The Old Village \ Accommodation in Citrusdal

The Old Village on Modderfontein farm, 2 kilometres outside Citrusdal and just under two hours’ drive from Cape Town on the N7 North, was the first entrance and gateway to the Olifantsriver Valley. Modderfontein, after being established in 1725 to provide livestock to abattoirs in the Cape, became the crossroads to other farms which were subsequent allocated along the Olifantsriver.

At the turn of the 20th century, a new town was laid out across the river following the establishment of a new Dutch Reformed Church. Finally, in 1960 a modern pass was opened that bypassed the old village and led to the decline of traffic through Modderfontein farm.

Self Catering Accommodation

Four of the buildings were transformed into private, up-market self-catering cottages with a mixture of Cape antique furniture and modern amenities.

The Smithy
Set under open-beamed thatch, this is the oldest building in the valley and the original farm cottage. After the opening of Grey’s Pass in 1858, this was converted to accommodate the blacksmith and wheelwright who serviced the wagons after their rough passage through the treacherous mountain trails. Now returned to its original state with the original bellars as a reminder of its previous use.

Two bedrooms en suite (one with extra-length double bed and one with two singles) with bath and pebble-floored shower. Air-conditioned, fully equipped kitchen and comfortable dining area.

Rooibos Cottage (Old Store House)
With the farm being the first trading post in the region, collective produce from the outlying farms - Rooibos Tea, in this case - was stored until enough had been collected to warrant selling off in bulk at the markets of the Cape of Good Hope. This was the original store house, from whence the cottage derives its name.

Tastefully decorated with leather Chesterfield lounge suite and antique Persian rugs, it is also the largest of the cottages with authentic glazed Oregon doors which open onto the large balcony with magnificent views of the Olifants River Valley encased by the mountains beyond. Two bedrooms en-suite (one with extra length double bed and one with two singles with bath and showers.

The Kerkhuisie (Church House)
Lovingly referred to as ‘The Honeymoon Suite’ with its antique yellow wood double bed, this single bedroomed cottage was the original Jonkershuis on the farm. It was at one time also used as a place of worship for Sunday readings from the Book of Sermons, sent out from Europe, in the absence of a priest in the Valley hence its name. Its quaintly buttressed, meter-thick walls support the open beamed thatch over the cosy open hearth fire place.

Air-conditioned, fully equipped open-plan kitchen and lounge ensure privacy with views over a pastoral landscape complete with the obligatory cows and donkeys in the sanctuary. Just a stone throw away from the orange orchards, which fill the night air with their intoxicating scent.

Bains cottage
Set deep into the gorge, beyond the dam, on the doorstep of ancient Bushman paintings, this is the most remote and private of the cottages in The Old Village. Home to Thomas Bain during the building of Greys Pass, it is said that this is where his wife gave birth to their first daughter. Overlooked by the extraordinary Grey’s Pass, named after the then governor of the Cape, and built by convicts by hand, this rustic cottage is for those wanting to Get Away From It All.

Two bedrooms under beamed ceiling and thatch roof share a rietdak bathroom with shower and bath. The verandah encompasses views from deep in the kloof over the dam to the mountains beyond. The authentic kitchen with its beamed hearth and grain mortar in the floor, now using gas for the modern appliances. Hot water comes from a solar panel, as does electricity for the lights.

Restaurant & Pub

The current owner of Modderfontein spent the last 10 years cleaning up and painstakingly renovating the ten remaining historic buildings on the farm. The old post office and general dealership complex now houses a smart country restaurant and elegant pub with unequalled views of the valley and of the new town called Citrusdal. The Chef’s plats du jour changes virtually every day and on Sundays a full buffet is served.

The pub, a Victorian / Regency design by William Volbrecht, also sports a large screen television and stocks a wide variety of beers, ciders, liquor and wines. Pub lunches are also available at designated times.

Attractions and Activities

The historic Grey’s Pass is open for hiking and mountain biking to our guests, and several rock art paintings can be found on the farm, which is a proper working farm, with crops of citrus and rooibos, all organically grown.

The Old Village is being revived after over a century of decline and decay. It is a work in progress and will soon feature additional facilities and outdoor activities.

Related / Useful Links

• Cederberg Accommodation
• Citrusdal Accommodation
• Citrusdal Holiday Cottages
• Citrusdal Self Catering
• Western Cape Accommodation