The Rose House is situated on a 580 hectare farm between Fouriesburg and Clarens on the S 325. The main sandstone house was built in 1923 from local sandstone and has recently been restored. The Rose House sleeps 14 in en suite accommodation, all with verandahs overlooking the garden, vineyards or farm fields. We offer peace, quiet, good food and no television. The winters are cold and snow can be experienced so heaters, wood fires, thick duvets, electric blankets and red wine are provided. At Afriski in Lesotho, you can spend the day skiing or snowboarding from June to the end of August. There are wonderful walks or hikes, both on the farm or nearby. Horse riding can be arranged. Over 120 bird species have been sighted within our Pentad.
In 2008 we planted 3 500 Shiraz, Pinotage and Pinot Noir vines and have made our own wine for the past 2 years. We recently opened The Rose Hip, our small lunch venue restaurant in a converted barn. From The Rose Hip we sell preserves, jams, sauces, cordials and dressings all made on the farm from produce we grow or that is grown for us. Evening meals are served on request in the dining room of the main house.
Fouriesburg, just 8 km away has quaint shops, a good butchery, bakery, galleries and churches. The NG Kerk marks the spot where Paul Kruger and his men camped during the basotho Wars. In the church grounds there is a rare example of an octagonal Rice Pattern Blockhouse. During the Anglo Boer War, Fouriesburg was declared the official capital of the Orange Free State Republic – a proclamation which has yet to be rescinded! The town is situated in the Brandwater Basin, surrounded by sandstone cliffs and mountains, wheat, sunflower, potato, mealie and sugar bean farms. Fouriesburg is the asparagus capital of the country. Clarens is 25km away and is renowned for its art galleries but also its extreme adventure activities such as white water rafting.
The Eastern Free State is renowned for its cherries and a trip to the area is not to be missed in early summer. Don’t miss the Clarens Craft Beer Fest on the 3rd weekend of February or the Fouriesburg Polar Plunge – a swim in the dam in aid of charity at the end of June. Wetsuits are permitted!
