The Willow Historical Guest House

ABOUT US

Welcome to the Willow Historical Guest House in Willowmore, South Africa

Experience an important piece of South African history in this historic building with Victorian furniture, old world charm and unsurpassed hospitality.

Ideally situated for stopovers when travelling from Gauteng to George, the Willow Historic Guest House offers excellent comfortable accommodation, fine food in it's a la Carté Restaurant and a homely atmosphere - a real home away from home.

The Guest House is tastefully furnished with period furniture augmented by a large collection of Africana which will fascinate the discerning visitor, providing innumerable insights into the South African way of life in times long gone.

The walls are covered with South African memorabilia that offer guests ample topics for conversation about the "Old Days".

Get to know some of your fellow guests and exchange interesting knowledge and discoveries and perhaps make new friends.

In the lounge, the genuine Victorian fireplace sets the atmosphere for winter nights in the Karoo.

Guests find it the perfect place to gather and relax after dinner in front of the cheerful log fire until it is time to turn in for a well-earned night's rest alternatively meet new friends in our cosy bar. Appetizing meals are served to both residents and casual visitors in the dining room, with its antique furniture and local artifacts.

For lunch and dinner the restaurant serves à la Carté meals from a menu where dishes typical of the region such as Karoo lamb and ostrich are firm favourites with our guests. Traditional South African dishes such as boboti are also very popular.

A generous, not-to-be-missed, full English breakfast is standard and the wise traveller allows for this in planning his onward journey.

Our shady green garden and refreshing swimming pool are usually a very welcome change after the journey through the Baviaanskloof or the Karoo.

The Willow Historical Guest House History

On a warm Summers day in 1856 Frederick Lehmkuhl was resting next to a rippling stream when he looked up at the majestic blue mountain where the vultures were circling.

In this beautiful environment, where wild buck were peacefully grazing, the town of Willowmore was built in 1864.

Besides the fact that the development of the Willowmore region was initially coupled to the local Dutch Reformed Church and the school, the town also served as a gateway between the Great Karoo and a harbor which was going to be developed at Knysna.

As part of this growth, the Dutch Reformed Church built a rectory in Wehmeyer Street and a second story was added in 1897.

This building later served as a hostel for girls.

Over the years this stately building has been used by various owners for different purposes.

The old rectory is today known as "The Willow Historical Guest House" which is widely known for its beautiful Victorian furniture and its pleasant visitor's bar.

Today, Willowmore is no longer a definite gateway to the sea but offers tired travelers between the north and the south a restful place to overnight.

ACCOMMODATION

Experience Typical Karoo Hospitality in Willowmore, South Africa

Private cottages offer cool, comfortable en suite accommodation for up to 30 visitors.

These are named after their respective origins or attributes:

• "The Stables" 1 double and 1 twin Self Catering
• "Hoenderhok" (Chicken Coop) twin
• "Haak and Steek" twin
• "Peperboom" (Pepper Tree) double
• "Windpomp" (Wind pump) double

Just over the road from the main guest house is a row of period cottages which have been transformed into five huge en-suite rooms. These have been tastefully renovated and furnished so as to preserve the old-world ambience while providing up-to-date amenities.

There is also a conference facility suitable for workshops and functions such as weddings etc. situated in the lush garden. This is the ideal place to break away from everyday business offering conference goers ample safe parking, overnight accommodation as well as lots of clean Karoo air!.