STROOI KOOI SE MOOI NOOI
A breathtaking raw refuge from the world. The homestead is characterized by its rustic simplicity, freshness and quietness. The uniqueness and elegance of the home's interior are achieved with the beauty & serenity that comes with age, filled with furniture, objects and artwork of history and stories. The surrounding orchards, valley & mountain range on full view from the
homes stoep and farm dam swimming pool. This home captivates everyone who visits it and we are now pleased to have them stay! The space
Steeped in the Japanese tradition of wabi-sabi (simply translated as ‘flawed beauty’) Strooi Kooi se Mooi Nooi is like nothing you have ever experienced. The owner and your host Zelma, a designer and collector, has spent her life traveling and returning home with special finds, which she has lovingly curated to create this truly memorable space, presented to you her latest creation. Strooi Kooi Se Mooi Nooi (translated as Straw beds pretty friend) is the sister property to the already lauded straw bale eco-cottages ‘Strooi Kooi’ and we are now pleased to add the 6 sleeper original farmhouse to our portfolio. Here the famous Klein Karoo magic is paired with the aesthetic and heritage of this 1880 farmhouse with grace and flair. Original furniture and objects displaying their impermanence in their patina and wear, and often centuries of use. Add to this our modern amenities, crisp linen and towels, excellent WiFi and a space to work...you truly never have to leave! The house comprises of a generous entrance room lovingly known as ‘die voorkamer’, the dining room which seats 12 people is directly off this room and serves as the heart of the home (and also the natural aircon where on hot summers days you fling open the front door and lounge terrace doors and bask in the cool through breeze...) Off the dining room, you will access the open plan kitchen, TV nook, and morning room with its generous window seat and views of the mountains and valley in the distance. Here you will also find the double-sided fireplace which welcomes long wintery days and nights. There is a separate scullery directly off the kitchen which is equipped with a fridge, dishwasher, washing machine, and microwave as well as a backdoor that accesses the wrap-around stoep for ease of access to the vegetable garden and washing line. The main talking point of the home is the loophole window above the gas stove and electric oven that captures the tips of the Swartberg mountain range in the distance... ever-changing from snow-capped to cloud-bathed... a beauty to look over whilst preparing meals. The double-sided fireplace bridges the connection between the morning room and the lounge. The sunken lounge is a quiet and opulent space ideal for afternoon naps on the couch or evenings reading by the fire... or swing open the doors to access the outdoor Moroccan lounge and farm dam-style swimming pool. The wrap-around stoep, from the front of the house all the way to the pool is the ideal place to spend most days. Long lazy lunches at the table that seats 12 people on original Indian cinema chairs, sunbathing on the timber boardwalk bridge to the pool, sundowners on the built-in bench with spectacular views over the valley and peach and apricot orchards below... under the paperbark tree, alongside the wild dagga... the options are endless as are the views! There you will also find the braai, which can also be used as an outside fireplace when not preparing food. The house comprises of three bedrooms and three bathrooms (all en suite). The main bedroom with its king-size bed, large bay window and single daybed is a wonderful refuge. Views over the pool down into the valley, rose garden to the East, succulent garden to the North... you are guaranteed to be woken to the happy chirping of birds and the random donkey bray. The rooster often gets in the mix too... you won’t be mistaken that you are in the country! The en suite bathroom to the main bedroom has a freestanding bathtub, basin, double shower, and WC. The guest bedroom with its window onto the front stoep and blue gums is a calm and comfortable room with a double bed. Its en suite bathroom with bath, basin, and WC is the most interesting in the house with brass Moroccan basin, vintage ironing board as the vanity, and original artwork ... a space like no other. The third bedroom has two single beds and is perfect for kids! It’s en suite bathroom doubles as a guest WC to the rest of the house and this bathroom has a shower, basin, and WC. In the garden you will find a few treats:
The studio space is a separate covered pavilion type space in the garden and is perfect to paint in, for games afternoons, for evening drinks, or just to get away from the hustle-bustle of the house. You can even bake bread or pizza in the fireplace! This space will remain at the disposal of our guests. The kids also have a little ramshackle fortress to play in in the garden... alongside the vegetable and herb patch where you are more than welcome to pick whatever is currently growing and enjoy as part of your meals. All in all 'Strooi Kooi Se Mooi Nooi' will be unlike any experience you have ever had. Bring your bikes, your swimming costumes, books, and games. Leave behind your stresses and worries. Relax in this opulent, raw, unapologetic masterpiece of a home. We promise you you’ll never be the same! The Klein Karoo will capture your heart, the serenity of the home will calm your nerves, the endless space will delight your senses and the uniqueness of your stay will linger with you forever. STROOI KOOI ECO COTTAGES
Ready for an authentic South African Karoo experience? Strooi Kooi (Afrikaans meaning straw bed) will not disappoint! This rustic strawbale cottage faces directly onto the private vineyard with majestic views of the Swartberg mountain in the distance. Simple, stylish furniture and amenities make you feel right at home but the hero remains, the breathtaking landscape, and the immediate realization that you have escaped the city to the peace and quiet of the Klein Karoo. The space
Situated in the Calitzdorp valley, 1.5 km outside of the town, you will come across the two cottages which are built with eco-friendly methods as all of the materials were readily available and of the earth. Straw bales, river stones, clay sand, and river reeds were used to construct the cottages that not only respond to the vast temperatures of the Klein Karoo but are also beautifully designed to look like they have simply grown from the earth. Positioned on the edges of the farm's vineyard the breathtaking views of the surrounding Swartberg are cleverly framed, not only through the perfectly positioned 3m high timber shuttered doors but also through the vineyard itself which is your private quiet and peaceful piece of the land during your stay. The first cottage sleeps 2 guests
(Option of either 1 x king size bed or 2 x single beds. Please advise when booking)
This cottage is equipped with gas burner, gas fridge, outside braai area, tea and coffee making facilities. The bathroom has a shower only, no bath. Tucked into the corner of a rammed earth wall in the private garden is a rusty spring bed....for gazing up at the famous Karoo night sky and the new addition of a plunge pool nested in the vineyard will help refresh during the rather hot summer days! The second cottage has 1 x king size bed and 1 x single / day bed. This cottage is equipped with gas burner, gas fridge, outside braai area, tea and coffee making facilities. The bathroom has a bath only (with a viewing window of the valley) and an outdoor shower for those warm summer nights and the very brave in the winter!! Please note: The cottages are eco-friendly they do not have any electrical outlets. All lights are solar-powered, and all other items run on gas. An extension cord is always available for emergencies! De Waenhuis is our latest self-catering 2 sleeper cottage. Its raw original walls and reeded ceiling are the perfect backdrops to this simple yet stylish cottage. With all the mod cons eg: TV with full DSTV bouquet, Wi Fi, kitchen and hot shower, this cottage is sure to entice you to stay longer. It boasts its own private patio terrace with magnificent views of the Swartberg mountain range across the orchards below. Its private splash pool and braai area invite long lunches and afternoon naps on the built-in bench. The cottage has a queen bed and a single bed for a third guest. Children and pets are welcome! We look forward to welcoming you!
