La Plume means “the feather”, a fitting name for a 1902 Victorian homestead on a working ostrich farm. It sits among terraced lawns in the Olifants River Valley outside Oudtshoorn, with the Swartberg Mountains filling the view.
The Du Toit family have farmed this valley for generations, and owner Bartel still runs the ostrich, alfalfa and cattle farm. Join his pre-arranged morning tour for a first-hand look at the giant birds and the realities of farming them, then let the pace slow right down.
Days drift by between the salt-water pool, the gardens and the farm’s walking and mountain bike trails. Le Bonheur Spa has its own building, with a Rasul chamber and Clarins treatments.
The Klein Karoo is on the doorstep too. Take a picnic basket from the deli and head for the Cango Caves, under an hour away, or let the concierge arrange a drive over the Swartberg Pass, a meerkat tour or a visit to the Rust en Vrede waterfall.
In the evening, La Belle Vue restaurant in the manor house serves candlelit, farm-style dinners with local wines.
ACCOMMODATION
Every suite and country villa has a private entrance and a veranda with a view of the mountains. Co-owner Karin has furnished them with antiques, rich fabrics and Persian rugs, so no two feel the same. Most suites have a freestanding bath and rain shower, and the Executive Suite adds underfloor heating. Families can choose The Plumes Villa, with two interconnecting suites and a kitchenette, or La Ferme Villa, with a private pool, a full kitchen and the option of a private chef.
La Plume lies on its family farm in the Olifants River Valley, about 14 km west of Oudtshoorn via the R62 and Volmoed Road. George Airport is 76 km away, around an hour and 15 minutes by road, while Cape Town is about 425 km and roughly five hours’ drive. The Cango Caves are about 45 km away, a 45-minute drive, and the concierge can also arrange trips to the Swartberg Pass, ostrich show farms, meerkat tours and the Rust en Vrede waterfall.
Speak to a specialist for availability and pricing.
