De Volkshuijs

Book a peaceful historic cottage.

Do you need great accommodation where you can unwind and reconnect with yourself or your loved ones? At De Volkshuijs we know how to make this dream come true because our cottages have stood the test of time for longer than 200 years!

The cottages Sakkie and Saartjie are national monuments with everything you need.

Book a peaceful historic cottage, perfect for romance destination, holiday or business travelers. Enjoy the luxury of totally private accommodation. You'll have an entire cottage with courtyard to yourself. 

Enjoy the bonus of self catering, easily keep to your budget. Linger under the pergola or explore the array of gems the Overberg offers. 

The reception of our guests is friendly and generous. You'll feel at home!

Location

Nestled in a peaceful suburb of the Overberg town of Bredasdorp, the self catering cottages are surrounded by garden and are close to all amenities. 

The beaches of Arniston and Struisbaai are within 30km. Visit Strandveld Vineyards and Black Oystercatcher Wines on the Elim Wine Route. Be sure to visit De Hoop Nature Reserve and the Tip of Africa. Heuningberg Nature Reserve is an easy stroll from De Volkshuijs...just do it!

Sakkie Cottage

Sakkie's spacious bedroom has a double bed and two comfortable chairs. White linen and towels are provided. The bathroom is accessible to all guests. It has a bath and shower. The living area has two single beds, a dining table with chairs and a TV with local channels. The kitchen is fully equipped for easy self-catering. In the courtyard guests can relax under the pergola, while using the traditional barbecue. Safe parking is provided.

Saartjie Cottage

Saartjie is cosy and romantic. The decor embraces simplicity and honest living. Saartjie has a double bedroom with en-suite bathroom (shower only). Crisp white linen and towels are provided.  The living area is furnished with two single beds, a dining table and a TV with local channels. The kitchen is well equipped and the courtyard offers safe parking, barbecue facilities and a pergola where guests can relax.

Both cottages have:

Smoke free interior

Bedroom with double bed

Living area with two single beds, dining table and TV with local channels

White linen and towels provided

Heating and electric blankets are provided

Welcoming coffee/tea tray

Body/hand wash, body lotion

Fully equipped kitchen

Dish washing liquid

Private courtyard with barbecue facility. Grill and patio chairs are provided.

Pergola covered secure parking

Private entrance

Alarm system with armed response

Walking distance from town

Rates for 1 - 4 persons are available for each cottage. Please enquire.

Humble Beginnings

De Volkshuijs tells the story of simple dwellings where farm labourers worked and lived. The cottage named " Sakkie", was built circa 1780, and was at first most probably inhabited by slaves. Slavery was banned during the 1830’s. The cottage "Saartjie" was built circa 1850. Both cottages were declared National Monuments in 1978.

These white washed walls have seen the pleasures and hardships of families living here over many generations. Louisa Plaatjies was born in the cottage, "Sakkie". She later earned a living doing crochet work and passed away on June 16^{th 1976. A family member, Lydia Plaatjies, stayed in "Saartjie". Lydia did washing for clients and was also sought after for the beautiful fabrics that she dyed. There used to be a third cottage on the other side of "Sakkie". It was here that the seamstress, Hannie Pietersen, stayed. (This information was kindly supplied by Joany Dyers, born Plaatjies)}

^{Stormy Years}

^{During the years following the proclamation of the Group Areas Act in 1957, these families were moved to another neighbourhood and the deserted cottages fell to ruins. The ant heap plaster came off in batches, leaving the raw bricks exposed to the elements. Damaged became the walls that were over centuries washed with lime and crushed shells. Down came the debarked timber rafters. Down came the reed roofs.}

^{Humbly Restored}

^{A lover of vernacular architecture, Mr J de Waal, bought what was left of the cottages and restored them using mostly traditional methods. Unfortunately Hannie’s cottage collapsed during the restoration process. Only the oven remained to this day, although the outlines of the foundation can still partly be seen. In 1998 the cottages were sold to the present owners. The courtyards and new interior amenities were added in accordance with the regulations of the National Monuments Council.}

^{At De Volkshuijs, guests can now share in the history and humble living that the cottages provided over centuries.}