has been converted into the reception and dining area.
The Ostrich Unit
This cottage is the original homestead and is a 1km drive away from the current home, cottages and reception. Luckily for us, we were offered a lift to and from dinner as the road was not really suitable for the car we were in. There is an alternate road which we took in the morning when we went for breakfast. The house consists of 2 en-suite bedrooms, only one of which has an air conditioner. It was an exceptionally hot day and it would have been amazing had that been turned on before our arrival. There is also a communal lounge between the two rooms which we made use of for pre-dinner drinks.
Dinner and breakfast
My mom said this was one of the best meals they had ever had. High praise indeed. Before our starter a bread course was brought to the table with green fig preserve which is a Cape staple. Our dinner started with asparagus and hollandaise sauce, followed by proscuitto with melon. This was enjoyed together with a bottle of Boplaas Cape Portuguese white wine. Our main course was ostrich fillet which was cooked to perfection. We had a bottle of Boplaas Merlot to go with the red meat. Dessert was the perfect ending to our meal. When we arrived for breakfast there were fruit platters on the table, as well as a selection of cereals and yoghurt. Bread, croissants, 3 blocks of cheese and preserves were served. This was more than enough for us, so we did not have the cooked breakfast.
The good and the not so good
Sleeping in very hot bedrooms made for a not so good nights’ rest. The shower in our bathroom was small but had excellent water pressure. But the bath in my parents en-suite was not usable. Rietfontein Ostrich Palace is family run and Elmaré and Kobus are extremely friendly. The place is remote and quiet but we were charged more than advertised for our dinner. Given the location and meals I would most certainly go back, but I would try and stay in one of the cottages closer to the main house. Contact them on Tel : +27 44 050 1109 or use this link to book your accommodation and get 10% back after your stay.
Take a look at what was previously posted on Lavender and Lime on July 13:
- 2020: Guacamole
- 2018: Fuschia Mousse
- 2016: Bridgend Hotel
- 2015: Home Made Baked Beans
- 2012: Nettle
- 2011: Candied ClemenGolds
- 2010: Pasta With Tomatoes, Avocado And Bacon / Verlaque Balsamic Reduction And Figs Done Two Ways
Hi Tandy, this sounds like quite a nice place to visit.
I would go back just for the food!